Taft model improved aerobic capacity of well-trained junior tennis players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Tennis Aerobic Fitness Training (TAFT) model on the aerobic capacity of well-trained junior tennis players. Eight male tennis players averagely aged 15.9 ± 1.6 years were recruited and equally divided into two groups; the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). The EG subjects underwent an intervention period in which they performed the TAFT model for six consecutive weeks. The TAFT model consisted of seven aerobic fitness training program which were conducted in three separate training sessions every week. Meanwhile, the CG subjects performed their regular integrated technical-fitness training with their respective coach. Prior to the intervention period, the subjects from both groups performed a pre-test of maximal graded exercise test in a laboratory to determine their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). All subjects underwent the similar test upon completion of the fourth week (mid-test) and sixth week (post-test) of the intervention period. Findings of this study revealed that the VO2max of the EG subjects improved for approximately 17% after four weeks of intervention. However, no further improvement was observed after the sixth week. On the other hand, no improvement of VO2max was observed for the CG subjects in the mid-test and post-test. Analysis of repeated measure ANOVA found no significant difference of VO2maxbetween all tests in both groups. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that the TAFT model is suitable to be implemented to improve the aerobic capacity of tennis players within six weeks.