The explosive nature and fast-paced gameplay in badminton often leave players with reduced ground contact preparation time after executing a jump smash. This study aims to investigate the relationship between jump height, smash performance (shuttlecock speed, racket speed, smash angle, shuttlecock-contact height, absolute shuttlecock-racket impact location), and landing parameters (ground reaction force, impulse, landing time, lower limb joints kinematics) during badminton jump smashes. Kinematic and kinetic data of 21 male sub-elite junior badminton players were collected simultaneously for each jump smash trial using 18 Qualisys cameras and 3 Kistler force plates. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that higher jumps increased shuttlecock-contact height (p=0.020) and resulted in steeper shuttlecock angles (p=0.025), enhancing smash effectiveness. However, greater jump heights also correlated with higher peak landing vertical ground reaction forces (absolute, p=0.013; normalised, p=0.023), shorter time to peak force (p=0.013), and greater landing impulse at 50 ms (p=0.003), indicating increased injury risk due to higher impact loads. Players achieving greater jump heights landed with a more extended knee (p=0.023), greater knee external rotation (p=0.001), and increased lateral trunk flexion toward the racket side (p=0.001). The findings suggest that while higher jumps improve smash performance by allowing steeper shots, they also place knee at more extended position and potentially impose greater stress on the lower limbs during landing. Coaches should prioritise proper landing techniques to mitigate injury risks while maintaining performance benefits. Future research should explore the landing mechanics for different types of smashes i.e., jump-out smash to mitigate injury risks.
This study utilized the “double three-phase” method to analyze the technical and tactical performance of elite table tennis player Wang Chuqin during the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships. A total of 16 matches were analyzed using video observation to record tactical statistics across three match stages (opening, middle, and final) and three technical phases (serve-and-attack, receive-and-attack, and rally). The analysis revealed that Wang Chuqin exhibited a consistently high scoring rate in the serve-and-attack phase across all match stages. In the opening stage, while rally play had the highest usage rate, the serve-and-attack phase yielded the highest scoring efficiency. During the middle and final stages, his primary scoring weapon remained the serve-and-attack, characterized by high-quality spin and varied placement that pressured opponents. However, his performance in rallies was more passive, particularly in high-stakes matches where his scoring rate declined significantly when forced into extended exchanges. Wang Chuqin is classified as a highly effective offensive player whose success is heavily predicated on the first three strokes. The double three-phase method proved to be a systematic tool for establishing a performance baseline and identifying specific tactical vulnerabilities in elite competition.
This study aimed to compare body composition and aerobic capacity across sex and competitive levels, and to examine the relationships between body composition (BMI and fat percentage) and aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) among sub-elite youth badminton athletes. This research utilized a cross-sectional design, sampling on state-level athletes with (males n=22; females n=15); aged (10–16 years). The athletes underwent anthropometric measurements for the BMI, fat percentage and aerobic testing (VO2 max estimated via 2.4 km Cooper Run). The results revealed a significant gender disparity with males exhibiting higher VO2 max (52.37 vs 48.12 ml/kg/min) and lower fat percentages (11.73% vs. 22.50%) compared to females. A moderate positive correlation between BMI and VO2 max was observed in males (r = 0.412, p = 0.029), but no significant associations emerged for fat percentage or among females. The competitive levels (Podium, Elite, Trial) did not show any significant associations with body composition in relation to VO2 max, with podium athletes displaying the highest aerobic capacity (52.56 ml/kg/min) despite marginally higher BMI and fat percentage. These findings suggest that while sex and competitive level influence aerobic performance, body composition variables play showed a limited association with aerobic capacity among youth badminton athletes. In conclusion, the study highlighted the Sport-specific training adaptations and physiological factors may exert a stronger influence on aerobic fitness than anthropometric characteristics alone.
Tennis-related elbow pain is commonly attributed to lateral epicondylitis, although several other disorders may produce similar symptoms, including medial epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis, and peripheral nerve loading or entrapment syndromes. The aim of this paper is to analyze painful elbow conditions in tennis players that may be mistaken for lateral epicondylitis and to identify possible biomechanical and technical trigger mechanisms associated with tennis practice. The study is based on a narrative analysis of the literature, integrated with considerations from functional anatomy and tennis technique. Particular attention is given to movement patterns that may increase tensile, shear, compressive, or neural stress at the elbow. From a practical perspective, the findings highlight the importance of differential diagnosis and suggest that technical optimization, load management, and multidisciplinary evaluation may contribute to reducing the risk of elbow pathologies in tennis players, especially in amateur athletes.
