Athletic performance in competitive wheelchair tennis: hard courts vs clay courts

Introduction The average duration of the rallies in wheelchair tennis is about 7 seconds, with an effective playing time corresponding to 17% of the total time1. The aim of this study was to determine the performance model in wheelchair tennis by also considering parameters of speed, acceleration and energy expenditure. Methods 24 matches performed by 12 players (43±13 years, 173±8 cm, 65±12 kg, 9±6 years of practice, 3±1 trainings per week). Each player played a match on each playing surface (counterbalanced designed). During the matches, players were equipped with 20 Hz GPS devices and POLAR H7 hearth rate sensor. Results Match duration: 82±16 minutes (C) vs 68±17 minutes (H), ns. Maximum speed: 10±1,41 km/h (C) vs 11±1,52 km/h (H), ns. Average speed: 2±0,27 km/h (C) vs 3±0,29 km/h (H), ns. Maximum hearth rate 159±19 bpm (C) vs 159±16 bpm (H), ns. Average hearth rate: 123±19 bpm (C) vs 123±14 bpm (H), ns. Maximum aceleration: 1±0,16 m/s2 (C) vs 1±0,24 m/s2 (H), ns. Maximum deceleration: -2±0,27 m/s2 (C) vs -2±0,32 m/s2 (H), ns. Power: 3±0,36 W/kg (C) vs 3±0,39 W/kg (H), ns. Energy expenditure: 4±0,85 kcal/kg (C) vs 3±0,81 kcal/kg (H), ns. Conclusions The intermittent nature of wheelchair tennis, the low work/rest ratio and short movements do not bring about maximal values for the parameters considered. References 1. Sánchez -Pay A., Torres-Luque G., Sanz-Rivas D. Match activity and physiological load in wheelchair tennis players: a pilot study. Spinal Cord., 2016; 54(3): 229-33