Search

Background: An interesting and little-reported problem in the literature is the scale of asymmetry in table tennis players, the magnitude of which should perhaps be treated as a risk for injury. Determining the degree of asymmetry in table tennis players can indicate the need to appropriately manage the training process, including compensatory or corrective exercises in the training program, especially since recent studies confirm that training interventions can reduce sporting asymmetries and improve performance. This study aimed to assess the amount of asymmetry in the trunk regarding the frontal plane and the difference between limb circumferences in female table tennis players compared to the control group (non-athletes). Methods: Twenty-two women took part in the study. Ten of them were table tennis professionals with an average training experience of 7 ± 4.3 years (the exclusion criterion of the study was a minimum of 3 years of training experience). As a comparison group, the study included 12 female students who did not participate in competitive sports. Body posture was assessed in all subjects using equipment for computer analysis of asymmetry in the torso using the photogrammetric method. Additionally, all the subjects had their upper and lower limb circumferences measured. Results: The results of the conducted research showed asymmetry in the frontal plane in the table tennis player group. As many as six parameters—regarding the pelvic rotation angle, angle of trunk inclination, the height of the angles of the lower shoulder blades and their distance from the spine, as well as the waist triangles, difference in the width and height of the waist triangles and the angle of trunk inclination—indicated asymmetry in this group but significantly differed from the control group (p ≤ 0.05) only in the first parameter given above. The calculated differences in circumference between the right and left sides in the individual groups were statistically different in several cases (p ≤ 0.05). This concerned the circumferences of the arms, forearms, elbows, and knees of table tennis players. Conclusions: The research carried out in this study allowed us to determine the occurrence of asymmetry in the frontal plane of the trunk and between the limbs of table tennis players. According to some studies, this may be a risk factor for injury. However, despite the lack of uniform views in the literature on the importance and threats resulting from asymmetries, it appears that, if only for aesthetic reasons, table tennis would require compensatory or corrective training aimed at developing symmetry of the body structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to evaluate movement patterns of topspin forehand, to define the main principles of performing this shot, and to determine the essential differences in individual types of topspin forehand. In total, 10 female high-level athletes participated in this study. The BTS analysis system was used with a novel model for the range-of-motion measurement. An acoustic sensor was attached to the racket for identification of a ball-racket contact. Players, performing topspin forehand, attempt to achieve maximal racket velocity based on the principles of proximal-to-distal sequences and summation of speed with a stretch-shortening character of cycle. The essential differences between type of topspin forehand occurred in the range of motion. Increased power of topspin shot was accompanied by a significant increase in range of motion in most of the studied joints and body segments, in particular in the rotation movement of the upper body, pelvis and shoulders, flexion and rotation in the shoulder and elbow joints, and flexion and rotation in knee joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observation and analysis of the game or the player's behavior and actions is a very important aspect of optimizing sports training in table tennis. The aim of this study was to present the applied method of observation, developed by Professor Wu Huanqun and modified by the authors, together with an assessment of its reliability. The method consists in observing the winning actions of a given player and the same actions of his opponent in parallel, on three levels of complexity. Levels 1, 2, and 3 are concerned with identifying increasingly detailed winning strokes and stroke combinations. To assess the reliability of the method, seven experts independently analyzed the men's final game of the World Championship 2019. Kendall's coefficient of concordance, with an χ2 significance test, was used to assess the compliance of the experts. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The obtained results indicate the high compliance and internal consistency (thus, high reliability) of the assessed method: the highest at the Level 1 observation level and the smallest, but significant, at Level 3. The performed statistical analysis indicates a high agreement between the experts' opinions, which was taken as a measure of high reliability for the described method of observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research is aimed at comparing the kinematics (the movement pattern in the most important joints and accelerations of the playing hand) between female table tennis players coached in Poland (POL) and China (CHIN) during the performance of a topspin backhand stroke (so-called quick topspin). The study involved six female table tennis players at a high sports skill level, playing in Poland's highest league. Three were national team members of Poland (age: 20.3 ± 1.9), while the other three were players from China (age: 20.0 ± 0.0). Kinematics was measured using MR3 myoMuscle Master Edition system—inertial measurement unit (IMU) system. The participants performed one task of topspin backhand as a response to a topspin ball, repeated 15 times. