Table Tennis Players Research Articles

Effect of Adding Neurofeedback to Neuromuscular Training on Brain Waves in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Aims This study evaluated the effects of neuromuscular training compared with neurofeedback and neuromuscular training on brain waves, foot and ankle ability, and pain intensity of table tennis players with chronic ankle instability. Methods This clinical trial study was conducted on 29 table tennis players with chronic ankle instability, which were randomly divided into combined neurofeedback+neuromuscular (Mean±SD age: 21.73±2.60 years, hieght: 173.42±5.57 cm, wieght: 77.10±10.42 kg) and neuromuscular groups (Mean±SD age: 22.14±2.53 years, Mean±SD height: 169.26±6.77 cm, Mean±SD weight:77.95±15.70 kg). ProComp Infiniti System and BioGraph Infiniti version 5 software were used to measure brain waves and perform neurofeedback protocol. The foot and ankle disability questionnaire and the visual analog scale were employed to assess foot and ankle ability and pain intensity, respectively. The rehabilitation protocol was performed for eight weeks. The paired t test and 1-way analysis of covariance were used for the data analyses. Results The paired t test results revealed a significant decrease in the amplitude of theta, alpha, and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) waves in both groups (P<0.05) and an increase in the amplitude of the beta wave only in the combined group (P<0.05). In addition, ankle ability was significantly increased during daily activities and exercise in both groups (P<0.05). On the other hand, the results of a 1-way analysis of covariance indicated a significant difference between the two groups regarding theta and beta amplitudes and degree of ankle disability during exercise, and the improvement was greater in the combined group (P<0.05). Conclusion According to the results, combined exercises (neuromuscular and neurofeedback) can be used as rehabilitation in table tennis players with chronic ankle instability to correct brain waves, improve leg and ankle ability, and reduce pain.

Design of Motor Skill Recognition and Hierarchical Evaluation System for Table Tennis Players

Design of Motor Skill Recognition and Hierarchical Evaluation System for Table Tennis Players

Table tennis players use superior saccadic eye movements to track moving visual targets.

Table tennis players perform visually guided visuomotor responses countlessly. The exposure of the visual system to frequent and long-term motion stimulation has been known to improve perceptual motion detection and discrimination abilities as a learning effect specific to that stimulus, so may also improve visuo-oculomotor performance. We hypothesized and verified that table tennis players have good spatial accuracy of saccades to moving targets. University table tennis players (TT group) and control participants with no striking-sports experience (Control group) wore a virtual reality headset and performed two ball-tracking tasks to track moving and stationary targets in virtual reality. The ball moved from a predetermined position on the opponent's court toward the participant's court. A total of 54 conditions were examined for the moving targets in combinations of three ball trajectories (familiar parabolic, unfamiliar descent, and unfamiliar horizontal), three courses (left, right, and center), and six speeds. All participants primarily used catch-up saccades to track the moving ball. The TT group had lower mean and inter-trial variability in saccade endpoint error compared to the Control group, showing higher spatial accuracy and precision, respectively. It suggests their improvement of the ability to analyze the direction and speed of the ball's movement and predict its trajectory and future destination. The superiority of the spatial accuracy in the TT group was seen in both the right and the left courses for all trajectories but that of precision was for familiar parabolic only. The trajectory dependence of improved saccade precision in the TT group implies the possibility that the motion vision system is trained by the visual stimuli frequently encountered in table tennis. There was no difference between the two groups in the onset time or spatial accuracy of saccades for stationary targets appearing at various positions on the ping-pong table. Table tennis players can obtain high performance (spatial accuracy and precision) of saccades to track moving targets as a result of motion vision ability improved through a vast amount of visual and visuo-ocular experience in their play.

