Effect of low-compression balls on wheelchair tennis match-play

Sindall, PA; Lenton, JP; Malone, L; Douglas, S; Cooper, RA; Hiremath, S; Tolfrey, K; Goosey-Tolfrey, V

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare court-movement variables and physiological responses to wheelchair tennis match-play when using low versus standard compression tennis balls. Eleven wheelchair basketball players were monitored during repeated bouts of tennis (20-minutes) using both ball types. Graded and peak exercise tests were completed. For match-play, a data logger was used to record distance and speed. Individual linear heart rate oxygen consumption relationships were used to estimate match-play oxygen uptake. Significant main effects for ball type revealed that total distance (P<0.05), forwards distance (P<0.05), and average speed (P<0.05) were higher for play using a low compression ball. A lower percentage of total time was spent stationary (P<0.001), with significantly more time spent at speeds of 1 to 1.49 (P<0.05), 1.5 to 1.99 (P<0.05) and 2.0 to 2.49 (P<0.05) m∙sec-1 when using the low compression ball. Main effects for physiological variables were not significant. Greater total and forwards distance, and higher average speeds are achieved using a low compression ball. No difference in measured HR and estimated physiological responses indicates that players move further and faster at no additional mean physiological cost. This type of ball will be useful for novice players in the early phases of skill development.

Citation

Sindall, P., Lenton, J., Malone, L., Douglas, S., Cooper, R., Hiremath, S., …Goosey-Tolfrey, V. (2014). Effect of low-compression balls on wheelchair tennis match-play. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014(35), 424-431. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1354384

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2014
• Journal: International Journal of Sports Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0172-4622
• Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2014
• Issue: 35
• Pages: 424-431
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1354384
• Keywords: disability sport, physiological response, data logging, court-movement
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1354384
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