Lower Limb Maneuver Investigation of Chasse Steps Among Male Elite Table Tennis Players

Abstract

Background and objectives: The popularity of table tennis has increased globally. As a result, the biomechanical movement patterns in the lower limb during table tennis have attracted extensive attention from coaches, scientists and athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences between the long and short chasse steps in table tennis and evaluate risk factors related to injuries in the lower limb. Materials and Methods: Twelve male elite athletes performed forehand topspin strokes with long and short chasse steps in this study, respectively. The kinematics data of the lower-limb joints were measured by a Vicon motion analysis system. The electromyograms (EMG) of six lower-limb muscles were recorded using a myoelectricity system. Results: The key findings were that the angle change rate of the ankle in the long chasse step was faster with a larger range of motion (ROM) in the coronal and transverse planes. The hip was also faster in the sagittal and transverse planes but slower in the coronal plane compared with the short chasse step. In addition, the vastus medialis (VM) was the first activated muscle in the chasse step. Conclusions: The hip and ankle joints in the long chasse step and the knee joint in the short chasse step have higher susceptibility to injury. Moreover, tibialis anterior (TA), vastus medialis (VM) and gastrocnemius (GM) should be sufficiently stretched and warmed prior to playing table tennis. The results of this study may provide helpful guidance for teaching strategies and providing an understanding of potential sport injury mechanisms.

Study of Prevalence of Neuromuscular Dysfunctions Especially Trunk Dysfunction among the Athletic Population of Rocket, Team and Water Sports

“…In all sports, there are risk factors for injury. Previous studies have shown that the rate of lower extremity injury was higher than the upper extremity, which is between 39-59% of the total injuries presented (lower extremity, upper extremity, and trunk injuries) (17). Table tennis is a sport characterized by small balls, high speed, a strong rotation, and many variations (18).…”

“…According to the studies, the researchers also stated that there is a high percentage of pelvic (core) injuries (5.76%) due to the characteristics of sudden blocking movements in the game of table tennis. Strains and sprains are the most common types of injury in most sports, and also, the research shows that even due to the excessive hyperextension of the knee while the footwork of table tennis players (which is the most important element in table tennis) in short steps compared to long steps, the risk of an ACL injury may increase (17). However, probably due to the unilateral nature of table tennis and its effect on one side of the body muscles, and due to the core stability muscles, one-way muscle strengthening, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal balance, this eld generally has the highest number of people with TD (40%).…”

Mechanical character of lower limb for table tennis cross step maneuver

“…Finally, the definition of NA may differ across previous studies and thus may interfere with the validity of experimental data to a certain degree. 17 , 19 , 22 , 31 , 32 Future studies of table tennis footwork and differences between levels and/or genders using biomechanical methodologies must be done in order to fully understand the internal mechanisms of table tennis techniques that further enhance performance.…”

“…In terms of kinetic energy, the biomechanics of lower limbs determine the level of swing performance through the kinematic chain pathway. 20 , 21 In recent years, some research studies have investigated the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of table tennis utilizing generic musculoskeletal models, comparing the differences between standing and squat serves in female table tennis athletes, 18 the effects of performance between the long and short chasse steps with table tennis forehand topspin strokes, 22 joint and plantar loading during cross-court topspin forehands with the footwork of cross step, one step and side step, 19 and comparison about lower-limb kinematics performing two different kind of forehand top spin: long-line and cross-court. 23 However, a reliable multi-segment musculoskeletal model of the foot was developed, which meets the researchers’ demands to provide an in-depth investigation of the internal mechanisms of the feet.…”

“…This information would help the coaches and players to understand internal mechanisms and enhance the performance characteristics. Based on the previous studies, 19 , 22 , 32 it can be hypothesized that (a) both PA and NA would show different plantar foot joint angles in the three motion planes at the key technical events, respectively and (b) PA would perform smaller joint range of motion (ROM) and faster joint angular changing rate during the cross step. In addition, compared with NA, it was also hypothesized that PA would exhibit distinct plantar peak pressure and relative load at the forward and swing phases.…”