Large Asymmetric Hypertrophy of Rectus Abdominis Muscle in Professional Tennis Players

Purpose: To determine the volume and degree of asymmetry of the musculus rectus abdominis (RA) in professional tennis players. Methods: The volume of the RA was determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 8 professional male tennis players and 6 non-active male control subjects. Results: Tennis players had 58 % greater RA volume than controls (P = 0.01), due to hypertrophy of both the dominant (34% greater volume, P = 0.02) and non-dominant (82 % greater volume, P = 0.01) sides, after accounting for age, the length of the RA muscle and body mass index (BMI) as covariates. In tennis players, there was a marked asymmetry in the development of the RA, which volume was 35 % greater in the non-dominant compared to the dominant side (P,0.001). In contrast, no sideto-side difference in RA volume was observed in the controls (P = 0.75). The degree of side-to-side asymmetry increased linearly from the first lumbar disc to the pubic symphysis (r = 0.97, P,0.001). Conclusions: Professional tennis is associated with marked hypertrophy of the musculus rectus abdominis, which achieves a volume that is 58 % greater than in non-active controls. Rectus abdominis hypertrophy is more marked in the non-dominant than in the dominant side, particularly in the more distal regions. Our study supports the concept that humans can differentially recruit both rectus abdominis but also the upper and lower regions of each muscle. It remains to b

Prevention Strategies of Shoulder Injuries

Major shoulder injuries, such as those to the labrum and to the rotator cuff, are a growing cause for concern. These injuries can have shown serious consequences for the athlete, in terms of treatment costs, time lost from sport, and increased risk of recurrence. Recent studies have shown that it might be possible to reduce the incidence of shoulder and upper quarter injuries in adults and adolescents by using various training programs. However, this work is multifaceted and must address all the aspects that could be related to the risk of injury (agility, balance, strength, proprioception, awareness of vulnerable shoulder and upper limb positions, and playing technique). A multifactorial approach should be used to account for all the variables involved, which are internal and external risk factor as well as the inciting event (the injury mechanism). Integrating shoulder and core exercises can address potential and present musculoskeletal dysfunction while serving as an effective program aimed at improving skill and preventing further recurrence or new trauma