Recent advances of artificial intelligence, data science, sensors and wearable technologies have fostered the emergence of an increasing number of tools, services and approaches for collecting and processing sports data by promising information that can be used to improve athletes’ performance in a variety of contexts. Recent sports research publications indicate a trend on topics related to artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision for data acquisition and analysis. However, this trend also raises questions from practitioners and researchers that are not familiar with the underlying concepts and technologies of such tools and approaches since their experience and education are mostly focused on the sports domain. Some of such questions are: what is the difference between these aforementioned technologies and techniques? What are common mistakes and caveats when trying to apply them in practice? Which of them better fits to overcome the challenges related to sports science from data collection to its analysis? With those questions in mind, this paper aims to provide an overview of the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence and statistical data analysis, with a particular focus on their application to badminton-related challenges. We cover from classic statistics-based analysis to state-of-the-art deep learning models, addressing issues such as data acquisition and processing, and the limitations of each technique. We also discuss the interpretation of complex data outputs, since users must be aware of the limitations and potential biases of the algorithms to ensure that the insights provided by the results are relevant. We aim this knowledge can empower sports professionals to make informed decisions and effectively leverage technology to improve athletic performance and sports organizations.
Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, with over 20% of the United States population participating annually. An exercise-based warm-up program is a primary target for injury prevention in sports. To guide the development of a pickleball-specific warm-up and recovery program, we examined specific constructs (e.g., injury prevention perceptions, warm-up knowledge, practices and preferences) in players across the United States. We surveyed United States-based pickleball players (≥18 years, playing ≥1x/month). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression explored injury prevention practices, and best-worst scaling identified preferred warm-up components. A total of 1758 pickleball players (mean age: 62.7±13.0 years; 55.3% women) completed the survey. 83.8% of players rated injury prevention as highly important. Many (80.2%) reported low-to-moderate knowledge, and few (22.9%) had injury prevention training. While 60.1% regularly engaged in warm-up, 32.0% included static stretching in their warm-up. Players relied on online sources (27.2%) and healthcare professionals (18.5%) for injury prevention information. Older players (≥65 years) were more likely to use static stretching (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.47; p = 0.042). The most influential attributes for an “ideal” warm-up participation were "research evidence-based" (score = 387), "takes less than 5 minutes to complete" (score = 371), and "contributes to performance" (score = 273). The least preferred option was "two levels of exercise progression" (score = -83). Most pickleball players value injury prevention but have limited knowledge. Static stretching, an ineffective means of warm-up, is a common practice among pickleball players. This study establishes baseline data on warm-up preferences for a pickleball-specific warm-up.
We aimed to compare tactical characteristics in professional men´s tennis doubles by notational analysis of two historical samples of matches collected at least 20 years apart. Samples were taken either between 1985 and 1990 (D<1990: 57 matches, 9.305 points, 34.428 strokes) or in 2011 (D>2010: 8 matches, 1.002 points, 4.297 strokes) during official ATP tournaments. Players were internationally ranked (D<1990: 76 ± 89; D>2010: 102 ± 91) and all matches were played on clay courts following ITF rules. Notational analysis was done by tagging video recordings following the same self-programmed notation software model. Absolute and percentage numbers of stroke rates, winners, and errors as well as specific tactics for services (e. g. Serve & Volley), returns (e. g. Chip & Charge), volleys and groundstrokes (e. g. positioning) were analysed. Coding was done by two experienced tennis coaches. Interrater reliability was calculated by Cohen ́s Kappa and items with r < 0.9 were excluded. Differences between D<1990 and D>2010 were calculated by independent t-tests. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Rally length (3.7±0.3 vs. 4.2±0.5 strokes per point, p<0.001) increased significantly from D<1990 to D>2010. The percentage of serves (32.5±3.9 vs. 23.8±3.5 %) and volleys (25.1±4.0 vs. 17.3±5.7 %) decreased while the percentage of groundstrokes increased over time (8.8±3.6 vs. 26.9±7.0 %) (p<0.001). Serve & Volley application was reduced to one third in D>2010 (98.7±2.0 % vs 33.9±33.4 %) with a high individual variation. Positioning of Returns (more often behind the baseline) and volleys (shorter distance to the net) changed in D>2010 (p<0.001). Tactical characteristics in men´s tennis doubles completely changed within a time frame of 20 years mainly attributed to a decreased Serve & Volley application from most but not from all double players. The current variability in technical and tactical demands must be considered by individualized coaching guidelines.