Biceps brachii long head calcific tendinitis can be treated quickly and effectively with radial shockwave therapy: a case report

Calcific tendinitis, which mostly involves the supraspinatus and rotator cuff tendons, may very rarely involve the long head of the biceps brachii (LHBB). Arthroscopy is the first choice in cases of calcific tendinitis accompanied by a rotator cuff tear but in cases where the rotator cuff is intact, there are different treatment methods, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid injection, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), and Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT). A 28-year-old male presented at the outpatient clinic with right shoulder pain which had been ongoing for 6 months. The patient, who was a licensed table tennis player and amateur bodybuilder, had no systemic diseases. After clinical and radiological evaluation, ultrasonography showed calcification at the level of the greater tuberculum of the right humerus. The patient was diagnosed with calcific tendinitis of the bicipital tendon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was then performed to investigate any rotator cuff pathology or glenohumeral joint pathology. No additional pathology was observed. The patient was managed with the standard RSWT protocol of four sessions. 0.25 mJ/mm2 3 bar 2000 beats administered with an electromagnetic lithotriptor. Before RSWT, the VAS score was 9 over 10 and Constant score was 37, and after the first session of RSWT, the VAS score of the patient had decreased to 6. After the 4th session, treatment was terminated as the patient was completely pain-free. At the 1-year follow-up examination, the patient was still pain-free during daily activities and sports activities, and had full range of motion. In this case report, RSWT is presented as an effective treatment option for LHBB calcific tendinitis. RSWT may be a priority option over ultrasound-guided or arthroscopic barbotage in patients without tendon rupture.

Psychological assessment of event-related motor potential in different brain regions in carrying out simple and complicated tasks

Introduction: Training in a certain skill not only culminates in better motor performance but also leads to neural adjustments and regulations in different brain regions. Aim: The present study aimed to psychologically assess event-related motor potential in motor-related cortical regions during simple and complicated tasks. Method: The current research was of a semi-experimental type with a single-phase post-test design without a control group. The participants of the present study consisted of all 20-32-year-old right-handed male table tennis players in Tehran, in 2019. A total of 8 samples were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected at the National Brain Mapping Laboratory. Annett Hand Preference Questionnaire (1970), Ocular Dominance Testing Card (1910), the Newgy Robo Pong Model 2050 Digital Table Tennis Robot, and the Specific Test for Table Tennis Stroke (2016) were used to record speed from Radar gun, and cameras and judges’ scoring were also used to measure accuracy. Moreover, the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical test was employed to assess the differences in two levels of task complexity in SPSS software version 24. Results: The results showed that the motor potential in the primary motor cortex region had a greater range in the simple task than in the complicated task (P=0.012); however, the premotor (P=0.008) and the posterior parietal cortical regions (P=0.026) of the complicated task had larger ranges than the simple task. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the motor potential range is dependent on the task complexity level. Therefore, it is suggested that tasks with different complexity levels be taken into account in investigating event-dependent potentials.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Design of a real-time health monitoring and prediction system for table tennis players based on optical detection sensor networks

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Design of a real-time health monitoring and prediction system for table tennis players based on optical detection sensor networks

A novel approach for automatic detection and identification of inappropriate postures and movements of table tennis players

A novel approach for automatic detection and identification of inappropriate postures and movements of table tennis players

A comparative study of lower limb strength during vertical jump of male college students in table tennis, badminton and tennis

The objectives of this paper are to explore the correlation of kinetic indices of SJ (squat jump) and CMJ (counter-movement jump) and the differences of lower limb strength mechanics indexes of table tennis, badminton and tennis players under SJ and CMJ. This study included 60 male collegiate athletes, 20 each from table tennis, badminton, and tennis. Subjects performed SJ and CMJ tests on a force platform and the vertical jump data were analyzed. Table tennis, badminton and tennis players demonstrated significant differences in the SJ and CMJ assessments. Badminton players outperformed table tennis players in terms of peak power (PP) (p = 0.005) and peak velocity (PV) (p = 0.017). Badminton players beat table tennis players in PV (p = 0.028), PP (p = 0.022), fast twitch fibers (FTF) (p = 0.033) and pre-stretch effect (EP) (p = 0.0004). Tennis players exhibited lower peak force (PF) (p = 0.006) indicators than badminton players. For athletes in all three sports, the SJ test markers (vertical jump displacement, PF, PP and PV) demonstrated a strong positive correlation. There was a highly significant positive correlation between VJD and PF, PP, PV and FTF among badminton players. Significant positive connections were discovered between PF, PP, PV, FTF and EP, as well as between PP and PV and FTF and EP. PV and FTF had a very strong positive correlation, as did EP, PV and FTF. College badminton players had higher vertical jumps than table tennis and tennis players. In addition to vertical jump height, PP (power production), PV (power velocity) and FTF (force-time factors) are important markers for assessing the success of vertical jumps in athletes’ daily training. These findings can assist coaches and athletes develop better vertical jump training programs.

