An Investigation into the Effects of Different Training Approaches on Muscle Strength and Explosive Power Performance in Table Tennis Players

The

Aim: of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week robot-assisted multi-ball training programme on upper and lower limb isometric muscle strength, vertical jump performance, and forehand and backhand performance in table tennis players.The study was conducted using a pre-test–post-test controlled experimental

Design: . A total of 46 table tennis players aged between 18 and 25 were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 23) and the control group (n = 23). The experimental group participated in a robot-assisted multi-ball training programme three days a week for six weeks, in addition to traditional partner-based training sessions. The control group, meanwhile, continued with traditional partner-based table tennis training. Isometric muscle strength, vertical jump and forehand–backhand performance were assessed via pre-test and post-test measurements. No significant differences were observed between the groups in lower limb muscle strength or vertical jump performance (p > 0.05). A significant time effect was found for right quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.034). In the upper limbs, a significant time effect was observed for left triceps (p = 0.043), right biceps (p = 0.001) and left biceps (p = 0.007); however, neither the group effect nor the time × group interaction was significant (p > 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in forehand performance in both the control (p = 0.001) and experimental groups (p = 0.027), and in backhand performance in both the control (p = 0.004) and experimental groups (p = 0.029). Although a significant difference was found between the groups in the final backhand test scores (p = 0.006), no significant difference was detected in the forehand and backhand change scores (p = 0.377; p = 0.529). The

Findings: suggest that robot-assisted multi-ball training may support performance development specific to table tennis; however, it may be more appropriate to consider it as a complementary practice alongside traditional training

Methods: .