A Physiological and Performance Comparison between a Traditional and Novel Tennis Grip

Abstract

AIM: During tennis, the development of fatigue has been shown to induce performance decrements. However, it is not known specifically if the forearm muscles play a key factor in skilled performance. The aim of the current study was to investigate forearm fatigue following a tennis protocol and to determine the physiological and performance effects of a novel tennis grip on forearm muscle fatigue. METHOD: 11 participants, 8 male and 3 female, regular tennis players completed a familiarisation session and then 2 trials, in a randomised cross-over design, separated by a minimum of 72 h. Each trial entailed of completing a tennis forearm fatiguing (TFF) protocol consisting of 7 sets of 120 cross-court forehand strokes. During the TFF protocol shot speed, accuracy and consistency were assessed. Pre- and Post-TFF, participants completed maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) tests of wrist extensor and flexor for force production, grip MVC and fatigue tests were completed surface electromyography (sEMG) examined the activity of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR). RESULTS: There was a decrease in muscle function after the TFF protocol, with the novel grip causing a decrease in FCR muscle activity and force production. However, there were no changes in any performance measures during the TFF. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that an intense tennis protocol can induce forearm fatigue, however, the novel grip did not ameliorate the effects of fatigue on muscle function. The reduction in muscle function did not translate to changes in performance of the cross-court forehand stroke.