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was calculated using SPM1D in a Python package that offered a high-level interface to SPM1D. The SPM method allowed for the determination of differences between the Chinese and Polish female athletes. The differences found are probably mainly due to differences in the training methodologies caused by different coaching systems. The observed differences include, among others, greater use of the so-called small steps in order to adapt and be ready during the back to ready position and backswing phases, which gives the CHIN players slightly better conditions for preparation for the next plays. The CHIN players' position compared to that of the POL players favours a quicker transition from the backhand to the forehand play. This difference is probably related to the difference in the dominant playing styles of the groups studied. Despite the differences in movement patterns in both groups, the exact value of playing hand was achieved. This may be a manifestation of the phenomenon of equifinality and compensation. All the differences found are probably mainly due to differences in the training methodologies caused by different coaching systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joint position sense and force reproduction are the most commonly used measures of proprioception. It is interesting to measure proprioception in integration of the factors most commonly viewed as the most important in table tennis--speed, in particular quick reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of replication of a specific range of motion and force of hand pressing under conditions of limited time. Forty table tennis players and 30 non-athletes participated in the study. Electrogoniometric and dynamometric methods were used in the investigation. The accuracy of replication of pronation and supination movements of the forearm at the elbow joint and force of hand pressing under conditions of limited time (performing the activity as fast as possible in response to visual signals) were measured. The tests performed in the study revealed that both female and male table tennis players were characterized by a higher level of forearm position sense during performing the fastest possible pronation and supination movements in most of the tasks. Better results of table tennis players than of the control group suggest that joint position and hand pressure sense integrated with quick reaction are important performance factors in table tennis. The results also indicate opportunities for using this methodology to monitor training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current body of knowledge shows that there is very little research into the occurrence and scale of asymmetry or postural defects in table tennis. It is interesting which regions of the spine are exposed to the greatest changes in the shape of its curvatures and whether the asymmetrical position of the shoulder and pelvic girdles in table tennis players changes when adopting the ready position. Consequently, can overload occur in certain parts of the spine and can the asymmetry deepen as a response of adopting this position? The reply to these questions may be an indication of the need for appropriate compensatory or corrective measures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of body position during play on the change in the shape of anterior–posterior spinal curvatures and trunk asymmetry in table tennis players. Methods: To evaluate body posture the photogrammetric method based on the Moiré phenomenon with equipment by CQ electronic was applied. The study involved 22 female players practicing competitive table tennis (the age of 17 ± 4.5, with the average training experience of 7 ± 4.3 years, body mass of 47.8 ± 15.8, and body height of 161.2 ± 10.4). Each participant completed an author's own questionnaire on spinal pain. The shape of curvatures in the sagittal and frontal plane was evaluated in the participant in the habitual standing position and in the table tennis ready position. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and the significance of differences was tested using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results and Conclusions: This study demonstrated the dominance of kyphotic body posture in table tennis players, which can be caused by many hours of using the ready position during playing. After adopting this position, there are significant differences in the angles of anterior and posterior spinal curvatures compared to the habitual posture. This may be the cause of overloads and pain complaints reported by the study participants. Adopting the ready position is also associated with an increase in asymmetry in the position (rotation) of the pelvis and spinous processes (frontal plane). Therefore, training programs should be extended with exercises that relieve the spine in the vertical line and exercises that improve symmetry of the work of the upper limbs, body trunk muscles and the pelvis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined kinematic parameters and their inter- and intrasubject variability in the topspin forehand of seven top-level table tennis players. A wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) system measured the movement of the playing hand to analyze the Ready position, Backswing, and Forward events, and a racket-mounted piezoelectric sensor captured the racket-ball Contact. In a four-phase cycle (Backswing, Hitting, Followthrough, and Back to Ready position), body sensors recorded the cycle and phase duration; angles in the sagittal plane at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist of the playing hand and at the knee joints; and acceleration of the playing hand at the moment of racket-ball contact. