Upper Limb StrengthULPT-STNCT07584941
Effect of Upper-limb Plyometric Training Versus Strength Training for Enhancing Serve Velocity, Strength, and Power in Competitive Tennis Players
A study testing Upper limb Plyometric Training and Conventional Strength Training in people with Upper Limb Strength and Upper Limb Power, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Upper Limb Strength, Upper Limb Power, Upper Limb Serve Velocity
- What is being tested?
- Upper limb Plyometric Training and Conventional Strength Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 May 2026to 20 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)
Islamabad, 46000
Hafsah Gul Khattak, MS-NMPT, 923457170732, hafsah.khattak@uipt.iiui.edu.pk
About this study
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.
Read the 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.
- Being tested
- Upper limb Plyometric Training, Conventional Strength Training
- Keywords
- Plyometric Training, Strength Training, Upper Limb Training, Sports Performance, Tennis Players, Serve Velocity, Power
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Upper limb Plyometric TrainingOther
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.
Conventional Strength TrainingOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Upper-Limb Plyometric Training Group | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Upper limb Plyometric Training |
| Upper-Limb Strength Training Group | Active comparator | 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. Receives: Other: Conventional Strength Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2026
- Study start15 May 2026
- Primary completion10 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Upper Limb StrengthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an upper-limb plyometric training group or a strength training group. Each group will receive its respective intervention over the study duration, and outcomes will be compared between groups.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hafsah Gul Khattak, Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Investigators
- Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT, Principal investigator, IBADAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD (IIUI)
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07584941
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/04/283
- Acronym
- ULPT-ST
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 6 May 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Upper-limb Plyometric Training Versus Strength Training for Enhancing Serve Velocity, Strength, and Power in Competitive Tennis Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07584941
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ULPT-ST / IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/04/283
- Keywords
- Plyometric Training, Strength Training, Upper Limb Training, Sports Performance, Tennis Players, Serve Velocity, Power
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an upper-limb plyometric training group or a strength training group. Each group will receive its respective intervention over the study duration, and outcomes will be compared between groups.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Upper-Limb Plyometric Training Group | Experimental | Other: Upper limb Plyometric TrainingParticipants 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. |
| Upper-Limb Strength Training Group | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Strength TrainingParticipants 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Upper limb Plyometric TrainingA 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. | Other | Upper-Limb Plyometric Training Group |
| Conventional Strength TrainingA 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. | Other | Upper-Limb Strength Training Group |
Primary outcome
Chest Medicine Ball Throw
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
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.
Serve Velocity
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
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.
1 Repetition Maximum
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Hafsah Gul Khattak, DPT, MS-NMPT principal investigator
IBADAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD (IIUI)
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Upper limb Plyometric Training and Conventional Strength Training in people with Upper Limb Strength and Upper Limb Power, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Sadaqat Saleem, MS. Sports Physical Therapy (+923489221909, sadaqatsaleem36@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Chest Medicine Ball Throw (time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Jun 2026.