Heat stress does not exacerbate tennis-induced alterations in physical performance. (25th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Girard, Olivier; Christian, Ryan J; Racinais, Sébastien; Périard, Julien D
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 48(2014)Supplement 1
• Page Start: i39
• Page End: i44
• Publication Date: 2014-03-25
• Subjects: Adaptations of skeletal muscle to exercise and altered neuromuscular activity -- Biomechanics -- Dehydration -- Fatigue -- Thermoregulation; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-093165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To assess the time course of changes in physical performance in response to match-play tennis under heat stress. Methods: Two matches consisting of 20 min of effective playing time (2×10 min segments) were played in COOL (∼102 min; ∼22°C and 70% relative humidity (RH)) and HOT (∼119 min; ∼36°C and 35% RH) environments. Repeated-sprint ability (3×15 m, 15 s rest), 15 m sprint time with a direction change (180°), vertical jump height (squat and countermovement jumps) and leg stiffness (multirebound jumps) were assessed in 12 competitive male players prematch, midmatch and postmatch, and 24 and 48 h after match completion. Results: During the repeated-sprint ability test, initial (+2.3% and +3.1%) and cumulated sprint (+1.5% and +2.8%) times increased from prematch to midmatch and postmatch, respectively (p<0.001), while the sprint decrement score did not change. Match-play tennis induced a slowing (average of both conditions: +1.1% and +1.3% at midmatch and postmatch time points; p=0.05) of 15 m sprint time with direction change. Compared with prematch, leg stiffness (−6.4% and −6.5%; p<0.001) and squat jump height (−1.5% and −2.4%; p=0.05), but not countermovement jump height (−0.7% and −1.3%; p>0.05), decreased midmatch and postmatch, respectively, regardless of the condition. Complete recovery in all physical performance markers occurred within 24 h. Conclusions: In tennis, match-related fatigue is characterised by impaired repeated-sprint ability, explosive power and leg stiffness at midmatch and postmatch, with values restored to prematch baseline 24 h into recovery. In addition, physical performance responses (match and recovery kinetics) are identical when competing in cool and hot environments.