Interlimb and trunk asymmetry in the frontal plane of table tennis female players.

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). 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. 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. 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.

Differences in visuospatial cognition among table tennis players of different skill levels: an event-related potential study.

This study aimed to examine the influence of sport skill levels on behavioural and neuroelectric performance in visuospatial attention and memory visuospatial tasks were administered to 54 participants, including 18 elite and 18 amateur table tennis players and 18 nonathletes, while event-related potentials were recorded. In all the visuospatial attention and memory conditions, table tennis players displayed faster reaction times than nonathletes, regardless of skill level, although there was no difference in accuracy between groups. In addition, regardless of task conditions, both player groups had a greater P3 amplitude than nonathletes, and elite players exhibited a greater P3 amplitude than amateurs players. The results of this study indicate that table tennis players, irrespective of their skill level, exhibit enhanced visuospatial capabilities. Notably, athletes at the elite level appear to benefit from an augmented allocation of attentional resources when engaging in visuospatial tasks.

Technical and tactical actions of representatives of different styles of play in table tennis

Purpose: The aim of this work was to identify the combinations and strokes that players representing different styles of play used most often to score, and to identify the differences between them. Methods: A total of 146 games and 6565 winning actions of 7 champions, table tennis players representing different playing styles were analyzed. The study used the modified Wu Huanqin game analysis method. It consists of complex observing the game, counting the winning actions of a given player, sorting and identifying them, depending on the accuracy of the observation. Three levels are included, with increasing detail in assessing players' actions. For all variables, percentage win rates were calculated. Comparative analyses were performed. Due to the specificity of the database, chi square tests and fraction tests were used. Results: The most important differences between analyzed players were identified, which are the basis for classifying them into different playing styles. These differences, as shown in the work, relate to tactical actions in different phases of the game: service actions, returns or in the so-called stalemate phase. They are related to the use of different strokes and their combinations to score points by players of different styles of play. Conclusions: The research carried out made it possible to identify the most important strokes and their combinations with which table tennis players score points and to identify differences between the playing styles. The results obtained in the work can be valuable information for coaches and players, regarding the possibility of applying effective tactical actions in the game, the direction of development of a particular style, or even, as a consequence, the possibility of taking specific actions in the game against specific styles.

Exploration of Initial Training for Junior Table Tennis Players

Exploration of Initial Training for Junior Table Tennis Players

Characterization of the serve-receive techniques of Chinese outstanding female table tennis players with hearing impairment

Characterization of the serve-receive techniques of Chinese outstanding female table tennis players with hearing impairment

Range of motion of the upper limb among right and left-handed table tennis players aged 7-10

Aim of the study. the aim of the study was to assess the range of motion of the upper limb among right and left-handed table tennis players aged 7-10 years and to analyze the influence of the playing hand on the range of motion. Material and methods. the study covered 103 table tennis players who had a license in Silesian sports clubs for at least a year – 32 girls and 71 boys aged 7-10. One of the inclusion criteria for the study was participation in at least three training sessions per week. Among children, the range of motion of the upper limb was measured using the inertial GYKO device. Collected results were subjected to statistical analysis using a nonparametric U Mann Whitney test. Results. Right-handed children playing table tennis showed a significantly greater range of motion of the right upper limb both during flexion and abduction movements. In turn, among left-handed children, the range of motion during both movements was significantly greater in the left upper limb. Conclusions. Among the athletes, a relationship between the playing hand and the range of motion of the right and left upper limb both during flexion and abduction movements was found (p < 0.05). The participants had a significantly greater range of motion of the upper limb with which they played table tennis. Research has shown that among young table tennis players from the Silesian Voivodeship, therapeutic procedures are necessary to increase the range of motion of the non-playing hand.

