The kinetic differences in knee joint loading under different foot support patterns in table tennis players

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different foot support patterns on knee joint loading in elite table tennis athletes. Eighteen right-handed with shake-hand grip, national I level table tennis athletes were included. Their average age was 20.33 ± 1.53 years, with a height of 1.73 ± 0.08 meters, weight of 66.75 ± 9.35 kilograms, and 11.67 ± 1.81 years of training experience. The athletes performed forehand loop strokes using different support patterns: alternating support pattern (ASP) and full-foot support pattern (FSP). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using 8 infrared cameras and 3 force plates. Compared to the ASP, the FSP significantly reduced heel-to-forefoot rotation angle (−30.67%), knee compressive force (−9.14%), knee extension moments (−13.94%), hip (−5.6%) and thorax (−3.8%) Z-axis angular speed, but increased free moment by 19.92%. The moment graph also revealed the FSP had a higher knee internal rotation moment (0%∼69%) and external rotation moment (70%∼100%), as well as a higher hip external rotation moment (6%∼64%). The FSP decreased athletic performance and increased knee joint load during the forehand loop. It is recommended that athletes avoid using the FSP during training or competition.