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Galanis, N. MD, PhD1, Farmakiotis, D. MD1, Valavani, E. MD1, Sarris, J. MD, PhD1, Tsiridis, E., MD, PhD1, Sayegh, F. MD, PhD1, Christopoulos, D. MD, PhD2, Papadimitriou, D. MD, PhD2, Kirkos, J., MD, PhD1
1Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
2Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Gennimatas General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
*Contact Corresponding Author: 
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Control of skin blood flow (SkBF) during exercise involves three phases: 1. an initial vasoconstriction response, 2. a thermoregulatory vasodilator phase, and 3. a plateau phase. This study was designed to investigate the above mechanisms in the forearms of tennis players during simulation of a tennis match. SUBJECTS & METHODS: Thirty-two healthy, right-handed, non-professional, male tennis players underwent simulation of a tennis match. SkBF in both forearms was measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) at baseline and after specific time intervals (t=6΄, 19΄30΄΄, 33΄, 46΄30΄΄, 60΄).
RESULTS: We found that SkBF initially increased in both forearms, then, after t=19΄30΄΄, declined reaching a plateau after t=33΄ in the non-dominant and after 46΄30΄΄ in the dominant forearm. The time course of changes in heart rate was similar. In the beginning (t=6΄, 19΄30΄΄), SkBF values were significantly higher in the non-dominant forearm, compared to the dominant one. After approximately 25΄ this difference was reversed, and remained so.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that, similar to what has been shown in other models of dynamic exercise, SkBF in the forearms of tennis players has three phases. An important implication of our data is that the warm-up of tennis players should last at least half an hour. These results could be used towards designing better training programs and reducing overload injuries and burnout syndromes.
Keywords: tennis; skin blood flow; Laser Doppler; exercise physiology[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_single_image img_link_target=”_self” title=”Download full text in PDF” image=”1084″ img_link=”https://panrcy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PANRar_15012.pdf”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]