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Balance training exercises decrease lower-limb strength asymmetry in young tennis players.

Italo Sannicandro1, Giacomo Cofano1, Rosa A Rosa1

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia , Italy.

Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|May 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Balance training significantly reduced lower-limb strength asymmetries in young tennis players, decreasing injury risk. This highlights the importance of incorporating balance exercises into athletic conditioning programs for long-term player health.

Keywords:
Strength asymmetrylateral/side movementsrisk of injuryspeed

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Functional lower-limb asymmetries are prevalent in young athletes across various sports.
  • Strength imbalances in young athletes are recognized as intrinsic risk factors for injuries.
  • Sport-specific demands, like those in tennis, can exacerbate these asymmetries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate lower-limb functional asymmetries in young tennis players concerning strength and speed.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of a specific balance-training program in reducing these asymmetries.
  • To inform injury prevention strategies in youth tennis through targeted athletic conditioning.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-three young tennis players were divided into an experimental group (balance training) and a comparison group (tennis-specific drills).
  • Lower-limb strength and asymmetry were assessed using the one-leg hop (OLH), side-hop (SH), and side steps and forward 4.115-m (4m-SSF) tests before and after a 6-week intervention.
  • Speed was evaluated using 10m and 20m sprint tests and the Foran test.

Main Results:

  • The experimental group showed significant reductions in lower-limb asymmetry post-intervention across OLH, SH, and 4m-SSF tests.
  • Balance training demonstrated a significant main effect and interaction, reducing asymmetry in SH, 4m-SSF, and OLH tests.
  • No significant changes in asymmetry were observed in the comparison group.

Conclusions:

  • Balance training exercises are effective in counteracting and reducing lower-limb strength asymmetries in young tennis players.
  • Implementing balance training can serve as a crucial injury prevention strategy for youth athletes.
  • Training on unstable surfaces offers benefits for sport-specific performance and musculoskeletal health.