Front Physiol. 2026 Jun 17;17:1854908. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1854908. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The glenohumeral joint plays a key role in force generation during tennis strokes. Neuromuscular adaptations in this joint are critical for performance and injury prevention, particularly during rapid phases of movement. However, there is limited research on these adaptations in young female tennis players. Therefore, this study aimed to examine differences in glenohumeral neuromuscular performance between female tennis players and untrained girls aged 11-14 years.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 67 participants: 33 female tennis players (aged 11-12 and 13-14) and 34 age-matched controls. Isometric peak torque (PKTQ), rate of torque development (RTD), and surface electromyography (SEMG) were assessed for internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation. A two-way ANOVA and MANOVA were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Tennis players showed significantly higher normalized PKTQ during IR (18.1%, p < 0.01) and ER (10.1%, p < 0.05), and greater RTD during ER (absolute: 28.4%, p < 0.01; normalized: 32.2%, p < 0.01) compared to controls. A group-by-age interaction showed greater normalized peak RTD during ER in 11-12-year-old tennis players compared with their untrained counterparts. SEMG revealed greater posterior deltoid activation during ER at 50% MVIC (+15.7%, p < 0.05) and lower pectoralis major coactivation during ER at 50% MVIC (-40.4%, p < 0.01) in tennis players. Additionally, tennis players exhibited a higher IR/ER ratio (13.3%, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Long-term tennis training may be associated with specific neuromuscular adaptations in the glenohumeral joint, particularly higher RTD during ER in younger athletes. These findings may be relevant to stroke velocity and shoulder stability and highlight the importance of age-specific training for the development of optimal glenohumeral strength and injury prevention.
PMID:42389756 | PMC:PMC13318655 | DOI:10.3389/fphys.2026.1854908
