Range of motion of the upper limb among right and left-handed table tennis players aged 7-10

Abstract

Aim of the study. the aim of the study was to assess the range of motion of the upper limb among right and left-handed table tennis players aged 7-10 years and to analyze the influence of the playing hand on the range of motion. Material and methods. the study covered 103 table tennis players who had a license in Silesian sports clubs for at least a year – 32 girls and 71 boys aged 7-10. One of the inclusion criteria for the study was participation in at least three training sessions per week. Among children, the range of motion of the upper limb was measured using the inertial GYKO device. Collected results were subjected to statistical analysis using a nonparametric U Mann Whitney test. Results. Right-handed children playing table tennis showed a significantly greater range of motion of the right upper limb both during flexion and abduction movements. In turn, among left-handed children, the range of motion during both movements was significantly greater in the left upper limb. Conclusions. Among the athletes, a relationship between the playing hand and the range of motion of the right and left upper limb both during flexion and abduction movements was found (p < 0.05). The participants had a significantly greater range of motion of the upper limb with which they played table tennis. Research has shown that among young table tennis players from the Silesian Voivodeship, therapeutic procedures are necessary to increase the range of motion of the non-playing hand.