engleski

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TENNIS PLAYERS AGED 10 TO 12

The objective of this study was to evaluate functional characteristics of very young tennis players in Croatia aged 10 to 12 years. The sample consisted of 29 ten years old boys, 35 eleven and 39 twelve years old boys. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured directly (COSMED) during continuous progressive test, "vita maxima" type, on a treadmill. Beside the absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake, the following variables were measured: oxygen pulse, maximal heart rate and ventilatory threshold. Before the spiroergometric testing anthropometric measurements were taken – body mass and body height as well as basic spirometric values which were measured with Vitalograph spirometer. On average in all three age groups of tennis players are significantly higher than boys who are not engaged in sport activity. They are also above the normative values for for tennis players of the same age in Australia. Basic results of ventilatory function for tennis players at rest – FVC, FEV1 - are far above population average values of similar age and height. In our sample all age groups had absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake values higher than normal population of the same age in Croatia. This data suggest that tennis players even at this age are quite well trained.

tennis; functional abilities; children

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