Effects on strength, jumping, reaction time and perception of effort and stress in men´ s top-20 World Padel Competitions

Abstract

Paddle tenis has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming one of the most popular and globally expanding sports. This study aims to examine the physiological performance and subjective perception of stress and fatigue in top-20 padel players during matches. Seven elite players participated in the study. Various variables were evaluated, such as subjective perception of effort and stress, isometric grip strength, reaction time, and jump performance, both before and after the matches. The results showed significant increases in subjective perception of effort, perceived stress, and performance in vertical countermovement and squat jumps, as well as in horizontal jumps after the matches. However, no significant changes were observed in reaction time, free-arm jumps, and grip strength (although significant differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant hand). These findings suggest that the physical conditioning of high-level padel players allows them to endure the fatigue of matches. The differences between the dominant and non-dominant hand indicate asymmetries due to the one-sided nature of this sport. Reaction time did not decrease, suggesting that the level of fatigue was not sufficient to limit the information processing of these athletes. Perceived stress, with widely dispersed values far from the maximum, was consistent with the reaction and adaptation times of the players. The repeated decelerations and accelerations from the backcourt to the net (and vice versa) did not produce excessive fatigue but rather muscular activation, which was evident in horizontal jumps. These findings contribute to understanding the physiological aspects of padel and can be used for the development of training programs that optimize performance and minimize the perception of fatigue in players.

Position and ranking influence in padel: somatic anxiety and self-confidence increase in competition for left-side and higher-ranked players when compared to pressure training

“… Souza et al (2019) observed elevated somatic anxiety, LH/HF ratio, and cortisol levels preceding competitions in contrast to training, what suggest an excitement of the autonomous nervous system on its sympathetic division. As relevant competitions approach, as exemplified in our study with training occurring 2 weeks prior to a key event, research suggests an increase in stress and anxiety levels among athletes ( Loupos et al, 2008 ; Morales et al, 2014 ; Bustamante-Sánchez et al, 2024 ). In racket sports, contemporary methodologies advocate for competitive training scenarios mirroring match-play conditions to enhance decision-making proficiency in authentic settings ( Mecheri et al, 2019 ; Navia et al, 2022 ).…”

“…The global surge of padel, a doubles racket sport, has attracted participants from over 60 nations affiliated with the International Padel Federation (2024) . This growth has triggered a notable rise in scholarly research focused on psychophysiology ( Conde-Ripoll et al, 2023 ; Díaz-García et al, 2023a ; Bustamante-Sánchez et al, 2024 ), although technical-tactical performance remains a dominant area of study ( Lupo et al, 2018 ; Escudero-Tena et al, 2021 ; Martín-Miguel et al, 2023 ; Conde-Ripoll et al, 2024 ; Ungureanu et al, 2024 ).…”

Pre and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence and their relationship with technical-tactical performance in high-level men's padel players

“…In this sense, competitive anxiety and self-confidence, specially prior to competition, has been extensively studied in recent decades ( 15 – 17 ). Research has shown that athletes with elevated anxiety levels often demonstrate poorer performance in competitions in comparison to those with lower anxiety levels ( 18 – 20 ).…”