Influence of Successive Wheelchair Tennis Matches on Handgrip Strength in High-Level Male Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on upper strength in high-level male players playing four successive wheelchair tennis (WT) matches. Eight international WT players took part in a competition, playing one match per day over four consecutive tournament days. Before and after the match, the maximal isometric handgrip strength was measured on the dominant and non-dominant hand. Additionally, each player was equipped with one radiofrequency and IMU device on their wheelchair to control his activity profile (distance). The results showed significant differences between successive matches, with decreasing dominant handgrip strength (p = 0.02, η² = 0.043), and there was a significant interaction between successive matches and the accumulated distance (p = 0.013, η² = 0.049). The pre- and post-match strength values of the dominant hand decreased throughout the matches over a number of days, and post hoc analysis showed differences between the first and fourth matches only in pre-match strength (49.06 ± 6.96 vs. 45.94 ± 7.1; p = 0.045; ES: 1.04) but not in the non-dominant hand. Successive matches caused a decrease in the strength values of the WT players, mainly in the dominant hand. These results should be taken into account in the recovery and prevention of injuries in competitions with successive matches.

Keywords: fatigue; handgrip; racket sports; strength; wheelchair.

Figure 1

The ultra-wideband reference system used during the study.

Figure 2

Accumulated distance per match and throughout successive matches. Lines denote the standard deviation.

Figure 3

Pre-match dominant handgrip strength throughout successive matches. Lines denote the mean (95 CI).

Figure 4

Post-match dominant handgrip strength throughout successive matches. Lines denote the mean (95 CI).

Figure 5

Pre-match non-dominant handgrip strength throughout successive matches. Lines denote the mean (95 CI).

Figure 6

Post-match non-dominant handgrip strength throughout successive matches. Lines denote the mean (95 CI).