Lower Limb Biomechanics during the Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis: A Systemic Review

Abstract

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.

Lumbar and pelvis movement comparison between cross-court and long-line topspin forehand in table tennis: based on musculoskeletal model

“…This study simulated the musculoskeletal model in OpenSim to investigate the lumbar and pelvis movement difference between the CC and LL topspin forehand in table tennis. The key finding of this study was ( Qian et al, 2016 ) the main difference between CC and LL topspin forehand in the lumbar movement was found in the LLB and LF, the Rom, peak moment, and maximum angle of the LLB and LF in CC were significantly higher than LL ( He et al, 2022a ); the Rom, peak moment and maximum angle of PAR in CC were significantly higher than LL ( Poizat et al, 2004 ); the moment of LL in the LF and LLB was significantly higher than CC in the early stroke phase. The results of the current study were consistent with our hypothesis, the CC and LL showed a significant difference in lumbar and pelvis movement in the transverse plane.…”

“…Topspin forehand is regarded as one of the most attacking strokes in table tennis based on the high speed and fast rotation ( Poizat et al, 2004 ; Qian et al, 2016 ; He et al, 2020 ; He et al, 2022a ). The mastery of the topspin forehand is also considered an important factor in differentiating elite athletes ( Iino and Kojima, 2011 ; He et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Due to the critical role of pelvic movement on the axial rotation of the trunk rotation and hitting speed, pelvic movement plays a crucial role in powerful hitting sports, such as table tennis, tennis, and baseball ( Elliott and Zatsiorsky, 2000 ; Akutagawa and Kojima, 2005 ). In table tennis, the horizontal velocity of the racket during the topspin forehand stroke was benefited by the peak angular velocity of pelvic axial rotation and the pelvic axial rotation torque on the playing hand side ( Iino, 2018 ; He et al, 2022a ). In order to remain powerful and competitive, players need to increase the acceleration of their playing hand by optimizing their stroke skill and the efficiency of the power chain transmission, which brings gains to the spin effect and flight speed of the ball during the topspin forehand ( Qian et al, 2016 ; Lam et al, 2019 ; He et al, 2020 ; Chen et al, 2022 ).…”

“… Yang et al (2022) calculated the angles and moments of lower limb joints of 36 elite table tennis players during chasse-step footwork by OpenSim to investigate the gender difference ( Yang et al, 2022 ). He et al (2022a) investigated lower limbs muscle force, joint kinematics, and joint kinetics in footwork during the topspin forehand using OpenSim ( He et al, 2022b ). That evidence suggests simulation using a musculoskeletal model to obtain key information is viable and recognized for explaining the mechanisms underlying table tennis topspin forehand stroke movements.…”

Perbandingan Metode Latihan Dan Motivasi Latihan Terhadap Kemampuan Footwork Atlet Tenis Meja

“…(Yu et al, 2019). Tenis meja merupakan olahraga tontonan dan sangat kompetitif yang memiliki ciri-ciri kecepatan tinggi dan putaran cepat (He et al, 2022). Tenis meja tidak hanya membutuhkan teknik semata tetapi juga di butuhkan mental/psikologis yang baik.…”