Comparative analysis of physical and physiological performance in professional tennis, table tennis, and badminton athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v76.118155Keywords:
Racquet sports, physical performance, physiological performance, athletic conditioning, game-specific demandsAbstract
Introduction: Racket sports such as tennis, table tennis, and badminton exhibit distinct physical and physiological demands shaped by differences in match intensity, duration, and technical characteristics.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the physical performance profiles and physiological responses of elite athletes from the three sports to identify sport-specific adaptations and performance determinants.
Methodology: Thirty provincial gold-medalist athletes (10 tennis, 10 table tennis, 10 badminton) underwent a comprehensive assessment comprising anthropometric measurements, core rotational strength, upper- and lower-body performance metrics, muscular endurance, agility-based footwork coordination, as well as physiological biomarkers including heart rate response, VO₂max, hemoglobin concentration, and fasting blood glucose.
Results: Significant differences were observed across sports. Tennis players demonstrated superior core rotational strength, upper-body power, lower back endurance, and aerobic capacity. Badminton athletes showed higher agility, abdominal endurance, footwork coordination, upper- and lower-body power, speed, flexibility, hemoglobin levels, and lower resting heart rate, aligned with the sport’s high-intensity and rapid directional changes. In contrast, table tennis athletes exhibited comparatively lower physical and physiological outcomes, consistent with the sport’s shorter rallies and restricted playing space.
Conclusions: These findings underscore distinct performance profiles across racket sports and highlight the necessity of tailored training interventions to optimize the physical and physiological capacities of elite athletes.
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