Key result
Junior Davis Cup players show higher physical performance and training volumes than regional squads without increased injuries.
Why the study?
The study aimed to examine athletic performance, training characteristics, and musculoskeletal symptom prevalence in male junior tennis Davis Cup players compared to regional counterparts and to evaluate age and performance level impact on training.
Cross-Sectional (n=178)
Effect estimate: ES 0.75-1.26 for physical performance; ES 1.23-1.66 for training volumes
Elite junior tennis players exhibit higher physical performance and training volumes than regional peers, but experience similar rates of orthopedic injuries.
May inform volume targets for elite junior tennis; leaves open causal effects on ranking and optimal injury-prevention strategies.
Our study aimed to examine athletics, training characteristics, and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of male junior tennis Davis Cup players (DC) in comparison with their regional counterparts, as well as to evaluate the impact of age and performance level on training characteristics. Twelve junior DC (male) and two samples of regional squad players (RS1 n = 60 males, n = 47 females; RS2 n = 59 males) participated in a physical testing, an interview for data evaluation on training characteristics, and a questionnaire survey of orthopedic injury frequency. Results indicate higher physical performance levels (effect size (ES) 0.75–1.26) and training volumes in DC (ES 1.23–1.66). In DC, significant relationships were found between total training volume and tennis ranking ( r = −0.78), age and physical training volume ( r = 0.82), and age and total training volume ( r = 0.62). Injury frequencies showed moderate to high prevalence with no differences ( p > 0.05) between DC and RS. Given the demands of elite tennis and the important role of service in the modern game, more efforts are necessary to develop training prescription for both performance enhancement and prevention strategies.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fett et al. (2016) conducted a cross-sectional in Junior tennis players (n=178). Elite status (Davis Cup players) vs. Regional squad players was evaluated on Physical performance levels and training volumes (ES 0.75-1.26 for physical performance; ES 1.23-1.66 for training volumes). Junior Davis Cup players exhibited higher physical performance levels (effect size 0.75–1.26) and training volumes (effect size 1.23–1.66) compared to regional squad players, with similar injury rates.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: