EFFECT OF TYPE 3 BALL ON UPPER EXTREMITY EMG AND ACCELERATION IN THE TENNIS FOREHAND

Abstract

The effect of the larger type 3 tennis ball on upper extremity EMG and impact acceleration was studied in a diverse sample of adult tennis players. Twelve players from intermediate to advanced levels of ability played no-add sets of six games using the larger and the regular tennis ball. Racket acceleration and upper arm muscle activation were measured during forehands with a Noraxon telemetry system. Within-subject statistical analysis showed that half of the players had significantly (p < 0.05) greater mean normalized-rectified EMG of the biceps or triceps with the larger ball compared to the regular ball. Half of the players with complete acceleration data also had significantly (p < 0.05) greater mean rectified acceleration after impact with the larger ball.