Effects of strength training and maturity status on performance in young male and female tennis players

Abstract

[eng] Modern tennis has been developing faster, and it is widely acknowledged that superior levels of power and speed are a requirement for becoming an advanced tennis player. Players possess the capability to generate greater power in their shots, regardless of their position on the court or the angle they are playing from. Additionally, they exhibit enhanced speed and efficiency in executing short sprints, swift changes of direction (CoD), and quick recoveries.

The optimal enhancement of force-production in youth tennis athletes relies on a complex interplay of various factors, including biomechanical, neuromuscular, technical and anthropometric aspects. However, when focusing on developmental stages, maturity status and gender differences should be carefully considered. In this regard, all these considerations might help to design effective resistance training (RT) methods that aim to enhance performance in young tennis athletes.

This doctoral thesis aimed to analyze the main effects of two different RT methods (machine-based [MT] vs flywheel-based [FT]), on the performance indicators of both the upper- and lower-body in young male and female tennis players. In addition, to determine maturation status, as determined by peak height velocity (PHV) and different maturational stages (Pre-, Circa-, and Post-PHV), influenced lower-body neuromuscular performance. Finally, to assess tennis-specific abilities (i.e., throwing, jumping, sprinting and agility) a variety of tests were utilized: serve velocity (SV); medicine ball throws (MBT; overhead [O], forehand [FH], backhand [BH]); countermovement jump (CMJ); speed (S; 5, 10, 15, 20 m); agility (modified 5-0-5, pro-agility and hexagon).

Based on these overarching guidelines, 4 studies were conducted. Studies 1 and 2, analyzed the effectiveness of two commonly used RT on specific performance capabilities of youth male and female. Study 3 and 4 examined the maturational status differences in neuromuscular performance at developmental ages.

The results of this investigation demonstrate that a four-week of MT and FT intervention may be enough to enhance physical determinants among young male and female participants. However, it was observed that implementation of the same neuromuscular training (NMT) for a longer period of time did not necessarily yield similar enhancements and, other detrimental effects on FT occurred, particularly after technical-tactical sessions. Therefore, to ensure further improvements in performance capabilities beyond the fourth week, adjustments in exercise variability or training load are necessary. Otherwise, the results may return in some parameters to the initial values or a decline in the players' initial performance. This is of particular interest for tennis players due to the short periods of time available to enhance force-production. Also, these results emphasize the importance of considering the maturation stage, specifically PHV, rather than chronological age, as a more accurate indicator when designing RT programs. Furthermore, the pro-agility test is identified as a straightforward and reliable measure of CoD ability, providing valuable insights into technical factors such as higher entry speeds. Lastly, it is recommended that when designing NMT and CoD workouts, specific strategies tailored to the Pre-, Circa-, and Post-PHV status of individuals should be suggested.

[spa] El tenis moderno exige altos niveles de potencia y velocidad de los jugadores para alcanzar niveles avanzados, independientemente de su posición en la cancha. Además, los jugadores exhiben una velocidad y eficiencia mejoradas en sprints cortos, cambios rápidos de dirección (CoD) y recuperaciones rápidas. La mejora óptima de la producción de fuerza en los tenistas jóvenes depende de varios factores, incluidos los aspectos biomecánicos, neuromusculares, técnicos y antropométricos, teniendo en cuenta las etapas de desarrollo, el estado de madurez y las diferencias de género.

En esta tesis doctoral se analizaron los principales efectos de dos métodos diferentes de entrenamiento de resistencia (TR) (basado en máquinas [MT] vs basado en volante de inercia [FT]), sobre el rendimiento de jóvenes tenistas y tenistas. Además, para determinar el estado de maduración, determinado por la velocidad de altura máxima (PHV) y las diferentes etapas madurativas (Pre-, Circa- y Post-PHV), influyó en el rendimiento neuromuscular de la parte inferior del cuerpo. Se realizaron pruebas para evaluar las habilidades específicas del tenis, tales como: velocidad de saque (SV); lanzamientos de balón medicinal (MBT; por encima de la cabeza [O], derecha [FH], revés [BH]); salto de contramovimiento (CMJ); velocidad (S; 5, 10, 15, 20 m); Agilidad (5-0-5 modificado, Pro-Agilidad y Hexágono).

Sobre la base de estas directrices generales, se realizaron 4 estudios. Los estudios 1 y 2 analizaron la efectividad de dos RT de uso común sobre las capacidades específicas de rendimiento de jóvenes hombres y mujeres. Los estudios 3 y 4 examinaron las diferencias del estado madurativo en el rendimiento neuromuscular en las edades de desarrollo.

Los resultados de esta investigación demuestran que ambos métodos pueden mejorar el rendimiento físico entre los jugadores jóvenes. Sin embargo, el uso prolongado del mismo entrenamiento neuromuscular puede no producir mejoras consistentes y podría tener efectos perjudiciales, particularmente después de sesiones técnico-tácticas. Se recomiendan ajustes en la variabilidad del ejercicio o la carga de entrenamiento para garantizar un progreso continuo. Además, estos resultados enfatizan la importancia de considerar la etapa de maduración, específicamente el VPH, en lugar de la edad cronológica, como un indicador más preciso al diseñar programas de RT. Además, la prueba de agilidad profesional se identifica como una medida fiable de la capacidad de CoD. Se recomiendan estrategias personalizadas para las personas en función de su etapa de maduración.