Interval Return to Play Programs for the Tennis Athlete

Abstract

Purpose of Review General guidelines exist for return to sport after injury. The goal of these guidelines is to outline phases of recovery that will minimize the risk of reinjury and promote an optimal return to function for the athlete. This paper analyzes the current research pertaining to interval return to play programs with a special focus on the tennis athlete. The authors examine the different components of an interval tennis program and work to develop what they feel are the necessary elements of the optimal return to sport guidelines for tennis athletes. These criteria are based on the available literature, research, and preliminary data collection as well as the personal experiences and clinical observations of the authors. Recent Findings Interval sports programs are typically designed to guide the athlete back to competition after an injury. The current research reveals the obstacles present in implementing an appropriate interval sports program including a lack of consensus on which criteria is actually necessary and relevant. Limited research is present for interval tennis programs. Summary Return to sport competition and sports science is continuously evolving. The authors highlight the necessary components in rehabilitation and performance principles for establishing a comprehensive interval tennis program. In addition, the role of technology in sports rehabilitation is assessed as it pertains to return to play. The authors proposed that interval sports program can help guide and direct future clinicians in their rehabilitation of the tennis athlete.

Beyond the Shoulder: A Case Report of Regional Interdependence Treatment Approach in an Elite Level Tennis Player

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Effects of Functional Training on the Hitting Quality of Tennis Players

“…The International Tennis Association Tennis Rating Exam measures a player's strength. 4 The depth and accuracy of the baseline shot are the essential criteria for measuring the quality of a tennis player's shot. The above two indicators can well reflect the quality of a player's batting.…”

Return to Sports Following Shoulder Injury: Clinical Evaluation, Isokinetic, and Functional Testing

“…Recent studies using isokinetic testing devices and hand-held dynamometry tests have suggested normative values for comparisons between various muscle groups and side-to-side differences. At isokinetic velocity of 60°•s −1 and 240°•s −1 peak torque ratios of 63% to 72% for shoulder ER/IR and an isometric ER/IR ratio of 75% to 100% (depending on the testing position) are recommended (24)(25)(26)(27). In terms of side-to-side differences, a 10% higher strength of the external rotators and internal rotators is expected for the throwing shoulder when compared with the nondominant side in uninjured athletes (3).…”

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