The effects of surface traction characteristics on frictional demand and kinematics in tennis

Abstract

The interaction between footwear and surfaces influences the forces experienced by tennis players. The purpose of this study was to investigate traction demand and kinematic adaptation during tennis-specific movements with changes in traction characteristics of surfaces. We hypothesised that players would increase the utilised coefficient of friction (horizontal to vertical ground reaction force ratio) when the shoe surface combination had a high coefficient of friction and flex their knee after contact to facilitate braking. Eight participants performed two separate movements, side jump out of stance and running forehand. Ground reaction force was measured and three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded. Clay surface and cushioned acrylic hard court (low vs. high shoe-surface friction) were used. The peak utilised coefficient of friction was greater on clay than the hard court. The knee was less flexed at impact on clay (-5.6 +/- 10.2 degrees) and at peak flexion (-13.1 +/- 12.0 degrees) during the running forehand. Our results indicate that tennis players adapt the level ofutilised friction according to the characteristics of the surface, and this adaptation favours sliding on the low friction surface. Less knee flexion facilitates sliding on clay, whereas greater knee flexion contributes to braking on the hard court.

Elbow joint variability for different hand positions of the round off in gymnastics

“…Different methods have been used for estimating movement variability within kinematic and kinetic parameters. Coefficient of variation (CV) and biological coefficient of variation (BCV) are common methods used to observe movement variability of key discrete variables (Queen et al, 2006;Bradshaw et al 2008;Damm, Low, Richardson, Clarke, Carré, & Dixon, 2013). However, the use of discrete variables in the analysis of movement variability may not provide a comprehensive explanation of the observed movement, and thus many potentially informative data may be ignored (Ryan, Harrison, & Hayes, 2006).…”

Lack of impact moderating movement adaptation when soccer players perform game specific tasks on a third-generation artificial surface without a cushioning underlay

“…Importantly, knee ROM increased in less cushioned surfaces because of its important role to absorb and dissipate the load (Gerritsen et al, 1995). In fact, the increase in knee ROM during the less cushioned surface loads the knee extensors (Damm et al, 2013) and may increase the risk of suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome (Gecha & Torg, 1988). To reinforce these observations, our present study demonstrated that both knee ROM and extensor moment were higher in less cushioned surfaces.…”

Understanding the Effect of High-Cut Shoes, Running Shoes and Prophylactic Supports on Ankle Stability When Performing a “V”-Cut Movement

“…Various studies (e.g. 46,47,48 ) have also highlighted the interactive effect of the footwear with the surface and the importance of the playing surface combination when discussing the effect of playing shoes. As the current study performed the cutting manoeuvre directly onto a force plate, surface conditions were un-representative of normal playing conditions.…”