Search Results (44)

Purpose: To quantify real-time hand–foot coupling in tennis and test whether the coupling pattern differs by playing standard. Methods: Fifteen nationally certified second-level male athletes and fifteen recreational beginners performed multi-directional swings, alternating forehand–backhand groundstrokes and serve-and-volley sequences while tri-axial ankle acceleration and racket-grip force were synchronously recorded in wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs). Grip metrics (mean force, peak force, force duration) and acceleration magnitudes were analysed with MANOVA and Hedges’ g effect sizes, followed by the Benjamini–Hochberg correction (α = 0.025). Results: Across tasks, athletes showed higher mean ankle acceleration (standardised mean difference, Hedges’ g) but 45% lower mean grip force (Hedges’ g = −1.28; both p < 0.01). The association between acceleration and grip metrics was moderate-to-strong and negative in athletes (r = −0.62 with mean grip force; r = −0.69 with force duration), whereas beginners exhibited moderate-to-strong positive correlations (r = 0.48–0.73). Conclusion: We quantified hand–foot coordination in tennis by synchronising tri-axial ankle acceleration with calibrated racket-grip force across three match-realistic tasks. Relative to beginners, athletes demonstrated an inverse coupling between ankle acceleration and grip-force metrics, whereas beginners showed a direct coupling, consistent with our purpose of quantifying coordination via synchronised wearable sensors. Full article

Racket sports are very popular not only in professional sports but also among recreational players. As a result, their impact on the field of education has grown significantly in recent years. Table tennis (TT) offers significant advantages in terms of skill acquisition and health improvement. Nevertheless, its application within physical education (PE) curricula remains undetermined. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the use of TT as educational content in the subject of PE in primary school. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was used to conduct the systematic review. Six databases (ERIC, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science) were used during the search process. The search cutoff date was December 31, 2024. After applying the eligibility criteria, 3595 articles were found. Only seven studies were selected for the final analysis and the data included 1526 students from primary school. The results indicate that TT is rarely used in primary education during PE classes. Research indicates interest among teachers and students in playing it during PE. Furthermore, due to the benefits, motivation, and interest this sport generates, educational experiences have been developed, such as roundtable discussions, table top tennis, balloon TT, and TT triathlon. A lack of materials, facilities, and teacher training for teaching this sport is notable. The teaching experiences analyzed in this review confirm that TT is a highly versatile and interesting sport as a subject matter in school PE. The use of TT allows for innovative, comprehensive, and inclusive PE, thanks to the sport’s multiple possibilities. Given its adaptability and low entry barrier, TT could serve as an effective tool for increasing children’s physical activity levels, improving motor skills, and fostering social–emotional development. However further research is needed to quantify its impact on health outcomes such as cardiovascular fitness or obesity prevention. Full article

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports training has the potential to revolutionize skill development, yet cost-effective solutions remain scarce, particularly in table tennis. To bridge this gap, we present an intelligent training system leveraging computer vision and machine learning for real-time performance analysis. The system integrates YOLOv5 for high-precision ball detection (98% accuracy) and MediaPipe for athlete posture evaluation. A dynamic time-wrapping algorithm further assesses stroke effectiveness, demonstrating statistically significant discrimination between beginner and intermediate players (p = 0.004 and Cohen’s d = 0.86) in a cohort of 50 participants. By automating feedback and reducing reliance on expert observation, this system offers a scalable tool for coaching, self-training, and sports analysis. Its modular design also allows adaptation to other racket sports, highlighting broader utility in athletic training and entertainment applications. Full article

This review examines the relationship between tennis participation and mental health, highlighting both the psychological benefits and challenges associated with the sport. Using a retrospective, citation-based methodology, peer-reviewed studies published in English, French, and Greek between 2000 and March 2025 were included. The findings indicate that tennis participation is associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, improved self-confidence, and enhanced resilience. However, competitive tennis also presents significant psychological demands, including elevated stress levels and susceptibility to maladaptive coping behaviors. To address these complexities, this review introduces the Resilience Racket Model, a conceptual framework representing the integration of physical readiness, psychological resilience, and systemic support. The model uses the metaphor of a tennis racket: the handle reflects foundational physical skills; the strings represent resilience components; the frame denotes environmental and organizational support; and the sweet spot signifies the optimal balance between physical and mental readiness. The review also highlights the effectiveness of psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, in supporting athlete well-being. These findings advocate for a holistic approach to athlete development, emphasizing parity between mental health and physical training, and call for further research into tailored, sport-specific mental health interventions in tennis. Full article

