Elastic Band Exercises With Blood Flow Restriction Technique in Tennis Players

Considering that therabant (elastic band) training combined with blood flow restriction exercises can be an effective training program for achieving muscle hypertrophy in practical applications, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of elastic band exercises integrated with blood flow restriction applied to the upper extremities on grip strength, upper extremity muscle strength, and selected performance parameters in elite tennis players. Tennis is a sport that requires high levels of upper extremity strength, grip strength, coordination, speed, and agility. Therefore, improving performance and ensuring safe strength gains for athletes is important. In recent years, blood flow restriction has attracted attention because it provides muscle strength and hypertrophy gains similar to high-intensity resistance exercises, even with low loads. Elastic band exercises are widely used because they are economical, portable, and applicable to different age groups. This prospective randomized controlled trial will include 30 elite tennis players aged 13-18 who have been licensed to play tennis at Antalya Tennis Specialization and Sports Club for at least 3 months and regularly attend training sessions. Participants will be randomly assigned to study and control groups. The study group will perform upper extremity exercises with elastic bands twice a week for 8 weeks under occlusion, using 7 cm wide pneumatic cuffs applied to the proximal arm at 30% of arterial occlusion pressure. The control group will perform the same elastic band exercises twice a week for 8 weeks without occlusion. Grip strength, upper extremity muscle strength, speed, agility, and sport-specific performance parameters will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The aim of the study is to determine whether elastic band exercises supported by blood flow restriction contribute to strength and performance development in tennis players. This research is expected to provide a scientific contribution to the planning of upper extremity strength training in tennis players and the use of blood flow restriction methods in the field of athletic performance. The findings are expected to contribute to scientific and clinical applications in the fields of sports physiotherapy, performance enhancement, and athlete rehabilitation.