Author(s): LIN, H., LIN, Y., Institution: NATIONAL YANG MING CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 2297

INTRODUCTION:
The forehand is a commonly used stroke method in table tennis, including forehand topspin, forehand stroke, and forehand attack. While proper neuromuscular control is essential for optimizing performance, the specific differences in trunk and shoulder girdle muscle activity across these four forehand techniques have not been fully investigated in elite table tennis players. Therefore, this study aims to analyze and compare the muscle activation levels between the four forehand strokes, providing insights for daily training and rehabilitation programs to reduce the occurrence of sports injuries.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study investigated the differences in muscle activation during four types of forehand strokes: forehand topspin against backspin (FTb), forehand topspin against topspin (FTt), forehand stroke (FS), and forehand attack (FA). Electromyography (EMG) signals were collected from the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, bilateral erector spinae ,and bilateral external oblique muscles. All participants performed the four forehand techniques, and data of muscle activation were collected. Data collection is ongoing with a target sample size of 30 elite table tennis players.
RESULTS:
In this ongoing study, four individuals have been recruited to date. Preliminary analysis using the Friedman test revealed significant differences in muscle activation (p < 0.05) specifically in the triceps brachii and bilateral external obliques. A consistent activation pattern was observed across these muscles: FTb >FTt >FA >FS.
CONCLUSION:
These findings indicate that FTb requires significantly higher activation of the triceps brachii and bilateral external oblique muscles compared to other techniques. This suggests that FTb demands coordinated activation of both the upper limb and core stabilizers. Further data collection is underway to validate these trends and provide a comprehensive analysis of muscle activation.