The aim of our pilot study was to investigate the effects of offensive and defensive strategy conditions on external and internal training load factors in male tennis players. This study included six elite junior male tennis players (chronological age: 15.7 ± 1.0; body height: 180.7 ± 6.5 cm; body mass: 71.0 ± 10.8 kg) who had to play two simulated matches. Among the external training load variables, running activities were measured with a GPS sensor operating at 10 Hz and a 100 Hz tri-axial piezoelectric linear accelerometer integrated into it; furthermore, tennis shot activities were measured with a tennis racket-mounted smart sensor. Internal training load was measured subjectively using the RPE method. The results show that players scored significantly higher on the PlayerLoad (p = 0.031; r = 0.90) and IMA CoD low right (p = 0.031; r = 0.90) running variables and on the forehand spin (p = 0.031; r = 0.90) and backhand spin (p = 0.031; r = 0.90) when using a defensive strategy. There were no significant differences between the two strategy conditions in all other external and internal training load parameters. The defensive strategy has more acceleration in all three planes of motion, suggesting that conditioning training should be placed in the intermittent endurance capacities for players who predominantly use this strategy. Full article

Background/Objectives: In tennis, timing plays a crucial factor as it influences the technique and effectiveness of strokes and, therefore, matches results. However, traditional technical evaluation methods rely on subjective observations or video motion-tracking technology, mainly focusing on spatial components. This study evaluated the reliability of an acoustic detection system in analyzing key temporal elements of the game, such as the rally rhythm and timing of strokes. Methods: Based on a machine learning algorithm, the proposed acoustic detection system classifies the sound of the ball’s impact on the racket and the ground to measure the time between them and give immediate feedback to the player. We performed trials with expert and amateur players in controlled settings. Results: The ML algorithm showed a detection accuracy higher than 95%, while the average accuracy of the whole system that was applied on-court was 85%. Moreover, this system has proven effective in evaluating the technical skills of a group of players on the court and highlighting their areas for improvement, showing significant potential for practical applications in player training and performance analysis. Conclusions: Quantitatively assessing timing offers a new perspective for coaches and players to improve performance and technique, providing objective data to set training regimens and optimize game strategies. Full article

Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, and table tennis offers a low-impact, engaging way to promote physical activity across various age groups. However, many beginners struggle to maintain effective participation due to their lower skill levels. Therefore, the development and reinforcement of stable grip techniques is crucial because it will help beginners achieve sustainable improvements in performance. This will provide additional opportunities to increase physical activity, and therefore overall health, across all age groups. Thus, in this study, we investigate the effects of a prototype table tennis handle on the racket angle and performance of beginners. The prototype handle features a 20° tilt to assist the player in maintaining a stable topspin forehand grip during play. The participants were randomized into three groups, Groups A, B, and C, which used the prototype handle, standard handle, and practiced with the prototype but performed tests with the standard handle, respectively. The participants executed topspin forehand strokes in approximately 30 min of practice, and data on racket angles, swing mechanics, success rates, and ball landing positions were collected. The results showed that Group A exhibited a larger racket open angle and a smaller racket face Angle than the other groups. However, the groups showed no significant differences in hit positions or overall success rates. Our results suggest that although the prototype handle can influence racket angles and some performance aspects, individual differences and swing mechanics should be considered. Full article

Background: The kinematics of table tennis is a growing topic of scientific research. This study aimed to assess the kinematics and determine the coordination of the movements of most body segments during the execution of two types of serves (short and long) in table tennis, as well as to indicate the main differences between these serves when performed by high-level athletes. Methods: The study involved 15 male table tennis players. Each participant performed two tasks, performing short and long forehand serves with back-sidespin rotation, with up to 10 hits in the designated field for each type. The players’ movements were registered using an IMU system. Results and Conclusion: The research allowed for the development of a model for executing two types of serves in table tennis. The differences between short and long serves were mainly in the ranges of movement and angular velocities (higher for long serves). These were found in the shoulder rotation, elbow joint and wrist joint (primarily the flexion–extension movement), hand supination, and movement in the elbow joint, which also played an important role. Coaches and players should seriously consider these joints and movements in the training process. In the coordinated movement of the performed serves, a phenomenon of movement variability was observed, manifested by a large variability in execution and a low variability in the maximum speeds of the hand with the racket. Full article

