【論文摘要】The Effects of Agility Training on the Exercise-Specific Performance of Tennis Players

【論文摘要】敏捷訓練對網球選手專項運動表現的影響

Li-Hsin Chang(張儷馨) ； Ching-Yung Yang(楊景湧) ； Ho-Yi Tuan-Mu(端木和頤)

《物理治療》 48卷2期 (2023/06) Pp. 138-138

https://doi.org/10.6215/FJPT.202306.P15

摘要

Background and Purpose: Tennis is a game that requires quickness, agility, dynamic balance, explosive power, anaerobic and aerobic conditioning, as well as the capacity to anticipate and react rapidly. Agility can be defined as the ability to change the body's direction efficiently. Tennis players will be able to move quickly and change directions more rapidly while retaining control by practicing agility, increasing balance, and enhancing coordination. However, agility training takes time and tends to be ignored in the training protocol. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of agility training on the performance of tennis players. Methods: Fifteen college-aged students (males; n = 10 and females; n = 5) from the tennis club in Tzu Chi university were recruited in this study. A 30 minutes' agility training protocol from International Tennis Federation and United States Tennis Association was given as the intervention twice a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measurements were Illinois agility test (IAT) and T-drill test for agility. Service box test for the serving accuracy and forehand and backhand goal rate scores for striking performance were set as the secondary outcome measurements. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to analyze the changes before and after the agility training. The significant level was set at p < 0.05. Result: The results showed that both forehand and backhand rating scores were significantly improved (95% CI = [2.40-9.32], p < 0.001 and 95% CI = [0.78-7.36], p = 0.023, respectively), while no significant improvements in IAT, T-drill, and service box tests. Conclusion: Regular agility training shows positive benefits in striking performance for tennis players; however, not in the ability of physical activities including IAT, T-drill test, and service box test. Clinical Relevance: Agility training might be important to improve the striking performance of tennis players which should be considered in the regular tennis training programs.