An anthropometric, somatotypological and physiological study of tennis players with special reference to the effects of training
Date
2015-01-15
Authors
Copley, Bruce Burley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
While a considerable amount of research has been conducted on tennis
equipment, the tennis player has received little scientific attention.
As a result, players, coaches, trainers and selectors have had to
formulate subjective theories concerning the structural and functional
demands and effects of tennis playing.
The present study was conducted in order to present a comprehensive
description and analysis erf the morphological and physiological characteristics
of professional and amateur tennis players.
Fifty-six professional (34 male and 22 female) and 48 amateur (33 male
and 15 female) tennis players were studied during the 1977 South African
Open Tennis Championships. A total of 208 observations were made on each
subject willing to complete the battery of tests and measurements. These
included a questionnaire, anthropometric, somatotypDlogical, physiological
and biochemical observations.
Oral questionnaires were used to obtain personal, tennis and medical
history data. Standardised anthropometric techniques and equipment were
used to measure mass, heights, diameters, girths and sKinfolds. These
basic anthropometric measurements were then utilized tu obtain the following
derived anthropometric measurements: limb and segment lengthsi
length, diameter and girth indices; body surface area and androgyny; lean
volume and tissu^ indices; absolutj and relative body fat; lean and 'ideal'
body mass; and the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotyps.
The physiological observations included the following: maximal aerobic
power (Astrand-Ryhming nomogram); cycling and tennis playing efficiency;
energy cost of tennis playing (portable respirometer); sveat-rate (net
body mass change method)* static and dynamic pulmonary volumes (expirogvaph);
static flexibility (flexometer); and e y imb concordance/
discordance (binocular peep-hole test). The bit., -nical observations
included pre- and post-match blood glucose, lactate and electrolyte
(sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium) concentrations. The methods
used were based on the biochemical Test Combinations from Boehringer
Mannheim.