Background: The assessment of technical skills as part of a multidimensional approach for talent identification and development in table tennis appears promising. The O3T was developed to assess young table tennis players’ technical skills in a highly representative match situation. In this study, two expert coaches (highest coaching license, 25+ years of professional experience) used the O3T to assess the technical skills of 24 young Dutch table tennis players (9 girls, 15 boys; <12 years) based on video recordings. Results: Results for variables ‘technical quality’, ‘serve quantity’ and ‘stroke quantity’ were analyzed to assess the O3T’s reliability (both inter- and intra-rater), construct validity and feasibility. Bland-Altman-plots and ICCs showed sufficient general reliability with acceptable measurement errors. Variable ‘technical quality’ showed a moderate relationship (r = .44) with overall table tennis performance at T0 in combination with an increasing trend over time, this way indicating high validity. Finally, the O3T proved to be highly feasible with some possibility to improve based on a feasibility questionnaire. Conclusions: Overall, this study presents good prospects for the O3T’s measurements properties. In future, the O3T should be used by coaches in various (talent) contexts to further improve its design and to show its added value for talent activities. Furthermore, this approach could be transferred to other performance aspects and sports.
In table tennis, servers have the potential advantage of scoring bias when serving. However, the length of the scoring bias, i.e. the shot number where any bias is eliminated, has not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the level and length of scoring bias occurring at services in table tennis. We analysed 45 men’s singles matches (3,665 rallies) and 29 women’s singles matches (2,352 rallies) from the 2012 London Olympic games and 49 men’s singles matches (4,404 rallies) and 31 women’s singles matches (2,320 rallies) from the 2016 Rio Olympic games. The statistical analysis revealed that services generate a low scoring phase at the second shot and slightly high scoring phase at the third shot. Moreover, the level of the scoring bias became trivial after the third shot, although a small scoring bias could remain. Players should therefore be cautious of a scoring bias until the third shot. In the gender comparison, the scoring bias observed in matches of male players was larger than that of female players up to the third shot. This result indicates that male players are more likely to take advantage of service than female players. In the winner/loser comparison, it was found that losers use the service to create scoring bias as effectively as winners do. Losers’ inferior skills and tactics in the shots after services were the major factor in the difference in the occurrence of missed shots between winners and losers. Finally, we found that the performance of each shot number should be analysed separately up to the third shot, as the remaining effect of the service is remarkably different among shot numbers. The results of this study contribute important suggestions to the conventional methods of performance analysis that empirically separate a rally into three phases.
The aim of the study was to analyze the validity of three well-known commercial sensors (Zepp1, Zepp2 and Qlipp) by comparing the speed data they provide with a speed radar and a 3D photogrammetric system. Thirteen tennis players of different levels were part of the present study: In the first experiment, performed in the tennis field, 4 players executed a total of 77 strokes (serves and groundstrokes), in the groundstrokes using a ball throwing machine to standardize throws at a speed of 70 km/h and with the minimum spin effect allowed by the machine. The ball speed measured with the Zepp1 sensor and with the Qlipp sensor was compared with the speed recorded by a radar (Stalker Pro II, USA) and with a photogrammetric system composed by 4 USB cameras (ELP, China) recording at 100 Hz. The ball and the end of the racket frame were digitized on the video using the freeware Kinovea and their real 3D coordinates were obtained by applying the DLT algorithm, using the Kinemat tool in the mathematical analysis software GNU Octave. The velocity was calculated by deriving the 3D coordinates using a fifth degree spline. In the second experiment, performed inside the laboratory, 9 players executed 20 forehand and backhands each one (n = 360 groundstrokes). Ball speed was computed with the Zepp2 device and with an highly accurate photogrammetric device (Qualisys), considered as the reference. The data of the present work indicate that the hitting kinematics of each player and the speed of the stroke affects the accuracy of the sensor, so further studies are required to evaluate the error in players of different levels and playing styles. The Zepp1 and Zepp2 inertial sensors evaluated in this work seem adequate to measure ball speed in intra-subject studies and the Lin CCC values in the first study and the adjusted values in the second study were almost all greater than 0.75.
