Effects of different stretching methods on speed and agility performance in young tennis players

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of different stretching methods on speed and agility performance in young tennis players according to conditioning level. Methods: Twenty-six young tennis players participated in this study voluntarily. Stretching methods were divided into five groups: static, dynamic, static + dynamic, dynamic + static, and control (no-stretching). The protocols included 8-min warm-up, a 3-min rest, 30-s stretching program (except for the no-stretching group), a 2-min rest, followed by the T-drill agility and 20-m sprint (with 10-m split times) test. Stretching protocols consisted of 6 different stretching exercises for 6 lower muscle groups. Results: Dynamic and static + dynamic stretching methods induced significant differences in the 10-m acceleration, 20-m sprint and agility test time compared with static and static + dynamic stretching protocols (P < 0.05). Dynamic and no-stretching methods also showed significant difference between good and moderate performers compared with static, static + dynamic and dynamic + static stretching protocols (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that the acute effect of static stretching had a negative effect on agility and sprint performances. This study suggest that dynamic and static + dynamic stretching might be use for the performing better performance in acceleration, speed and agility skills during the warm-up session in young tennis players. © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS