Article
The purpose of the research is to comprehensively evaluate and analyze the effects of tennis on physical fitness in children and adolescents.
Methods and organization of the research. The study used a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the effects of tennis on physical fitness in children and adolescents. For this purpose, a systematic search of relevant literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, covering studies published from January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2024. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies. Meta-analytic techniques were employed to assess the effect sizes across studies, aiming to determine the relationship between tennis training and various physical fitness parameters in children and adolescents. After an initial screening of 24 articles/abstracts, six studies were included in the meta-analysis.
Research results and their discussion. The analysis demonstrated that tennis training has a significant positive impact on various key aspects of physical fitness in children and adolescents. Large effect sizes were observed in specific components, such as shuttle run speed (SMD = 1.38), successive jumps on both legs (SMD = 0.98), switching tasks (SMD = 0.92), wall squat strength (SMD = 2.53), 400-meter sprint (SMD = 0.92), and power standing jump distance (SMD = 0.92). Additionally, moderate effect sizes were found in tests assessing cardiovascular endurance, agility, balance, coordination, muscular strength and endurance, indicating widespread physical improvements.
Conclusion. This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of tennis training for children and adolescents, highlighting its significant positive effects on cardiovascular fitness, agility, muscular strength and other fitness parameters. Beyond these physical benefits, tennis training also appears to promote the development of personality traits and cognitive abilities, further emphasizing its holistic value in youth development.
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