DIFFERENCES IN ISOMETRIC STRENGTH BETWEEN THE DOMINANT AND NON–DOMINANT UPPER EXTREMITY IN COMPETITIVE TENNIS PLAYERS

FRANCISCO CORBI; ERNEST BAGET

Volume : V, Issue : V, May - 2015

DIFFERENCES IN ISOMETRIC STRENGTH BETWEEN THE DOMINANT AND NON–DOMINANT UPPER EXTREMITY IN COMPETITIVE TENNIS PLAYERS

Francisco Corbi, Ernest Baget

Abstract :

Alteration in muscular imbalances between homolateral and contralateral limbs has been associated with increased risk of injury. The objective of this study was to compare the isometric peak force of the dominant and the non–dominant upper limb in competition tennis players. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction was tested in 12 male competition tennis players using a strain gauge connected to a portable MuscleLab™ 4000e. Dominant and non–dominant flexion/extension and rotation positions were tested atthe wrist, elbow and shoulder, and internal/ external rotation atthe elbow and shoulder. Significant differences were found for wrist flexion and extension, shoulder flexion and extension, internal arm rotation and the rest of the movements studied. The main finding of this study was to confirm the utility of isometric testing devices as a useful,inexpensive tool for evaluating strength ratios between the dominant and non–dominant side in tennis players.