Biomechanics of Serves and Punches: The Kinematic Chain and Shoulder/Elbow Load Control

Citation: Danilov Savriyan, "Biomechanics of Serves and Punches: The Kinematic Chain and Shoulder/Elbow Load Control", Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences, Volume 03, Issue 03.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the biomechanics of the tennis serve based on the principle of the kinematic chain and on contemporary approaches to monitoring loads on the structures of the upper limb in the context of the professional tour of 2024–2025. The relevance of the stated issues is determined by a pronounced tendency toward increasing injury incidence: according to available information, among elite-level athletes the frequency of injuries reaches 3.3 cases per 365 days, whereas disorders of the shoulder complex and the wrist continue to occupy leading positions among the causes of prolonged loss of competitive performance capacity. Thus, a need is identified for a more precise integration of field biomechanical characteristics of real movement with predictive algorithms for load management, in particular with models based on the acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR), which the present work seeks to provide. The methodological framework is formed through a system analysis of the results of other studies, comparison of data obtained using wearable inertial measurement units (IMU), as well as synthesis of materials from specialized consulting organizations (Deloitte, McKinsey). The analysis shows that an increase in the knee flexion amplitude to the range of 15–20° is associated with a reduction in the peak torque acting on the shoulder joint by approximately 18%, which underscores the importance of the lower links of the kinematic chain as a mechanism for redistributing loads. In addition, it is demonstrated that maintaining the ACWR index within the interval of 0.8–1.3 correlates with minimizing the probability of developing tendinopathies, thereby supporting the appropriateness of applying controlled regimes of training exposure under high competitive volumes. Separately, the contribution of digital monitoring tools and structured mentoring programs (illustrated by the practices of Max Performance Tennis) to improving adherence to load-control regulations and preventive protocols is discussed. Overall, the formulated provisions set an applied vector for optimizing serve technique and reducing the risk of chronic overload conditions, representing practical significance for coaching staff specialists, sports medicine, and biomechanical support, as well as for professional tennis players focused on maintaining competitive effectiveness and extending athletic career longevity.

Keywords: Tennis Biomechanics, Kinematic Chain, Tennis Serve, Shoulder Loads, Elbow Varus Moment, ACWR, Wearable Technologies, Sports Medicine, Load Management.

https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulmhs.2025.0303014