Abstract
To better understand the biomechanics of para-table tennis players, this study compared the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint kinematics among able-bodied (AB) and wheelchair players in different classifications. Nineteen participants (AB, n = 9; classification 1 (C1), n = 3; C2, n = 3; C3, n = 4) executed 10 forehand and backhand topspin drives. Shoulder abduction/adduction, elbow flexion/extension, wrist extension/flexion, respective range of motion (ROM), and joint patterns were obtained using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. The results showed clear differences in upper limb kinematics between the able-bodied and wheelchair players, especially in the elbow and wrist. For the para-players, noticeable variations in techniques were also observed among the different disability classes. In conclusion, wheelchair players likely adopted distinct movement strategies compared to AB to compensate for their physical impairments and functional limitations. Hence, traditional table tennis programs targeting skills and techniques for able-bodied players are unsuitable for para-players. Future work can investigate how best to customize training programs and to optimize movement strategies for para-players with varied types and degrees of impairment.
Highlights
Para-table tennis is a popular sport in the Summer Paralympic Games, consisting of players with both physical and intellectual impairments
Using portable inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, the AB’s shoulder and elbow joint angles observed in this study were similar to those reported by Xia and colleagues [35] who used a 10-camera motion capture system to examine the kinematics of elite table tennis players
The study revealed that wheelchair table tennis players exhibited distinctly different upper limb kinematics compared with AB participants while executing the forehand and backhand topspin drives
Summary
Para-table tennis is a popular sport in the Summer Paralympic Games, consisting of players with both physical and intellectual impairments. Table tennis techniques and players’ movements are analyzed using video analysis [5], high-speed cameras for slow-motion [6], and 3D motion capture systems [7]. A new generation of sensors and technologies have been developed as an alternative to classical laboratory-based assessment to analyze sports techniques and movements. IMU sensors were worn on players’ playing limb to identify the kinematic parameters [13], recognize stroke motions [14,15,16,17,18,19,20], and detect shots [21]
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