Kekelekis et al reported risk factors for upper limb injuries in tennis players. These can help to identify a patient where preventive measures may avoid injury. The authors are from Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of West Attica, University of Zurich, and affiliated sports medicine clinics.
Patient selection: tennis player
Upper limb injuries in the upper extremity primarily involve lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), wrist tendinopathy, and the shoulder (tennis shoulder).
Risk factors for injury:
(1) prolonged continuous play with muscle fatigue
(2) overuse injury
(3) previous injury
(4) scapular dyskinesis (winging or asymmetry in the position and motion of the scapula)
(5) scapulothoracic properties
(6) shoulder kinetics or kinematics (flexibility, etc)
(7) skill level
(8) technique in using the racquet
(9) racquet properties
Identifying risk factors for a player allows for interventions that can mitigate the risk. Proper coaching can recognize and mitigate the risks.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
