Validation of an Upper Extremity Physical Performance Test Battery in Competitive Adult Tennis Players

Abstract

Background:

Upper extremity physical performance tests are used frequently to assess upper limb performance in overhead athletes such as tennis players. Recently, it has been suggested that a test battery rather than individual tests should be used to increase construct validity. So far, no test battery consisting of analytical tests, as well as physical performance tests, has been validated in a population of adult tennis players, correlating results with serve performance.

Hypothesis:

The test battery will show a strong correlation with serve velocity and a limited correlation with serve accuracy.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 69 tennis players underwent a serve performance test, including velocity and accuracy measurements. They next completed a test battery consisting of strength tests (hand grip and shoulder strength), shoulder range of motion (ROM) tests and upper extremity physical performance tests. The physical performance test assessment included the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test, seated single-arm shot-put test, upper limb rotation test, and shoulder endurance test. The correlation between the test battery and serve velocity and accuracy was assessed through linear regression. Backward regression was used to identify the most significant variables.

Results:

A strong correlation was found between the test battery and serve velocity. The test battery explained 58.5% of the variance in serve velocity. Exploratory backward regression showed that the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and shoulder internal rotation strength explained 59.3% of the variance. There was no significant correlation between the test battery and serve accuracy.

Conclusion:

The test battery, including physical performance tests, strength, and ROM measurements, demonstrates strong construct validity for serve velocity.

Clinical Relevance:

This test battery provides an on-field, easy, and efficient method of assessing athletes. Clinicians may use this test battery to evaluate healthy adult tennis players.