2023, Volume 19, Issue 1
Physio training as important part of education of young tennis players
Ewa Waldzińska1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Science, Lomza, Poland
Author for correspondence: Ewa Waldzińska; Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Science, Lomza, Poland; email: ewaldzinska@ansl.edu.pl
Full text
Abstract
Background & Study Aim: Developmental trends in tennis require coaches to engage in comprehensive work with players from the early stages of training. It is important to note that in a long-term training program for young athletes, in addition to teaching technique and tactics, attention should be given to the motor development of the players. Furthermore, in order to ensure the holistic development of young athletes and injury prevention, it is essential to incorporate medical training based on exercises that improve joint stability, kinesthesia, and neuromuscular coordination into the sports training process. The aim of the research is the broaden knowledge of physio training in the of young tennis players.
Material & Methods: The study included 54 tennis players aged 10-12 years. The participants were divided into two subgroups. The first group (n = 27) underwent physio training according to a yearly training program that was developed. The second group (control, n = 27) did not participate in the program and continued their training according to previous assumptions. Three sensorimotor tests assessing proprioception of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and spine were used in the study. Both groups underwent the sensorimotor tests twice, before the start of the training and after one year of training with the physiotherapist.
Results: The analysis of the research results showed that physio training improves joint functionality in all participants involved in the exercise program. In the group of tennis players who underwent the sensorimotor training cycle, neuromuscular coordination significantly improved.
Conclusions: The proprioception tests conducted served to monitor the effectiveness of the physiotherapist's training with the tennis players. It is recommended that sensorimotor training be an integral part of education (sports training) in tennis.
Key words: injury prevention, joint functionality, kinesthesia, neuromuscular coordination, technique