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated to determine the variability of kinematic parameters within and between players. The observed variability in stroke time duration was low (CV < 20 %) indicating constancy. The small-to-medium intraindividual variability of angles (CV < 40 %) indicates that each player used a broadly repeatable technique. The large intraindividual variability in movement was probably functional (i.e., motor adjustment and injury avoidance). Interindividual and intraindividual variability of knee and elbow angles was low; wrist extension was the most variable parameter (CV > 40 %) for all tasks, and shoulder joint variability was medium-to-large. Variability in hand acceleration was low (CV < 20 %). Individual players achieved relatively constant hand acceleration at the moment of contact, possibly because angular changes at one joint (e.g., shoulder) could be compensated for by changes at another (e.g., wrist). These findings can help to guide the teaching-learning process and to individualize the training process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the research were to (1) determine the values of kinematic parameters in two modifications of the topspin forehand stroke as well as the differences between them and (2) assess the inter-individual and intra-individual variability of the values. Two modifications of a topspin forehand were evaluated: topspin after a topspin ball (TF1) and topspin after a backspin ball (TF2). The MyoMotion Noraxon analysis system was used to record the kinematic data. A piezo-electric sensor was used to identify the moment when the ball made contact with the racket. The coefficient of variation determined the variability of the kinematic parameters. Most of the joint angles in four identified events reflected how the individual segments of a player's body should move. The difference in acceleration at the moment of contact between the two types of the topspin forehand was significant, but the variability of the acceleration values was small. Large variability in the angular parameters was found, and this result was considered a manifestation of different coordination patterns in the stroke movements. It is possible that even though the players used different methods of performing the movement, they obtained similar values for some parameters (e.g., acceleration), which should be taken into account by coaches. There were small differences in many parameters within individual players, which can indicate that a player performs tasks in a similar way each time. However, there was high variability in some angular parameters, indicating that the repetitions of particular strokes were not performed in an identical way. The reasons for this phenomenon include movement functionality and functional variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between angular velocities in individual joints and racket velocity for different topspin forehand and backhand strokes in table tennis. Ten elite female table tennis players participated, presenting different kinds of topspin forehands and backhands -- after a no-spin ball (FH1, BH1), after a backspin ball (FH2, BH2) and "heavy" topspin (FH3, BH3). Range of motion was measured with the BTS Smart-E (BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy) motion analysis system with a specially developed marker placement protocol for the upper body parts and an acoustic sensor attached to the racket to identify ball-racket contact. In forehand strokes angular velocities of internal arm rotation and adduction in shoulder joint correlated with racket velocity. Racket velocity was correlated with angular velocities (hip extension on the playing side; hip flexion on the opposite side; ankle flexion) in the case of a topspin forehand performed with maximal force --"heavy" topspin (FH3). In backhand strokes the velocities of arm abduction and shoulder girdle rotation towards the playing side correlated with racket velocity. The angular velocity of internal arm rotation and adduction in shoul- der joint may be important components of a coordinated stroke, whilst angular velocity can substantially affect the racket speed when one is changing the type of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to determine the quantitative and qualitative structure of winning systems of the world's leading male table tennis players between 1970 and 2021. The study used the Wu game analysis method, modified by the authors, which consists of observing the game from playback, identifying the winning actions of a given player, and sorting and counting the actions, depending on the accuracy of the observation. The project identified all World Championships and Olympic Games medallists, resulting in 244 men's matches being analyzed. Three time periods were considered based on the ball used, including the 38 mm celluloid ball, 40 mm celluloid ball, and 40 mm plastic ball. Differences in the level structure, depending on the observation period, were assessed using the chi-squared test of independence. The Pearson contingency coefficient was calculated, and multiple comparisons were made. The research showed that the use of combinations changed slightly with changes in ball size and material. The first three strokes were very important in all periods. However, the importance of serves as direct scoring strokes decreased. These findings may be related to changes in the size and material used for ball production. The most winning serves in the game of the top men were side-spin forehand serves, which were also used most often during 3rd-ball-attack winning combinations. The number of actions won directly with a return, and in the return-counterattack combination, accounted for, and still constitute, about 30%, with an increasing number of backhand flicks. The research also showed an increase in the use of backhand strokes compared to forehand strokes. These findings should be considered when creating basic goals in table tennis training plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Studies have proven that the level of proprioceptive ability is related to motor learning. Many authors also indicate the importance of proprioception in sports and have reported the existence of a correlation between kinesthetic differentiation abilities and success in different sports. Aim of Study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of reproduction of the range of movement for forearm pronation and supination in the elbow joint as well as the level of hand pressure force in table tennis players, soccer players and non-training subjects. The study also attempted to examine changes in the level of this accuracy after six months of training. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on groups of table tennis players (10), soccer players (10), and non-training controls (10), aged 14.5 years. The participants undertook six tasks demonstrating their level of proprioceptive ability: accuracy of recreating pronation and supination of the forearm at the elbow joint; and accuracy of recreating hand pressure force. The test was carried out twice during the year. Results. The results revealed small differences between the groups after the first test and more significant differences after the second test. The soccer players showed a higher level of proprioceptive ability than the other two groups of participants. Conclusions. This study points to the significance of proprioceptive ability in soccer. The results of proprioceptive tasks are varied and depend on multiple factors, which is probably typical for this ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kinesthetic differentiation is frequently reflected in table tennis skills such as making an appropriate racket angle, adjustment of force and speed of arm movement upon hitting the ball, quick assessment of the arm position in reference to the ball, and making decisions about appropriate adjustments or changes. The level of kinesthetic differentiation of table tennis players should be fairly high. Aim of Study: The aim of this research was to assess and compare the accuracy of hand pressure force and range of supination -- pronation reproduction in female table tennis players representing different sports levels, and in girls who did not practice table tennis. Material and Methods: The research was conducted on 32 female subjects: a group of table tennis players (n = 20) and a control group (n = 12). The subjects took part in six tasks aiming to demonstrate their levels of kinesthetic differentiation. Four of the tests enabled the assessment of accuracy of recreating pronation and supination of the forearm at the elbow joint. Two other tasks evaluated the force components and assessed the precision of recreating hand pressure force. Results: The precision indices for pronation performed with the dominant limb attained by the table tennis players were the lowest (i.e. the best) for those representing the highest sport level. The results of tasks designed to evaluate the ability of kinesthetic differentiation were slightly better for the table tennis players than for the control group. Conclusions: A statistically significant difference was observed only in supination of the dominant limb. This task may be specific to table tennis since the greater precision in the range of the dominant limb results from the use of the dominant arm in the game. The best results in supination of the dominant limb were obtained by the most advanced group of players with the longest training experience, which may indicate a correlation between kinesthetic differentiation and sports level in table tennis. KEYWORDS: proprioception, kinesthetic differentiation, joint position sense, force sense, table tennis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the study was to compare the spatial component of proprioceptive ability by reproducing a upper limb movement typical in table tennis and fencing. Methods. The research comprised 41 young males of which 12 were table tennis players, 14 fencers, and 15 not involved in any competitive sports as a control. The experiment was based on assessing the precision of pronation and supination of the forearm at the elbow joint in recreating a set movement range by use of a goniometer. Results and conclusions. The results point to a higher level of proprioceptive ability in fencers and table tennis players than the control group but only in respect to the tasks executed with the dominant limb. This is inferred to be the result from the specific character of both sports (i.e. the intensive use of one limb and the consequent laterality of that limb) causing higher sensitivity and proprioception. This may provide a link between swordplay, table tennis, and the level of proprioception. The research methodology used herein may be useful in monitoring fencing training. Although not unequivocally statistically significant, the results indicate the potential for further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Badminton is considered a sport requiring high levels of all constituent speeds. Few available instances of research in this area maintain that badminton players are characterised by high levels of movement speed, nervous conductivity and agility. Aim of the Study. This work was aimed to determine the times of simple reaction in male and female badminton players by assessing differences between badminton players and controls. Assessment of reaction times also involved a comparison of results obtained during the experiments with standards available in the literature. Material and Methods. Subjects were divided into four groups: two groups of top level junior players (10 boys and 6 girls); 26 non-playing boys and 6 non-playing girls. The measurements were conducted with the use of the MRK-80 reaction meter. Results. Arithmetic means, minimum and maximum values, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated. Student's t-test was conducted to compare the results in the groups. Conclusions. Badminton players display shorter reaction times than non-players, which is probably the consequence of practicing badminton. The difference was found between results of all tests taken by boys and most tests taken by girls. The comparison of the obtained reaction times displayed by badminton players with the available standards proved that their values were mostly average, which might be the consequence of the fact that in badminton, like in many other sports, more complex factors, e.g. choice reactions, anticipation, etc., are of far greater significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between two groups of table tennis players (differing by their level of play) in terms of the kinesthetic differentiation ability of their so-called spatial component. Methods. The study was conducted using a goniometer which assessed the accuracy of performing an arm movement, specifically, the pronation and supination of the forearm at the elbow. The study analyzed the accuracy rate of performing this movement, where a smaller value indicated a higher level of kinesthetic differentiation ability. Results. In all four tasks, the more advanced (skill-wise) group of players obtained lower arithmetic mean and median values of accuracy than the group that played at a lower skill set. This may suggest the importance of the tested variable as an important component of table tennis. However, the tested groups did not significantly differ from each other in the accuracy of performing the studied movement. Nonetheless, the variability of the accuracy rate of the lower skill level group was considerably larger. than the more advanced and skilled group. Conclusions. It can be assumed that the more advanced group is more homogeneous in terms of accuracy production. This could be the result of specific training exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinesthetic differentiation ability in table tennis is probably most reflected by abilities connected with playing precision such as control of ball rotation, modulation of force, speed and direction of shots, and choosing the optimal racquet angle. