Constructing a Specialized Physical Fitness Evaluation System for Chinese Elite Male University Tennis Players Using the Delphi Method

Abstract

This study developed and validated a specialized physical fitness evaluation system for Chinese Elite Male University Tennis Players (CEMUTP) through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, integrating the Delphi method and experiments.

Anchored in sports training theory and measurement-evaluation frameworks, the research initiated with a three-round Delphi consultation (n=23) that refined 35 preliminary indicators into a consensus-based system comprising 5 primary domains (power, speed, endurance, agility, coordination) and 15 secondary indicators, supported by robust expert consensus (Cr=0.915, Kendall’s W=0.684). Subsequent experimental testing with 53 athletes employed reliability analysis using Corrected Item-Total Correlation (CITC) and post-deletion Cronbach’s α coefficients (α=0.876), culminating in 14 validated secondary indicators. Exploratory Factor Analysis (KMO = 0.769) confirmed the structural validity of the five primary domains, comprising 14 secondary indicators. Weighting coefficients were determined through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM), while performance benchmarks were established via progressive scoring, percentile ranking, and deviation-based composite evaluation criteria. The system demonstrated exceptional reliability and validity through back-substitution (n = 30) verification and expert assessment (IOC = 0.95).

By systematically integrating qualitative expert judgment with quantitative validation, this framework addresses the critical absence of sport-specific fitness assessment tools for male collegiate tennis athletes in China, providing a scientific basis for talent identification, personalized training optimization, and performance monitoring, and advances evidence-based practice in athletic evaluation.

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