Playing tennis can lead to…
Playing tennis can lead to healthier bones, greater range of motion, increased cognitive function, and greater longevity than with any other sport.
In National Geographic August 2024 issue, Daryl Austin delves into the unique physical and mental health benefits of tennis, highlighting how the sport not only enhances longevity but also bolsters cardiovascular health and cognitive function. We can’t share the article so we have summarised the information below, the references are from the USA however everything is relevant to Australia and tennis around the world.
Brian Hainline, president of the United States Tennis Association, captures the essence of tennis, describing it as a sport that embodies “the power, grace, intellect, wit, balance, speed, joy, sorrow, and sheer determination of human beings.” Beyond its visual and participatory appeal, tennis offers profound health benefits, making it a standout activity for overall well-being.
One of the most compelling advantages of tennis is its impact on life expectancy. According to Danish cardiologist Peter Schnohr, who led the 25-year Copenhagen City Heart Study, tennis players enjoy an extraordinary increase in longevity compared to participants in other sports. The study found that while soccer players extended their lives by 4.7 years, cyclists by 3.7 years, swimmers by 3.4 years, and joggers by 3.2 years, tennis players saw an astonishing 9.7-year increase in life expectancy. Schnohr attributes this remarkable finding to the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits of tennis, combined with the social interaction the sport encourages. Social support, he notes, is a critical factor in reducing the risk of early mortality.
From a cardiovascular perspective, tennis stands out for its high-intensity bursts of activity followed by brief periods of rest. Rami Hashish, a physical therapist at the National Biomechanics Institute, explains that this pattern mimics prolonged moderate-intensity exercise, which is highly beneficial for heart health. Regular tennis play has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve resting heart rate, and enhance lipid profiles, leading to a significantly reduced risk of heart disease. Jessica Schwartz, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association, notes that engaging in tennis regularly can lower the risk of heart disease by as much as 56%.
In addition to these physical benefits, tennis also promotes brain health. The sport requires continuous strategic planning, quick decision-making, and adaptability, all of which stimulate cognitive function. Megan Holmes, director of the Physical Activity and Wellness Laboratory at Mississippi State University, emphasizes that the repeated movements in tennis increase the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuroplasticity and helps prevent cognitive decline. The sport also improves memory function, eye movement tracking, and reaction times, giving tennis players an edge over non-active individuals in terms of cognitive abilities.
Beyond these benefits, tennis also significantly reduces stress, depression, and anxiety. Research shows that tennis players experience lower levels of these mental health challenges compared to those who do not play, underscoring the sport’s holistic impact on well-being.
For those interested in reaping the benefits of tennis, experts like Rami Hashish advise starting with the basics: understanding the rules, acquiring the right equipment, and learning proper techniques. Investing in a high-quality racket and supportive tennis shoes is essential for both performance and injury prevention. Schwartz also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, staying hydrated, and avoiding play in unsafe conditions to prevent injuries.
Leslie Echols, an associate professor at Missouri State University, serves as an inspiring example of how tennis can be embraced at any age. She began playing tennis at 40 and considers it one of the best decisions of her life, planning to continue playing well into her later years.
In summary, Austin’s article in National Geographic highlights the multifaceted benefits of tennis, making it clear that the sport not only enhances physical fitness but also supports mental health, cardiovascular function, and longevity.
Pictured Andrew Kratzmann Head Coach The Tennis Hive
Photo Credit Jack Riddiford Creative https://www.facebook.com/jackdriddiford.creative
