Mobility exercises to prevent epicondylitis in tennis players aged 20 to 23

Abstract

Introduction: Both lateral and medial epicondylitis are common injuries in tennis, where mobility is often reduced and can predispose players to their onset and poor prognosis. Objective: To describe the characteristics and patterns of flexibility exercise practice among young tennis players and their relationship with the frequency of elbow pain and satisfaction with the training program. Methodology: a mixed-methods, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, non-experimental design was employed, using Likert-scale surveys to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with epicondylitis in 60 male tennis players aged 20–23 with at least two years of practice. Results: Tennis players spend many hours training and improve their game with mobility exercises, but the high frequency of elbow discomfort suggests that current routines should be modified to prevent injuries. Discussion: The results suggest that there is no association between performing mobility exercises and injury prevention, since elbow discomfort persists despite doing them. Conclusions: It is necessary to improve and individualize mobility exercise programs to make them more effective in treating risk factors for epicondylitis in tennis players.