THE EFFECT OF THE DIFFERENT POSITIONS DURING TENNIS PERFORMANCE ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN

Research objective: Studying the vertebral column morphology in the thoracic , lumbar & sacral sections as well as identifying the incidence of scoliosis in tennis players. Research Sample: 15 players from Sultan Qaboos University tennis Team were chosen by the selective method. Research Methodology & Material :The Spinal Mouse device was used to evaluate the vertebra using descriptive methodology. Research Procedure: Six tests in three positions (Standing ,Flexion and Extension) were done to simulate the physical performance of the sport.Statistical evaluation suitable for the study were used :mean, standard deviation, Spermann and Person correlation factors . Research Results: A higher mean difference in the lumbar areas in the flexion position 48.73 degrees in comparison to the thoracic and sacral area. Meanwhile a higher mean difference for the thoracic and sacral area in the extension position 26.06 & 40.73 degrees consecutively confirmed by Spermann and Person correlation factors. There was no scoliosis in the sample. Research Recommendation: Focusing on strengthening exercises of the abdominal and lower back muscles ensuring the efficacy and stability of the vertebral column. Keywords: different positions - tennis performance - vertebral column morphology