The Effects of Warming Up and Stretching Movements on Shoulder and Ankle Joint Performance in Table Tennis Athletes

This study aimed to investigate the impact of warm-up exercises and stretching movements on the performance of table tennis athletes in relation to shoulder and ankle joint mobility. The objective was to assess whether implementing a specific warm-up routine and incorporating targeted stretching techniques could enhance overall performance. Materials and Methods: A total of ۳۰ professional table tennis athletes, aged between ۱۸ and ۳۰ years, voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (CG), a warm-up only group (WUG), and a warm-up plus stretching group (WPSG). The participants in the WUG performed a specific warm-up routine consisting of general cardiovascular exercises. The participants in the WPSG engaged in the same warm-up routine supplemented with targeted stretching movements for the shoulder and ankle joints. The CG did not perform any warm-up or stretching exercises. The participants' performance was evaluated using a standardized table tennis skill test both before and after the intervention. Results: The findings of this study revealed significant improvements in performance for both the WUG and WPSG groups compared to the CG. However, the WPSG group exhibited significantly greater improvements in shoulder mobility and ankle joint range of motion compared to the WUG. Additionally, the WPSG group displayed enhanced performance in table tennis skills compared to both the WUG and CG. Conclusion: Implementing a warm-up routine alone already proved beneficial, but incorporating targeted stretching movements specifically for the shoulder and ankle joints further enhanced the performance of table tennis athletes. These findings can be utilized by athletes, coaches, and sports trainers to optimize warm-up protocols and improve performance in table tennis. Further research should focus on a larger sample size and longer intervention duration to confirm these effects

Keywords:

table tennis , warm-up , stretch movements , shoulder , ankle joint.