Work

Various aspects of upper-limb muscle strength and tennis performance: A comparative study of U12 and U14 female tennis players

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between muscle strength and tennis performance, assessed using the International Tennis Number (ITN) on-court test, operationalized as point-based outcomes (total points and subcomponent points), in young female tennis players aged under 12 (U12) and under 14 (U14). Thirty-three players underwent a comprehensive evaluation including ITN testing, general strength tests (handgrip strength, flexed arm hang, and tennis-ball throw), isometric upper-limb muscle strength, and sense of force assessment. Results demonstrated significantly higher ITN scores and muscle strength in the U14 group, with differences largely attributable to body size and training experience. Correlation analyses revealed age-specific patterns: in U12 players, ITN scores were associated primarily with general strength measures, whereas in U14 players, they were more strongly linked to joint-specific upper-limb strength and neuromuscular characteristics. Sense of force did not differ between groups, though correlations with ITN varied depending on age and joint function. These findings suggest that, in this sample, performance in younger players was more closely associated with general strength measures, whereas in older players it was more closely associated with joint-specific upper-limb strength.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0362183

Authors: Tomasz Waldziński, Aleksandra Durzyńska, Bartłomiej Niespodziński, Jan Mieszkowski, Ewa Waldzińska, Andrzej Kochanowicz

Institutions: Akademia Łomżyńska, Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport

Language: English

Topic: Sports Performance and Training

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382