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Young UK tennis players 'at risk' Young UK tennis players 'at risk'
(5 days later)
Young British tennis players should spend less time on court because of the danger of spinal damage, a study says.Young British tennis players should spend less time on court because of the danger of spinal damage, a study says.
The study of 33 elite young players by the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital found intensive training was damaging their spines, sometimes irreparably so.The study of 33 elite young players by the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital found intensive training was damaging their spines, sometimes irreparably so.
It is thought top players need to put in about 10,000 hours work over a period of 10 years.It is thought top players need to put in about 10,000 hours work over a period of 10 years.
But the study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, calls for a rethink of how that time is spent.But the study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, calls for a rethink of how that time is spent.
While young Spanish players divide their time equally between training on the court and exercise in the gym, British players, on average, spend 90% of their training time hitting a ball.While young Spanish players divide their time equally between training on the court and exercise in the gym, British players, on average, spend 90% of their training time hitting a ball.
"We need to look at reducing the hours spent during the growth spurt years - typically between 12 and 18," said Dr Michael Turner of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which helped fund the research."We need to look at reducing the hours spent during the growth spurt years - typically between 12 and 18," said Dr Michael Turner of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which helped fund the research.
"But, moreover, we need to think about redistributing the hours between court and gym," he added."But, moreover, we need to think about redistributing the hours between court and gym," he added.
Soul searchingSoul searching
MRI scans of the 33 players, aged between 16 and 23, found spinal problems in 28 of them.MRI scans of the 33 players, aged between 16 and 23, found spinal problems in 28 of them.
Training techniques should be modified to minimise the risk of progressive musculoskeletal damage The reportTraining techniques should be modified to minimise the risk of progressive musculoskeletal damage The report
Abnormalities included spinal disc degeneration and fractures as well as diseased facet joints - joints which help the spine bend backwards.Abnormalities included spinal disc degeneration and fractures as well as diseased facet joints - joints which help the spine bend backwards.
This condition, known as arthropathy, was four to five times more prevalent in the players than in the general population. Spinal damage of this type was four to five times more prevalent in the players than in the general population.
The report said: "Tennis requires considerably more repetitive and rapid rotation and stretching of the lower spine than other sports.The report said: "Tennis requires considerably more repetitive and rapid rotation and stretching of the lower spine than other sports.
"And the increased speed and types of strokes used in modern tennis all boost wear and tear on the lower back."And the increased speed and types of strokes used in modern tennis all boost wear and tear on the lower back.
"Training techniques should be modified to minimise the risk of progressive musculoskeletal damage.""Training techniques should be modified to minimise the risk of progressive musculoskeletal damage."
This would include changing preparation methods to ensure the body is ready to play, as well as spending more time in the gym.This would include changing preparation methods to ensure the body is ready to play, as well as spending more time in the gym.
British tennis has been involved in some serious soul searching after UK competitors this year produced their worst showing at Wimbledon for 17 years.British tennis has been involved in some serious soul searching after UK competitors this year produced their worst showing at Wimbledon for 17 years.