Electromyographic and cinematographic analysis of elbow function in tennis players using single- and double-handed backhand strokes

Abstract

It is generally believed that tennis players using a dou ble-handed backhand rarely develop lateral epicondyli tis since the helping arm appears to absorb more energy and changes the mechanics of the swing. The purpose of this paper was to compare muscle activity about the elbow in single- and double-handed backhand strokes in competitive tennis players. Muscle activity in 3 elbow extensors, a wrist flexor, and a forearm pron ator of the dominant arm was compared during the single-handed (N = 14) and double-handed (N = 13) backhand ground strokes using indwelling electro myography and high-speed cinematography. Signifi cantly higher activity was seen in the double-handed technique in the flexor carpi radialis muscle in the preparation phase and in the pronator teres muscle in the acceleration phase. Higher flexor carpi radialis mus cle activity in preparation of the double-handed stroke appeared to be a function of the double-handed grip used on the racquet, and the increased pronator teres muscle activity in acceleration indicated maintenance of greater pronation provided by the grip of the non- dominant hand. The decreased occurrence of lateral epicondylitis in players using a double-handed back hand may not be caused by decreased extensor activ ity, but rather by factors associated with flawed stroke mechanics more often seen in the single-handed tech nique.