Effect of Upper-limb Plyometric Training Versus Strength Training for Enhancing Serve Velocity, Strength, and Power in Competitive Tennis Players

NCT07584941 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/04/283
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 46
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of upper-limb plyometric training and traditional strength training on serve velocity, muscular strength, and power in competitive tennis players. Serve velocity is a critical performance factor in tennis, and optimizing upper-limb function is essential for enhancing performance. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a plyometric training group or a strength training group. Both groups will undergo structured training programs over a defined intervention period. Outcome measures, including serve velocity, upper-limb strength, and power, will be assessed at baseline and after the completion of the intervention. The findings of this study will help determine the most effective training approach for improving performance in tennis players and may guide coaches, athletes, and rehabilitation professionals in designing evidence-based training programs.

Conditions

Upper Limb Strength; Upper Limb Power; Upper Limb Serve Velocity

Keywords

Plyometric Training; Strength Training; Upper Limb Training; Sports Performance; Tennis Players; Serve Velocity; Power

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Chest Medicine Ball Throw

  The seated chest medicine ball throw (SMBT) will be used to assess upper limb explosive power following standardized protocols from previous research. Participants sat with their back supported and feet flat on the floor, then performed maximal effort chest pass throws using a medicine ball (3 kg). After a warm up, each participant completed two to three trials with 1-2 minutes of rest, the distance from the chest to the first point of ball contact will be measured in meters; the longest throw or the mean of the best trials was recorded as the upper limb power score.

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• Serve Velocity

  Serve velocity will be measured using a handheld sports radar gun positioned approximately 2-3 meters behind the baseline and aligned with the ball's flight path to minimize measurement error. Following a standardized warm-up protocol, each participant will perform 5-10 maximal-effort flat serves from the deuce court using the dominant arm. Only serves landing within the service box will be considered valid. Adequate rest intervals will be provided between trials to minimize fatigue effects. The radar gun will record peak ball velocity immediately after ball release. The mean of the best three valid serves will be used for statistical analysis.

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• 1 Repetition Maximum

  Upper-limb muscular strength will be assessed using the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press test. Participants will perform a standardized general warm-up followed by specific warm-up sets at 50%, 70%, and 85% of their estimated 1RM. The test will begin with a load close to the estimated 1RM, and participants will attempt to lift the weight once using correct technique. If successful, the load will be progressively increased, with 3-5 minutes of rest between attempts, until the participant fails to complete a successful lift with proper form. The highest weight successfully lifted will be recorded as the 1RM and used as the measure of maximal upper-limb strength.

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Upper-Limb Plyometric Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will undergo an upper-limb plyometric training program designed to improve explosive strength and power. The program will include exercises such as medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and overhead throws. Training sessions will be conducted three times per week for six weeks under supervision, with progressive intensity based on participant performance.

Other: Upper limb Plyometric Training

Upper-Limb Strength Training Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will perform a traditional upper-limb strength training program aimed at improving muscular strength. The program will include resistance exercises such as bench press, shoulder press, and resistance band training. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for six weeks under supervision, with progressive overload applied throughout the intervention period.

Other: Conventional Strength Training

Interventions

Upper limb Plyometric Training OTHER

A supervised upper-limb plyometric training program designed to enhance explosive power through stretch-shortening cycle activities. The intervention includes medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and reactive upper-limb drills performed with progressive intensity over 8 weeks. The program targets rapid force production and neuromuscular coordination relevant to tennis serve performance.

Upper-Limb Plyometric Training Group

Conventional Strength Training OTHER

A supervised upper-limb resistance training program aimed at improving maximal muscle strength and stability. The intervention includes structured resistance exercises targeting the shoulder, arm, and scapular muscles with progressive overload over 8 weeks. The program focuses on controlled force production to support tennis-specific performance.

Upper-Limb Strength Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age 18-30 years (male tennis players).
• Currently training/competing in tennis ≥3 sessions/week.
• Minimum of 4 years of systematic tennis training experience
• Provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Recent musculoskeletal surgery
• Upper-limb (shoulder/elbow) or lower-limb injury that limits training in past 6 months.
• Participation in structured strength or agility programs outside routine tennis training
• Neurological or cardiovascular disorders or other medical condition contraindicating high-intensity exercise

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)

Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT

  IBADAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD (IIUI)

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Sadaqat Saleem, MS. Sports Physical Therapy

CONTACT

+923489221909; sadaqatsaleem36@gmail.com

Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT

CONTACT

923457170732; hafsah.khattak@uipt.iiui.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an upper-limb plyometric training group or a strength training group. Each group will receive its respective intervention over the study duration, and outcomes will be compared between groups.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an upper-limb plyometric training group or a strength training group. Each group will receive its respective intervention over the study duration, and outcomes will be compared between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 6, 2026
• First Posted: May 13, 2026
• Study Start: May 10, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 10, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 20, 2026
• Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)