Aerobic Capacity and Exercise Intensity on Different Player Levels in Tennis

The aim of the present study is to compare the aerobic capacity of tennis players and the exercise intensity during a tennis singles match with special reference to the different player levels. Twenty-nine healthy men between the ages 18 and 30 volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were divided with regard to their player (skill) levels into 3 samples with 9 individuals: the recreational level, the regional level and the league level. All players were subjected to an aerobic capacity test (a VO2max Fitness Test) on the motorized treadmill. We measured VO2max when oxygen consumption reached a steady state despite an increase in workload. Measuring heart rate was realized with the monitors Polar RS800 during three tennis matches. The samples of heart rate were stored in 1 second intervals and were transferred to the software ProTrainer 5. The matches were played on 2 sets with opponent from the same player level. The results showed significant differences in VO2max and RHR among the players on the recreational, regional and league level at the 0.01 level of significance (K-W test, χ20.01;2). The best values were in the league players. We found out a significant positive relationship between player levels and heart rate responses - MeHR and % MaxHR at the 0.01 level of significance (K-W test, χ20.01;2). The highest value of mean heart rate during single matches was in league level players. The tennis skill level was a significant factor in aerobic capacity, resting heart rate and the level of exercise intensity in the singles matches. This has implication for the training of tennis players, which should resemble match intensity.