Abstract
Background Tennis players often present with ulnar-sided wrist pain, which may reflect repetitive
stress and/or faulty mechanics. There is a role for investigating the biomechanics
of tennis strokes and how they may relate to wrist pathology. The purpose of this
study was to investigate whether three-dimensional motion capture technology and dynamic
electromyography (EMG), when used to study groundstrokes in elite junior tennis players,
reveals patterns of upper extremity motion that may correlate with the development
of clinically relevant pathology.
Case Description Three-dimensional kinematic and EMG data were collected from two United States Tennis
Association-ranked adolescent tennis players during groundstrokes. There were several
observed differences in the two players' degree and timing of pronation/supination,
ulnar/radial deviation, and flexion/extension during their strokes.
Clinical Significance Advanced motion capture technology facilitates a nuanced understanding of complex
movements involved in groundstroke production. This methodology may be useful for
identifying athletes who are at risk for injury and guiding rehabilitation for players
experiencing pain.
Level of Evidence IV
Keywords
tennis biomechanics - tennis injury - motion capture - tennis kinematics - wrist pain
- sports injuries
