Gender Differences in Kinematic Parameters of Topspin Forehand and Backhand in Table Tennis

Background: The identification of gender dierences in kinematics and coordination of movement in dierent body segments in sports may improve the training process by emphasizing the necessity of its dierentiation, and consequently individualization, developing, and improving the technique in women and men. Indicating dierences can also help in determining the risk of injury in order to prevent from them by diversifying training programs. However, there is no information regarding this problem in the existing literature pertaining to table tennis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the dierences in the values of selected angular and kinematic parameters during topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots between male and female table tennis players. Methods: Six male and six female advanced table tennis players performed topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots, both receiving a backspin ball. The angular parameters in four events (ready position, backswing, maximum acceleration, and forward) at chosen joints as well as the maximal acceleration of the playing hand were measured, using the myoMotion system, and were compared between male and female players. Results: Significant dierences (p 0.05) were found in the magnitude of angular parameters and maximum hand acceleration between men and women. The movement pattern of topspin strokes performed by men takes into account, more than that in the case of women, movements that use large muscle groups and large joints (hip joints, trunk joints, shoulder joints in extension, and flexion). The dierence in the values of maximal acceleration reached almost 50 m/s2 in topspin forehand (p < 0.01) and 20 m/s2 in backhand (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Dierentiation of movement patterns can be a manifestation of movement optimization due to anthropological dierences and limitations. The dierences in the values of maximal acceleration suggest that women could use both sides to perform a topspin attack against the backspin ball, while men should seek opportunities to make a stronger shot with a forehand topspin.