Comparison of two selected training methods on some physiological and performance variables of club table tennis players

Identifying the most effective training methods for developing the physical and functional abilities of table tennis players is of particular importance for coaches. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to compare the effects of two selected exercises methods on some physiological and performance variables of table tennis players.

Sixteen male adolescents table tennis players were voluntarily selected and optionally assigned in (i) combined (BMI=19.65±1.3 kg/m2; n=8) and (ii) traditional (BMI= 19.21±1.1 kg/m2; n=8) groups. . The exercise interventions include two traditional training methods with an emphasis on skill training and selected combined exercise with focused on strength-endurance training. The experimental groups performed 8-week/three sessions per week, respectively. Some effective variables in the performance of table tennis players were measured before and after the interventions in relatively equal conditions. The research data analyzed with ANCOVA statistics at a significance level of p <0.05.

The findings showed that in speed (Combined -11.9 vs. Traditional-0.5%), agility (Combined 8.9 vs. Traditional 0%), aerobic power (Combined 14.5 vs. Traditional-17.3%), peak anaerobic power (Combined 5.9vs. Traditional -23.4%), and handgrip strength (combined 25.9vs. Traditional 4.4%), significant improvements were observed in the combined exercise group (P>0.05). Although, in the topspin forehand (Combined 46.5vs.74.7% Traditional), and topspin backhand skills (Combined 51.2vs. Traditional 83.2%), the subjects of the traditional group showed significant improvements (p>0.05).

It is concluded that the physiological parameters of table tennis players in the traditional exercise group did not change, and even the players may experience a decrease in performance in consecutive matches.