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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Upper Limb Strength; Upper Limb Power; Upper Limb Serve Velocity
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Upper limb Plyometric Training; Other: Conventional Strength Training

Detailed Description

Tennis performance is highly dependent on the ability to generate force, speed, and coordination, particularly during the serve. Upper-limb strength and power play a crucial role in producing high serve velocity, which is a key determinant of competitive success. Various training approaches have been used to enhance these physical attributes, including traditional resistance training and plyometric training.

Plyometric training focuses on explosive movements that utilize the stretch-shortening cycle, potentially improving neuromuscular efficiency and power output. In contrast, traditional strength training emphasizes muscle force production through controlled resistance exercises. While both approaches are widely used, there is limited comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in improving tennis-specific performance, particularly serve velocity.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of upper-limb plyometric training and strength training on serve velocity, muscular strength, and power in competitive tennis players. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: a plyometric training group and a strength training group. Each group will follow a structured training program for a specified duration under supervised conditions.

Outcome measures will include serve velocity (measured using a radar gun or equivalent device), upper-limb muscular strength (assessed through standardized strength tests), and power (evaluated using validated performance tests). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 46
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Sadaqat Saleem, MS. Sports Physical Therapy; Phone Number: +923489221909; Email: sadaqatsaleem36@gmail.com
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT; Phone Number: 923457170732; Email: hafsah.khattak@uipt.iiui.edu.pk

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Islamabad, Pakistan, 46000
    • Recruiting
    • Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)
    • Contact: Hafsah Gul Khattak, MS-NMPT; Phone Number: 923457170732; Email: hafsah.khattak@uipt.iiui.edu.pk

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Upper-Limb Plyometric Training Group; 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; 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.
Active Comparator: Upper-Limb Strength Training Group; 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; 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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Ibadat International University, Islamabad
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT, Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): May 10, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 10, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 20, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 6, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 6, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): May 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 20, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 17, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Strength Training; Power; Tennis Players; Plyometric Training; Sports Performance; Upper Limb Training; Serve Velocity
• Other Study ID Numbers: IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/04/283

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No