Using complex networks and multiple artificial intelligence algorithms for table tennis match action recognition and technical-tactical analysis

This study developed two action recognition models using the YOLOv8-Alphapose two-stream spatial temporal graph convolutional networks (2s-STGCN), and the networks were used to recognize technical actions in table tennis. This study proposed a novel framework that merges dynamic and static complex network analysis with a community detection algorithm aimed at evaluating table tennis players' techniques, tactical patterns and styles. Two datasets that contain 8015 high-definition action videos of 37 elite players were constructed: a front-facing player technical action dataset (4154 videos) and a backwards-facing player technical action dataset (3861 videos). The results showed that YOLOv8-Alphapose-2s-STGCN achieved better recognition performance than seven other YOLOv8-Alphapose-based artificial intelligence algorithms (transformer, BiGRU, BiLSTM, GRU, LSTM, TCN and RNN algorithms) on both datasets and exhibited robust performance in practical applications. In the case study, multiple indicators were used to measure the importance of nodes (players' techniques) within the serving and receiving networks and within the two-round (winning and losing) networks. Dynamic complex network analysis was adopted to evaluate tactical styles and patterns. Furthermore, this study examined whether players and their opponents exhibit variability or similarity in their tactical patterns, focusing on the player networks and the two-round winning and losing networks. By integrating action recognition with process-focused match analysis, this study explored an innovative and comprehensive way to analyse matches, with implications for the performance analysis of table tennis players and players in related racket sports.

Retracted: Application of CT Medical Imaging Combined with Deep Learning 3D Reconstruction in the Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Table Tennis Players

Retracted: Application of CT Medical Imaging Combined with Deep Learning 3D Reconstruction in the Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Table Tennis Players

Causes and preventive measures of knee injuries in table tennis players

Table tennis, as the national sport of China, is widely practiced throughout the country and takes a leading position in the international arena. With the rapid development of table tennis, many excellent athletes have emerged. Since athletes are under high load in training for a long time, sports injuries are almost unavoidable, especially knee injuries, which have the greatest impact on athletes. Therefore, correctly recognizing the causes of knee injuries and mastering the corresponding preventive measures is an important topic. In this paper, we take the literature method and mathematical statistics method as the main research method, combine the knowledge of sports training science and sports physiology to introduce the parts and degree of knee injuries, analyze the causes of knee injuries according to the characteristics of table tennis, and put forward relevant suggestions, so as to help athletes effectively avoid knee injuries, improve the level of competitiveness, and contribute to the development of Chinas table tennis industry.

Technical and Tactical Actions of the World's Leading Male Table Tennis Players Between 1970 and 2021.

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.

Physical fitness in young top level table tennis players: differences between sex, age and playing style

Understanding the physical fitness of table tennis (TT) players could be interesting in improving the training process and evaluating talent. This study aimed to assess the physical fitness of U14 TT players and differentiate between sex, age and playing style. A total of 352 players (203 males and 149 females) aged between 9 and 13 years participated in the present study. Furthermore, the sample was divided according to playing style: offensive (OFF) and mixed + defensive (M + D). A battery of tests was carried out to assess cardiorespiratory capacity, speed, strength, flexibility and power. Both sexes reported significant differences in cardiorespiratory capacity and speed (p < 0.05). Concerning age, there were substantial differences in cardiorespiratory capacity, speed, strength and power, with older players obtaining better results (p < 0.05). Finally, concerning playing style, differences were reported in cardiorespiratory capacity, higher in OFF style group, and flexibility, higher in the M + D style group. Finally, there were relationships between playing style and cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. Physical fitness evolves with increasing age as a function of sex. This is the first study to assess fitness in a large sample of TT players as a function of playing style.

Analysis of Technical-Tactical Actions in High-Level Table Tennis Players: Differences between Sexes.

Table tennis is a sport played at a high speed; therefore, the technical-tactical variables are very important. The objective of the research is to analyze the technical and tactical characteristics of high-level TT players according to sex. A total of 48 high-level players (24 women and 24 men) participated in the present study. The investigation was carried out during two championships. The matches were recorded and subsequently analyzed by notational analysis. The results indicate that women stroke the ball more times during the rallies. In the men's competition, the forehand technique predominates over the backhand technique. The flip was the most used in the male sex (p < 0.05). At the tactical level, more winning actions were performed in the men's competition than in the women's, both with the forehand and backhand game. Men performed more losing technical actions when using the forehand and backhand flips. The pivot footwork tactical action was higher in the men's competition. The analysis of the technical-tactical actions highlighted important differences between the sexes. The predominant losing techniques among players are forehand and backhand flip. Female players use more defensive strokes, while male players use more offensive strokes, in particular the flip technique. The potential biomechanical progress of the male player characterized by a larger wingspan biotype could facilitate a better technical-tactical performance. The results obtained are of interest to improve the performance of the players as they must train at a technical-tactical level differently depending on the sex and style of play.