In tennis, performance analysis has advanced primarily as notational analysis. And analytical techniques markedly advanced, particularly in the fields of notational analysis and match analysis. In tennis, the Hawk-Eye system was introduced to tour tournaments in 2002. It has recently become used for player tracking and post-match analysis, there are a number of papers using Hawk-Eye data. Along with the development such measuring devices, technologies for analysis of a vast amount of data collected with these devices (big data) have also been developed. In particular, analysis by machine learning using AI was developed in the field of engineering, and it is also increasingly adopted in the field of sports. In the present review, we aimed to clarify the direction of research on performance analysis of tennis by organizing the trend of studies of performance analysis after 2000 with particular attention to the methods of data collection in the hope of furthering the development of this field. As a result of search of reports concerning performance analysis of tennis published after 2000 with particular interest in data collection methods, 90 papers were retrieved. The papers were classified into primary and secondary data collection, and subclassified into six categories, i.e., tracking, video recording, data mining, observations of coaches, websites, and broadcasting. This review of the papers in different categories may aid in developing future directions of research in the field of performance analysis in tennis.
This study aimed to validate the lower limb muscle activation, estimated using static optimization against electromyography (EMG), in the topspin forehand and backhand strokes. The secondary purpose was to compare the estimated activations of the major muscles/muscle groups between the forehand and backhand strokes. Eight male college table tennis players hit the cross-court topspin forehands and backhands with maximum effort. Stroke motions and ground reaction forces were measured using a motion capture system and two force plates. The EMG signals of the 16 lower-limb muscles were recorded using a wireless EMG system. The static optimization algorithm of OpenSim was applied to stroke motions to estimate lower limb muscle activation, which was compared to EMG activation. Of the seven muscles that showed maximum activation > 0.3 during the forehand, five showed a Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.3 Of the four muscles that showed maximum activation > 0.3 during the backhand, all four showed a Pearson correlation coefficient >0.3. However, some muscles, such as the bilateral gluteus medius muscles, showed a low correlation between estimated and EMG activation. A possible cause is the co-contraction of the relevant muscles. Concordance correlation coefficients were smaller than their respective Pearson correlation coefficients. This result reflects that EMG envelope (activation) is also an estimate of muscle activation and is subject to noise and confounding factors. Comparisons with additional independent measurements, such as ultrasound muscle images and instrumented joint loading, are necessary for more robust validation of the musculoskeletal modeling and muscle activation. The gluteus maximus and hamstrings on the playing side, and rectus femoris on the non-playing side exhibited higher activation during the forehand than during the backhand. The overall results suggest that the static optimization algorithm can adequately estimate lower-limb muscle activity during the topspin forehand and backhand strokes.
Radar doppler and inertial measurement unit are often used to analyze the projectile velocity. The aim of the present study was to analyse the reliability and validity of a specifically motion sensor (named: Zepp Tennis) and a radar (Doppler-radar gun) for measuring projectile velocity. Thirty-four (novice, intermediate and expert) stroke badminton smash in a located target. Projectile velocity from five smashes were extracted using Zepp Tennis and Doppler-radar gun data. Between reproducibility of measures was determined by comparing the two sessions. Zepp Tennis and Doppler-radar gun measures were compared with high-frequency video data to establish validity. Both instruments were highly reproducible between trials at different velocity (intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.88-0.94 for radar and 0.78-0.89 for motion sensor). In addition, the positioning of the radar (front of the projectile and angulation) and the placement of the motion sensor and the complexity of the movement (forearm extension and pronation) affect the reproducibility. In terms of validity, radar and motion sensor provides an accurate measure but underestimate projectile velocity (-9.7% and -13.6% respectively).
