Acute effect of a tennis training session on hamstring extensibility

Abstract

Objective: To determine the acute effect of a specific tennis training session on hamstring extensibility.

Methodology: The hamstring extensibility of 40 male tennis players (14-18 years old) was assessed using seat and reach test (DD-S), toe touch test (DD-P) and straight leg raise test (EPR) before and after a 2 hour training session.

Results: An increase in hamstring extensibility was observed in all tests in terms of absolute values, with the following pre-test and post-test measures: DD-S -6.12 ± 8.69 and -4.51 ± 8 , 10; DD-P -3.90 ± 8.12 and -3.00 ± 8.18; Right EPR 78.51 ± 10.40º and 80.77 ± 11.47º and left 79.00 ± 10.52º and 81.26 ± 10.50º.

Conclusion: A specific tennis training session generates slight changes on hamstring extensibility, producing an improvement of it in all the tests used for its evaluation.