Comparative study on effect of Functional vs. Traditional Training on Functional Movement Screening Scores in Junior Lawn Tennis Players

TOPIC - Comparative study on effect of Functional vs. Traditional Training on Functional Movement Screening Scores in Junior Lawn Tennis Players.

Tennis involves agility and running, where the lower extremities are primarily loaded. Studies have shown that both male and female tennis players frequently sustain knee, hip, ankle, back, and shoulder injuries. The most common region for injuries is shoulder, then the lumbar spine. Because tennis is such a competitive sport, professional players consistently test their physiological boundaries and begin overloading at an early age to get this competency. However, unilateral loading at an early age causes muscle imbalances and related problems in athletes participating in sports like tennis.

Functional Training (FT) Program consisted of movements that will complement the kinetic chain and bring the dominant and recessive traits of the athletes to the same level. Traditional Training (TT) method, however, involves exercises to increase the strength and durability of a certain muscle.

Functional Movement Screening Score is a screening system that bridges the gap between pre-participation screenings and performance testing by evaluating individuals in a dynamic and functional capacity. This kind of screening tool might offer an alternative plan for performance predictability and injury prevention. FMS involves 7 fundamental movement patterns, scored from 0-3 for total score of 21, which include Deep squat, Hurdle jump, In-line lunge, Shoulder mobility, Active straight leg raises, Trunk stability push-up, Rotatory stability.

This study will investigate the impact of Functional and Traditional Training on adolescent tennis players, with a focus on both male and female Tennis players and will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these training methods for tennis players of both genders and to explore their potential impact on FMS scores.

A Randomized Control study (Pre and Post Experimental design) will be caried out over a span of 2-3 months. A total of 48 junior lawn tennis players on the basis of inclusion criteria will be recruited in the study after taking the individual consent. Selected participants will be divided into 3 groups with purposive sampling as Functional Training group (FTG) (n=16) will undergo Traditional Training + Routine Tennis Training, Traditional Training group (TTG) (n=16) will undergo Traditional Training + Routine Tennis Training, and Control Group (CG) (n=16) will undergo Control Group Training + Routine Tennis Training. Control, Functional and Traditional Training group practiced routine tennis training 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Training session will begin with 10 min. Warm-Up followed by 10 min. Cool-down.

The outcome variables will be assessed during baseline and at the end of 4th and 8th week, the data will be analyzed using Mixed Modal ANOVA Test.