Match activity and physiological load in wheelchair tennis players: a pilot study

Study design: There is a lack of information about the physiological and psychological parameters in competition that shows a comprehensive profile of the demands of the game situation. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the activity patterns and physiological-perceptual responses (heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentrations (LA) and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), respectively, during singles wheelchair tennis (WT) matches. Methods: A total of four WT players played three matches each. HR, LA and RPE were measured during each match. An activity pattern analysis was performed during all matches. Furthermore, LA and RPE were compared between service and return games. Results: The results show a mean (s.d.) total match time of 69.04 (2.3) minutes, an effective playing time of 17.65% (0.03%), a work: rest (W:R) time ratio of 1:4.6 (0.48) and a rally length of 7.04 (4.44) seconds. Most of the points end in three or fewer shots. The mean (s.d.) physiological load during the matches were as follows: HR 124.25 (24.7) beats per minute, %HRmax 66.31% (4.5%), LA 1.41 (0.43) mmol l(-1) and RPE 12.45 (1.91). No significant differences were found in LA and RPE between service and return games (P>0.05). Conclusions: In this descriptive study, match activity and physiological load in WT are described. Match activities are similar to conventional tennis, although the physiological load is lower. Service and return situations show similar physiological and perceptual responses. These results might be used to develop specific interval training protocols for a male WT player.