Physical Performance Tests in 8008 Competitive Youth Tennis Players—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Normative Values

Abstract

Normative values for physical performance tests (PTESTs) offer insights into athletes' profiles on strengths and weaknesses to enhance performance and mitigate injury risks. However, such data for youth tennis players have not previously been compiled in a systematic review. We conducted a systematic review of 17 popular PTESTs covering speed, agility, strength, and power in healthy, competitive youth tennis players under the age of 8–18 years. A search for eligible studies indexed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted on the 26^th of March 2023. Forty-five studies (8008 players) were included and meta-analyzed. The analysis accounted for age, sex, and the use of dominant/nondominant sides. Many of the results were associated with a high level of statistical heterogeneity likely due to variations in test procedures. Data for players under the age of 8–10 years were generally lacking, and males were studied more than females. Higher age, male gender, and the use of the dominant side were generally associated with higher performance levels. In male players, the internal rotation of the dominant shoulder appeared to decrease with age, which may lead to injury. The review offers preliminary references for coaches, clinicians, and researchers to identify players' strengths and weaknesses, potentially aiding the enhancement of performance and the prevention of injuries.