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The aim of this study is to review the valuable lower limb biomechanical contribution to table tennis topspin forehand. Databases included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science. In this case, 19 articles were selected for the systematic review. The mechanics of the plantar, lower limb joints kinematics and kinetics, muscle activity, and racket-joint relationship are described through gender, performance level, and footwork. The study found that the hip movement characteristics and the hip muscle group activity following a proximal-to-distal sequence strategy significantly contributed to the maximum acceleration of the racket. Optimizing the motion strategy of the ankle and plantar as well as the ankle muscle group activity is beneficial for the transmission of energy in the kinetic chain. Muscle groups around the ankle and subtalar joints are heavily activated during landing to maintain foot stability during the landing phase. Lower limb muscle development plays an important role in movement control and stability as well as sports injury prevention in table tennis footwork during the performance of the topspin forehand. Furthermore, physical development levels and anatomical differences (such as hip and lower trunk muscle strength differences), maybe the main reasons for gender differences observed during the topspin forehand. Systematically summarizing this valuable information can contribute to athletes' and coaches' knowledge to enhance topspin forehand performance and training regimes. We suggest that future research could consider the joint contact forces, ball movement, and ball-racket impact during a performance of topspin forehand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the progress and innovation of table tennis technology, individualized training programs may deserve special attention. This study aimed to analyze elite table tennis athletes in chasse-step, with a particular focus on sex-based biomechanical differences. A total of 36 (18 males and 18 females) elite table tennis athletes performed topspin forehand of chasse-step. Angles and moments of hip, knee, and ankle joints were calculated using OpenSim (v4.2) with marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were measured via Vicon motion capture system and AMTI in-ground force platform. Males had greater hip and knee flexion angles during the entire motion phase and greater internal rotation angles of the hip during the forward swing phase. The joint stiffness of knee in males was greater than females in the frontal plane. Females in the forward swing phase showed greater hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation moments than males. It was suggested that the difference may be due to the limitation of anatomical structures in sexes. Male table tennis athletes should strengthen lower extremity muscle groups to improve performance, while female table tennis athletes should focus on hip joint groups to avoid injury. The sex differences presented in this study could help coaches and athletes to develop individualized training programs for table tennis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]