The aerobic energy system is very important in table tennis performance. It enables generation of repeated powerful strokes, rapid on-court movements, and ensures fast recovery for the next effort during the match (Lees, 2003; Zagatto et al, 2010). However, the procedures used to estimate aerobic aptitude for table tennis are not well documented in literature. The purposes of this study were: i) to compare physiological responses measured during a specific table tennis incremental test with physiological responses measured during cycling, arm crank, and treadmill running tests; and ii) to verify the accuracy of table tennis performance prediction based on the physiological responses from these tests. Methods: Eleven national level male table tennis players participated in the study performing four graded exercise tests (GXTs): cycle ergometer, arm ergometer, treadmill, and specific table tennis exercise. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([La]) and rate of perceived effort (RPE) were measured in all GXTs. Parameters were estimated at peak intensity and respiratory compensation point intensity (RCP). Table tennis performance was defined as the ranking position obtained during a simulated tournament between participants. Results: VO2 peak during specific table tennis test (39.9±1.5ml/kg/min) was similar to cycling (41.2±1.4ml/kg/min), but statistically lower than treadmill (43.9±1.5ml/kg/min) and higher than arm crank (26.6±1.5ml/kg/min). At RCP intensity, [La] (2.8±0.4mM, 4.6±0.5mM, 3.9±0.3mM and 3.7±0.4mM, respectively) and RPE (13.3±1.1, 15.1±0.7, 14.4±0.8 and 14.5±1.0, respectively) were not statistically different between ergometers; however, arm crank VO2 and HR at RPC (18.0±1.1ml/kg/min and 130.7±3.1bpm) were lower (p<0.05) than the other ergometers (35.2±2.2ml/kg/min and 180.8±5.7bpm from specific table tennis; 33.8±1.5ml/kg/min and 169.3±3.7bpm cycle ergometer; and 37.7±1.7ml/kg/min and 178.9±5.0bpm treadmill). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlation between table tennis performance (TTp) and [La] at RCP and RPE at RCP during cycling (r=0.89, p<0.05); the prediction equation is described below. TTP = (-2.139×[La] at RCP)+(0.675×RPE at RCP)+5.492 Conclusion: The significant differences between the specific and laboratory ergometers highlighted the need for a specific test to measure physiological parameters in table tennis, whereas both RPE and [La] at RCP measured during cycling showed good correlations with table tennis performance.
© Copyright 2012 17th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Bruges, 4. -7. July 2012. Veröffentlicht von Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.