Work

The effects of muscle fatigue on shoulder proprioception and forehand stroke accuracy in Chinese elite table tennis athletes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the relationship between shoulder proprioception and landing point accuracy in Chinese elite table tennis athletes, particularly under fatigue conditions. A total of 19 male athletes participated, with their shoulder proprioception tested using an ISOMED 2000 isokinetic muscle tester. The tester measured proprioception acuity in both pre-fatigue and post-fatigue conditions, alongside performance in a hitting task assessed with a high-speed serve machine. Results indicated a significant correlation between proprioception and stroke performance, especially in internal and external rotation directions (p < 0.01). After fatigue, proprioception in both the racket-holding and non-racket-holding hands significantly decreased in internal and external rotations (p < 0.01 for both hands), with no significant change in vertical extension (VE). Additionally, the performance of the hitting task after fatigue significantly declined in the racket-holding hand (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that shoulder proprioception plays a crucial role in stroke accuracy and fatigue recovery, providing valuable insights for training, rehabilitation, and performance optimization in table tennis. Not applicable. Shoulder proprioception in the internal and external rotation direction decreased in both the racket-holding and non-racket-holding hands after fatigue. The performance in the hitting task was significantly correlated with shoulder proprioception in the internal and external rotation direction, and proprioception decreased after fatigue, so did the performance in the hitting task. We suggest that the active position reset test of shoulder should be included in the evaluation of athletic quality. After training or during breaks in competition, athletes should actively use various methods to recover from shoulder fatigue.

Source: BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.1186/s13102-025-01204-4

Authors: Zhenlei Chen, Tianshu Zhao, Youqing Shen, Shuangfeng Ren, Lihong Sun

Institutions: Hubei University of Education, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing Sport University

Language: English

Topic: Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890