Introduction: Beach tennis has become a popular sport, but research on its mental health benefits is scarce. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined the effects of beach tennis on anxiety symptoms. Objectives: To assess the effect of a single session of beach tennis, in both singles and doubles modes, on anxiety symptoms. Methods: Twenty-two recreational players (11 women, age: 35.00 [13.50] years) were evaluated. Each participant underwent three intervention sessions in random order: one-on-one match (singles), two-on-two match (doubles), and a control session (non-exercise). State anxiety and affective responses were measured before and after each intervention. Results: For men, no significant interaction between time and session was found (p = 0.646). In women, there was a significant interaction between time and session (p = 0.002). Anxiety symptoms significantly decreased from pre- to post-singles condition (p = 0.007) and from pre- to post-doubles condition (p = 0.010). A significant difference was observed between the post-singles and post-control conditions (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Beach tennis demonstrated an anxiolytic effect in women, with significant reductions in anxiety symptoms following both singles and doubles sessions. However, no such effects were observed in men. These findings suggest that beach tennis could be a viable intervention for managing anxiety symptoms in women. The study was registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (registration code: U1111-1293-7949). Full article

This study investigated muscle activation, shocks, and vibrations of the upper extremities during tennis serves between junior and adult tennis players. Thirty-five well-trained tennis players (15 juniors and 20 adults) performed 10 maximal successful tennis serves. Two triaxial accelerometers recorded the shock and vibration on the racket and the hand on the dominant side. Eight surface EMG electrodes were also used to measure the arm muscles’ activities. Linear mixed models were used to test the fixed effect of age on muscular activation and vibration. Statistical non-Parametric Mapping was employed to make statistical inferences on the EMG and accelerometer data obtained from the continuous wavelet transform. Comparing EMG parameters between junior and adult players reveals similar upper limb intermuscular coordination. The junior players experienced lower racket and hand vibration amplitudes, which were partially explained by a lower ball velocity. This study revealed that young players showed no difference in EMG parameters in the tennis serve but were as exposed to shocks and vibrations as adults when compared based on a given speed and a given handgrip force. These vibrations apply to an immature skeleton, which can increase the risk of injuries caused by overuse. In addition, differences in the racket vibration frequency provide original knowledge to engineers who need to develop innovative sports equipment for tennis. Full article

Shock-induced vibrations transmitted from the racket to the tennis player’s upper limb have interested researchers, whether for investigating their effect on injury risk, or for designing new equipment. Measuring these vibrations is, however, very challenging in an ecological playing situation: sensors must be of very high quality in order to precisely measure high-energy and broad-frequency signals, as well as non-invasive in order to allow the players to perform their usual movements. The working hypothesis of this paper is that contactless sound recordings of the ball/racket impact carry the same information as direct vibratory measurements. The present study focuses on the tennis serve, as being tennis’ most energy-demanding stroke, therefore possibly being the most traumatic stroke for the upper limb. This article aims (a) to evaluate the propagation of vibration from the racket to the upper limb; and (b) to identify correlations with acoustic signals collected simultaneously. Eight expert tennis players performed serves with three rackets and two ball spin effects. Accelerometers measured the vibration on the racket and at five locations on the upper limb, and a microphone measured the impact sound. Resulting signals were analyzed in terms of energy and spectral descriptors. Results showed that flat serves produced louder sounds, higher vibration levels, lower acoustic spectral centroids, and higher vibratory spectral centroids than kick serves. The racket only had a marginal influence. Similarities between acoustic and vibratory measurements were found (levels were correlated), but so were differences (spectral centroids tended to be negatively correlated), encouraging further studies on the link between sound and vibration for the in situ measurement of shock-induced vibration. Full article