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the level of kinesthetic differentiation ability in table tennis players. The study sample consisted of 19 young table tennis players. Kinesthetic differentiation ability was evaluated with the use of goniometric tests (measurement of task movement range), performed twice during the year. The performance of the majority of tasks showed that the precision of reproduction improved in young male table tennis players, which may point to the significance of this ability in this sport. Progress in some tasks is probably attributed to those task movement tests which are more specific to table tennis (movement range and direction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical tutorials and the scientific literature do not provide information on the proper use of the non-playing hand in table tennis. This study aimed to evaluate the course of the movement in the joints of the non-playing limb during a table tennis topspin forehand stroke (played after a backspin ball) and to determine the inter-individual movement variability. The study involved 12 male table tennis players (178.7 ± 5.5 cm, 70.0 ± 6.6 kg, 23 ± 3 y) at a competitive level. The participants performed one topspin forehand as a response to a backspin ball. Kinematics were measured using an Inertial Motion Unit–MR3 myoMuscle Master Edition system. Changes in the angles of the upper limb joints (with particular emphasis on the non-playing hand) during the forehand topspin were analyzed. A novel method of normalized function of variance was used to characterize areas of high/low variability of movement. Most of the movements in the joints of the non-playing limb were performed symmetrically to the playing one, especially in the hitting phase. A rapid change of direction characterizes these movements, just before or during the hitting phase, which may indicate a supportive, 'driving' character for these movements. High inter-individual variability for the duration of the entire movement cycle in both limbs was observed; higher in the non-playing limb. This perhaps indicates a greater degree of individualization on the non-playing side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Kinesthetic differentiation ability in table tennis is most probably reflected by abilities connected with playing precision such as: controll of ball rotation, modulation of force, speed and direction of shots and choosing the optimal racquet angle. The aim of the paper was to evaluate relationship between laboratory-measured kinesthetic differentiation ability and the results of play precision tests. Material and methods. The study involved 20 female and 41 male table tennis competitors. Kinesthetic differentiation ability was evaluated with use of goniometric tests (measurment of task movement range) and kinesthesiometric tests (measurment of task force intensity). Precison of table tennis play was evaluated on the base of play tests. Results. The study revealed numerous statistically significant correlations between kinesthetic differentiation ability test results and precision of play. The results of majority of play tests significantly correlated with many task movement tests, especially in men. Conclusions. Stronger correlations with play precision are probably attributed to those task movement tests which are more specific to the disciplin (movement range and direction, direction of force, so called „playing" extremity). The diversity of revealed correlations is probably derived from heterogenicity of kinesthetic differentiation abilities and many other factors not formulated in the paper which could influence precision of table tennis play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies of shot kinematics in table tennis have not been sufficiently described in the literature. The assessment of the racquet trajectory, its speed and time characteristics makes it possible to emphasize on certain technical elements in the training process in order, for example, to increase strength, speed of rotation or speed of the shot while maintaining its accuracy. The aim of this work was to measure selected kinematic parameters of table tennis racquet during forehand and backhand topspin shots, while considering the differences between these strokes in table tennis., Methods: The measurements took place in a certified biomechanical laboratory using a motion analysis system. The study involved 12 female table tennis players in high-level sports training and performance. Each subject had to complete series of six tasks, presenting different varieties of topspin shots., Results: The longest racquet trajectory was related to forehand shots, shots played against a ball with backspin and winner shots. The maximum racquet velocity was precisely in the moment of impact with the ball. The individual of velocity and distance were larger in the direction of the acting force, depending on the individual shot., Conclusions: Changing the type of topspin shot requires changes of time, velocity and primarily distance parameters as well as the direction of the playing racquet. The maximum speed of the racquet occurring at the moment of the impact is probably the most important principle in playing technique. The results can be directly used in improving training of table tennis techniques, especially in the application and use of topspin shots.