STRENGTH TRAINING AND WHEELCHAIR TENNIS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

STRENGTH TRAINING AND WHEELCHAIR TENNIS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY Gollin1 M PhD, Beratto2 L, , Mazzei2 P, Serravite2 N 1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences; Motor Science Research Center, University School of Motor & Sport Sciences, University of Turin, Italy. 2University School of Motor & Sport Sciences, University of Turin, Italy E-mail: massimiliano.gollin@unito.it AIM To investigate the variation of isomeric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) without (NR) and with racquets (R) in relation to specific weightlifting training on the trunk and upper limb muscles in a group of wheelchair tennis athletes. METHODS Twelve wheelchair tennis (WT) athletes, with different levels of disability, were studied. The subjects were divided into two groups of six athletes: 1) the experimental group (EG) in addiction of tennis training on field, following eight weeks (WKs) of weightlifting training; 2) the control group (CG) do not change their tennis training habits. At the beginning of the research EG performed four WKs of weightlifting training to avoid that the learning effect worse the technique of exercises used in training protocols. At the end of four weeks of training, the weightlifting training protocol began. All groups were evaluated before and after two months of training to verify the effects of weightlifting and tennis training. The isometric MVC was measured using the TESYS system (Total Evaluation System, Globus, Treviso, Italy) which was connected to a load cell (ESYCC300, Globus Italy, Treviso, Italy). RESULTS Data analysis (Wilcoxon test) showed a significant increase in MVC in EG in the NR (p<0.05, +16%) and R conditions (p<0.05, +11%). No significant changes were observed in CG. CONCLUSION The weightlifting training increases the isometric MVC of NR and R, while playing only tennis is sufficient to maintain strength performance. The results highlight that training with overloads can significantly contribute to improve physical efficiency on upper body in wheelchair tennis athletes and so facilitate them to become more dangerous to opponents.