Addressing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during a tennis serve is a challenge for both protecting athletes and maintaining performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of MSD occurrence using the rapid whole-body assessment (REBA) ergonomic tool at each time step, using 3D kinematic analysis of joint angles for slow and fast serves. Two force platforms (750 Hz) and an optoelectronic system including 10 infrared cameras (150 Hz, 82 markers located on the whole body and on the racket) were used to capture the kinematics of the six REBA joint areas over five services in two young male and two young female ranked players. The mean REBA score was 9.66 ± 1.11 (ranging from 7.75 to 11.85) with the maximum value observed for the loading and cocking stage (REBA score > 11). The intermediate scores for each of the six joint areas ranged between 2 and 3 and the maximum value of their respective scales. The lowest scores were observed for the shoulder. Neck rotation and shoulder flexion are parameters that could be taken into account when analyzing performance in the context of MSD prevention. Full article

Badminton is one of the most popular racket sports played by all age groups worldwide. Anyone can practice and play badminton as a leisure or competitive sport, regardless of age, experience, or skill level. It does not require physical contact among players or expensive equipment. Compared with closed-skill exercises (e.g., running and swimming), open-skill exercises (e.g., badminton and table tennis) have been reported to significantly improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline. This mini review aimed to investigate the findings related to badminton intervention for cognitive function, with attention to the modifiable risk factors of dementia in adults. Additionally, we outlined the characteristics of badminton’s physical demands. This narrative review encompassed studies reported from 2013 to 2023 from multiple databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords such as “badminton”, “dementia”, “cognitive function”, “physical activity”, and “depression” were used to identify relevant articles. Various studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case–control studies, were selected to provide a comprehensive overview of badminton intervention. Quantitative data analysis suggests that at a cognitive level, high-intensity badminton can enhance cognitive function with at least 10 min of play once weekly or 20 min of play once weekly on average, whereas moderate-intensity badminton can be effective when played for at least 30 min once weekly or 35 min twice weekly on average. For modifiable risk factors, recreational badminton for about 3 h weekly could effectively manage blood pressure. For body fat percentage and fasting serum glucose levels, recreational badminton for about 10 h weekly exerted positive effects. For depressive states, a moderate-intensity badminton program for 100 min weekly was effective. For lipid profiles associated with dementia occurrence, prolonged badminton intervention for more than 3 months may be beneficial. The characteristics presented here indicate that intervention with regular badminton exercise could effectively improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between ball impact point, type of stroke, and shot direction in high-performance padel. A total of 8363 strokes from nine matches of three national tournaments involving a total of 24 male players were subjected to systematic observation. The variables analyzed were type of stroke, shot direction, and ball impact. A descriptive analysis was conducted for each study variable, with a comparison of the variables performed using Pearson’s Chi-Square test, column proportions determined using a Z test according to Bonferroni (p < 0.05), an association established by corrected standardized residuals, and an effect size calculated using Crammer’s V. The results showed that the most-used stroke types were volleys, serves, groundstrokes, and backwall shots (67.6%). The cross-court direction stood out over down-the-line and inside-out directions. Finally, almost two-thirds of the impact point locations were forward. In addition, the type of stroke determined shot direction and ball impact location. Moreover, the ball’s impact location significantly determined shot direction. In conclusion, these results suggest that the ball impact location and the type of stroke provide information from which padel shot direction can be anticipated. Such knowledge may constitute a very important factor affecting performance and success among padel players. Full article

The serve is the most important stroke in tennis. It is a complex gesture consisting of numerous rotations with a wide amplitude, which are important to manage for performance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether correlations exist between joint kinematic parameters and racket velocity. A quantitative kinematics analysis of four ranked players (two boys and two girls) was carried out using an optoelectronic system composed of 10 cameras (150 Hz). Five flat serves per player were analyzed. Eighty-two markers were located across the 15 body segments and on the racket. A descriptive statistical analysis including a correlation analysis was carried out between joint angles and racket kinematic parameters (vertical position, velocity, and acceleration) during the cocking and acceleration phases. Ten very high (0.7 < r < 0.9) and three almost perfect (r > 0.9) correlations were found. Shoulder and hip axial rotations, knee flexion, and trunk extension were correlated linearly with racket vertical position and velocity during the cocking phase. For the acceleration phase, elbow flexion, trunk flexion/extension, and trunk axial rotation were linked to racket kinematics. Some of these parameters showed differences between slow and fast serves. These parameters, which are involved in transmitting ball velocity, are important to consider for tennis players and coaches in training programs, education, and performance enhancement. Full article