J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012 Apr;22(2):294-300. Epub 2012 Jan 13.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSCLE COORDINATION AND FOREHAND
DRIVE VELOCITY IN TENNIS
Rota S, Hautier C, Creveaux T, Champely S, Guillot A, Rogowski I.
SOURCE
Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CRIS EA 647, UFRSTAPS, 27-29, bd du 11 novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed at investigating the relationship between trunk and upper limb muscle coordination and stroke velocity during tennis forehand drive. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of ten trunk and dominant upper limb muscles was recorded in 21 male tennis players while performing five series of ten crosscourt forehand drives. The forehand drive velocity ranged from 60% to 100% of individual maximal velocity. The onset, offset and activation level were calculated for each muscle and each player. The analysis of muscle activation order showed no modification in the recruitment pattern regardless of the velocity. However, the increased velocity resulted in earlier activation of the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi and triceps brachii muscles, as well as later deactivation of the erector spinae, biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis muscles. Finally, a higher level of activation was observed with the velocity increase in the external oblique, latissimus dorsi, middle deltoid, biceps brachii and triceps brachii. These results might bring new knowledge for strength and tennis coaches to improve resistance training protocols in a performance and
prophylactic perspective.
REVIEW
This study focuses on muscle recruitment patterns and how they are influenced by an increase in the velocity of a tennis forehand. The finding of higher activation in external oblique, latissimus dorsi, midlle deltoid, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii during an increase in velocity should draw attention to more appropriate focus on certain muscle groups related to tennis conditioning.
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