The Data Is In: Tennis Best for Musculoskeletal Health

Playing tennis is more effective at preventing musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions than going to the gym.

That’s the conclusion of a recent study (“The Musculoskeletal Health Benefits of Tennis”) published in the journal, Sports Health. “Tennis players displayed significantly greater upper body MSK function than nonplayers when cluster scores of body fat percentage, handgrip strength, and flexor carpi radialis fatigue were compared by analysis of covariance, using age as a covariate (tennis players, 0.33 ± 1.93 vs nonplayers, −0.26 ± 1.66; P < 0.05).”

“Similarly, tennis players also demonstrated greater lower extremity function in a cluster of body fat percentage, knee extension strength, and rectus femoris fatigue (tennis players, 0.17 ± 1.76 vs nonplayers, −0.16 ± 1.70; P < 0.05).”

The “…improved MSK functionality in tennis players when compared with age-matched healthy active nonplayers…” was thought to be the result of the “…hybrid high-intensity interval training nature of tennis.”

The study, led by Matthew Jackson, BSc, MSc, PhD, an exercise physiologist, was conducted at Liverpool Hope University. Ninety participants took part in the study. There were 43 tennis players (18 men, 25 women) and 47 nonplayers (26 men, 21 women).

“MSK function was assessed by cluster analysis of 3 factors: (1) electromyographic fatigability of prime movers during handgrip, knee extension, and knee flexion; (2) isometric strength in the aforementioned movements; and (3) body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Maximal oxygen uptake was also assessed to characterize cardiorespiratory fitness.”

The relevance to musculoskeletal providers is that the findings suggest that tennis “is an excellent activity mode to promote MSK health and should therefore be more frequently recommended as a viable alternative to existing physical activity guidelines.”

Jackson says in the Sports Health article that there’s something unique about tennis that makes it so beneficial. Former tennis champion, Bjorn Borg described tennis as a thousand short sprints.

Jackson added that as we age, we lose muscle mass and bone mineral density over time. “It happens to all of us. But when you reach 50 years old, the process accelerates much quicker and we need to target and advise this demographic about the dangers.”

“Lots of people are active in their younger years but by the time they reach their 40s, they’re giving up and often go a decade or so without doing anything. And we want to get people in those age groups as active as possible to avoid things like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and sarcopenia—as being inactive is likely to make you obese, which can exacerbate the symptoms of all three.”

“Tennis is great as an all-round sport. It targets the cardiovascular system but also improves your muscle mass and you bone mineral density because it’s a weight-bearing sport that incorporates aspects of power and strength. Equally important is the social aspect of playing tennis – and if you enjoy it, you’re more likely to keep doing it.”

One last thing, the National Institutes of Health names tennis as one of the weight-bearing activities well suited to building strong bones.

Eric Clapton and his supergroup Cream also had some good advice about tennis in 1968. Enjoy.