Subject-specific computer simulation model for determining elbow loading in one-handed tennis backhand groundstrokes

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Elbow injuries are common in tennis, particularly with one-handed backhand strokes.
• Understanding the biomechanical factors influencing elbow loading is crucial for injury prevention.
• Previous research often lacks subject-specific and equipment-specific impact analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of ball-racket impacts on elbow loading during one-handed backhand groundstrokes.
• To compare elbow loading between topspin and slice variations of the stroke.
• To develop a computational model for analyzing tennis stroke biomechanics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a subject-specific, angle-driven computer model of a tennis player.
• Integrated a forward dynamics, equipment-specific model for ball-racket impacts.
• Validated simulations against an elite tennis player's performance with high accuracy (<0.5 degrees RMS difference).

Main Results:

• Elbow loading differences between topspin and slice one-handed backhands were found to be relatively small under similar impact conditions.
• Comparable wrist and elbow joint angle-time histories were observed, with major kinematic differences at the shoulder.
• The computational models successfully calculated peak internal loading, net impulse, and shock from ball-racket impacts.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a novel computational approach to assess elbow loading without invasive methods.
• Findings suggest that subtle kinematic differences, primarily at the shoulder, may explain the minimal elbow loading variation.
• This research lays the groundwork for future studies investigating factors that exacerbate elbow loading in tennis.