Examination of the effect of electromyostimulation trainings and resistance exercises on service velocity in tennis.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of resistance band exercises and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training on tennis serve speed as a method for strength development in tennis. The research involved 27 (12 woman and 15 man) tennis specialization students studying at the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Yozgat Bozok University [Control Group (C.G, n=9, body weight: 66,66±9,68 kg; height: 166,66±9,11 m), Resistance Band (R.B, n=9 body weight: 69,16±12,12 kg; height: 168,66±10,93 m) and Electrostimulation (EMS, n=9, body weight: 69,5±11,21 kg; height: 170,25±9,53 m)]. Participants were randomly assigned to EMS, resistance band, and control groups. The study included training protocols implemented over 8 weeks, with sessions conducted three times a week. EMS training utilized biphasic square waveforms with a frequency of 100 Hz and a pulse duration of 200 µs, resulting in a total of 90 contractions per training session. Contractions were performed in 3 sets of 30 repetitions, with 10 seconds of contraction followed by 3 seconds of rest. For the resistance band group, exercises were performed in 3 sets using resistance bands chosen according to participants' fitness levels. The control group did not participate in any training program. Data collection tools included measurements of height, body weight, maximal strength, and serve speed. Maximal strength was determined through one-repetition maximum (1-RM) assessments, while serve speed was measured using a radar device, with the fastest serve speed of each participant being used for data analysis. All data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software. A paired T-test was employed to determine pre- and post-test differences within groups. Mixed-design ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to evaluate the interaction effects of time and group. The results demonstrated significant increases in tennis serve speed for both the EMS and resistance band training groups. EMS training was particularly effective in promoting strength gains by activating fast-twitch motor units. Keywords: Tennis, Electromyostimulation, Resistance band, Service speed