The compilation of stats by performance analysis is common in matches with top professional tennis players. However, outside the top level such objectively evaluated stats and feedback for players are rare. With this in mind, we developed an original method that asks players to subjectively evaluate the match stats. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of subjective stats in tennis. The participants were 30 male collegiate athletes, including some who had participated in national-level competitions. The participants played a 6-game, 1-set practice match, and immediately after the match subjectively evaluated the stats of key performance indicators such as percentages, number of shots, and rally patterns. Objective stats were aggregated using video clips recorded by a digital camera or smartphone. Based on Bland-Altman plots show that subjectively evaluating their own performance indicators helped to confirm the objective stats. Although some variables showed fixed or proportional biases, the mean differences were not significant (percentage of first serve in: 1.733% points; double faults: 0.400 times; net plays: -0.767 times; unforced errors: -2.133 times). These findings support the implementation of a subjective evaluation of key performance indicators in tennis players who might have difficulty incorporating objective evaluations.
This paper considers a common tournament design in doubles pickleball where N players compete across n matches. The research question involves the assignment of partners and opponents over the n matches. It is demonstrated that a particular design for the practical tournament corresponding to N=16 and n=5 has the desirable property that each player will either compete with or against every other player exactly once. Commentary is provided for other choices of N and n.
We aimed to compare tactical characteristics in professional men´s tennis doubles by notational analysis of two historical samples of matches collected at least 20 years apart. Samples were taken either between 1985 and 1990 (D<1990: 57 matches, 9.305 points, 34.428 strokes) or in 2011 (D>2010: 8 matches, 1.002 points, 4.297 strokes) during official ATP tournaments. Players were internationally ATP Ranking (D<1990: 76 ± 89; D>2010: 102 ± 91) and all matches were played on clay courts following ITF rules. Notational analysis was done by tagging video recordings following the same self-programmed notation software model. Absolute and percentage numbers of stroke rates, winners, and errors as well as specific tactics for services (e. g. Serve & Volley), returns (e. g. Chip & Charge), volleys and groundstrokes (e. g. positioning) were analysed. Coding was done by two experienced tennis coaches. Interrater reliability was calculated by Cohen’s Kappa and items with r < 0.9 were excluded. Differences between D<1990 and D>2010 were calculated by independent t-tests. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Rally length (3.7±0.3 vs. 4.2±0.5 strokes per point, p<0.001) increased significantly from D<1990 to D>2010. The percentage of serves (32.5±3.9 vs. 23.8±3.5 %) and volleys (25.1±4.0 vs. 17.3±5.7 %) decreased while the percentage of groundstrokes increased over time (8.8±3.6 vs. 26.9±7.0 %) (p<0.001). Serve & Volley application was reduced to one third in D>2010 (98.7±2.0 % vs 33.9±33.4 %) with a high individual variation. Positioning of Returns (more often behind the baseline) and volleys (shorter distance to the net) changed in D>2010 (p<0.001). Tactical characteristics in men´s tennis doubles completely changed within a time frame of 20 years mainly attributed to a decreased Serve & Volley application from most but not from all double players. The current variability in technical and tactical demands must be considered by individualized coaching guidelines.
This study aims to identify and analyze momentum shifts in tennis, developing a data-driven model to quantify and predict these shifts and assess their influence on match outcomes. Using data from 6 tournaments, including 564 matches and over 135,000 points, this study constructed a momentum calculation model integrating 14 weighted match factors such as point progression, server advantage, and player ranking differences. The model incorporates adjustments for set discontinuities and initial momentum based on player rankings to enhance predictive accuracy. Following data processing and validation, a Kappa consistency test was performed on the 2023 Wimbledon Championship data, yielding a high alignment with actual outcomes (Kappa = 0.96). Using a Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) regression model, the study achieved a high accuracy in predicting momentum shifts, identifying key variables such as serve advantage and score gaps as primary indicators of performance dynamics. This model further revealed that players' momentum tends to stabilize at critical points, such as 40:30, while fluctuating more at disadvantageous scores. These findings highlight the model's utility for pre-match analysis, enabling detailed insights into opponents' tactical patterns and psychological responses under varying score conditions. Overall, this momentum model provides valuable applications for enhancing player preparation and in-game strategic adjustments, offering coaches and players a quantifiable tool to interpret and influence match outcomes.
