The Relationship Between Scapular Endurance, Core Endurance, and Functional Performance in Adolescent Tennis Players

Investigation of the Relationship Between Scapular Endurance, Core Endurance, and Upper Extremity Functional Performance in Adolescent Tennis Players

This study aims to examine the relationship between scapular endurance, core endurance, and upper extremity performance in adolescent tennis players. The hypothesis of this study is that better scapular/core endurance in adolescent tennis players is associated with better upper extremity performance. Establishing this relationship will contribute to identifying the exercise training necessary to improve upper extremity performance in tennis players.

Tennis is a sport characterized by coordinated, repetitive, and powerful movements along the kinetic chain. Being both overhead and rotational, achieving a good shot in tennis involves transferring high forces and energy from the lower extremities to the upper extremities through the trunk. In this context, core muscles play a crucial role in athletic performance by stabilizing the shoulder girdle, pelvis, and spine, acting as a pivot point for extremity movements. Therefore, good core strength is essential during a stroke. Additionally, as the acceleration of the ball is influenced by both maximum external and internal rotation of the shoulder, tennis players require good shoulder mobility and stability. In this regard, the scapula in the shoulder girdle provides a stable foundation for the glenohumeral mobility necessary for the shot. Both the core and scapular regions serve as pivot points for upper extremity functional activities. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between scapular endurance, core endurance, and upper extremity performance in adolescent tennis players. The hypothesis of this study is that better scapular/core endurance in adolescent tennis players is associated with better upper extremity performance. Establishing this relationship will contribute to identifying the exercise training necessary to improve upper extremity performance in tennis players.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adolescent tennis players

Exclusion Criteria:

• Athletes with a history of musculoskeletal injury or surgery in the last year that would prevent the tests from being performed
• Athletes who feel pain in the trunk and lower extremities during the tests