Studies have shown the importance of sleep on tennis skill execution; however, its influence on physical performance metrics is unclear. This study aimed to examine the extent to which sleep duration and sleep quality metrics influence physical performance metrics in junior tennis players. Thirty-six junior tennis players from Australia and Germany completed the Consensus Sleep Diary over seven nights. A novel total sleep score based on current National Sleep Foundation recommendations was generated (calculated as the percentage of the average standardised sleep metrics), for each player. Players physical performance was measured using a comprehensive tennis-specific testing battery. This included sit and reach test for flexibility, counter movement jump and overhead medicine ball throw for power, 5-, 10- and 20-metre sprints for speed, tennis agility test for agility and reaction time, grip strength for strength, repeat sprint ability for anaerobic capacity and the Hit and Turn Tennis Test for aerobic capacity. Teenage (14 to 17 years of age) players reported significantly lower sleep duration (471 ± 116 min versus 543 ± 72 min; p <0.001, d = 0.83) and sleep efficiency (90% ± 11% versus 94 % ± 5%; p = 0.011, d = 0.49) metrics than school-aged players. Players with higher self-reported sleep quality had slower reaction times during a tennis agility test (r = 0.604, p = 0.011). However, players who reported feeling more rested and refreshed had faster reaction times during a tennis agility test (r = -0.579, p = 0.020). No other significant associations were present between self-reported sleep metrics and physical performance metrics. Nevertheless, feeling well-rested and refreshed, one of the primary outcomes of sleep, improves reaction time during a tennis-specific agility test. However, physical performance metrics are not significantly influenced by small variations in recommended sleep duration and sleep quality ranges.
To avoid the drawbacks of optical video-based motion capture systems and due to the ongoing miniaturization of integrated sensors, an increasing variety of sensor-based systems has been used for motion capture in sports. Meanwhile, there are ready-made, commercially available solutions that claim to be capable of recording reliable kinematic data. This research project focuses on the question of whether a commercially available badminton racket with an integrated sensor device (Oliver® Plasma TX 5) provides meaningful data for diagnostic and training purposes in elite sports. Therefore, 16 elite badminton players executed jump smashes using this sensor racket while the kinematics of the stroke technique were recorded using a high speed video-based system. Bland-Altman plots were applied to analyze the agreement between the two systems. The plots revealed a systematic bias and 95% limits of agreement ranging from 6% to 23%: The detection of stroke techniques showed a 42% rate of success. These data show that the measurement accuracy of the sensor racket is not sufficient for use in diagnostics or training. Future development of the sensor racket could include a method to calibrate the system prior to a measurement, in addition to correcting the underlying algorithm to reduce the bias.
Regular physical exercise enhances autonomic function in obese individuals, as indicated by heart rate variability (HRV). While badminton, a high-intensity interval sport, may offer similar benefits, its empirical investigation remains limited. This single-blind, randomized control trial evaluated the impact of badminton on heart rate variability (HRV) and body composition in overweight and obese (BMI between 23 and 30 kg/m2) recreational players. 100 participants were randomly assigned to either a badminton intervention group or a control group. The intervention group engaged in 60-90 minutes of moderate- intensity badminton and gym-based resistance training, while the control group followed a regimen combining gym-based aerobic exercise and resistance training. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included HRV indices, total body fat percentage (TBF%), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI). Results showed significant improvements in HRV for both groups, with the intervention group exhibiting greater increases in Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) (41.32±10.58 to 58.06±5.57) and Standard Deviation of Normal R-R intervals (SDNN) (50.94±10.91 to 62.16±5.97) compared to the control group (RMSSD: p = 0.026; SDNN: p<0.001). Additionally, both groups experienced significant reductions in BMI and TBF%, with the intervention group showing more pronounced changes (BMI: p<0.001; TBF%: p<0.001 and WHR :p<0.001). The findings suggest that structured badminton training effectively enhances HRV and improves body composition in overweight and obese individuals, supporting its potential as a beneficial physical activity for this population. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of badminton on diverse populations to validate its benefits further.
