Functional Training in Adolescent Table Tennis

Alirıza Han Civan30 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an eight-week functional training program on physical performance parameters in adolescent table tennis players. Functional training involves multi-joint and multi-plane exercises designed to improve movement quality, strength, balance, and coordination. Thirty adolescent table tennis players will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Functional Training, Conventional Training, or Control (routine training). The Functional Training group will perform a structured functional exercise program in addition to regular table tennis training, while the Conventional Training group will continue standard training routines. The Control group will maintain regular practice only. Physical performance variables including flexibility, agility, speed, vertical jump performance, functional movement patterns, and balance will be assessed before, during, and after the intervention period.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of an eight-week functional training program on physical performance in adolescent table tennis players. Functional training focuses on multi-joint, multi-planar exercises aimed at improving movement efficiency, balance, strength, and neuromuscular coordination. Thirty adolescent table tennis players aged 12-16 years with at least three years of training experience will be recruited and randomly allocated to one of three groups: Functional Training, Conventional Training, or Control. The Functional Training group will perform a structured exercise program consisting of dynamic, whole-body movements designed to enhance agility, balance, speed, and movement quality. Training sessions will be conducted three times per week for eight weeks in addition to regular table tennis practice. The Conventional Training group will continue standard technical and tactical training without additional functional exercises. The Control group will maintain routine training only. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Assessments will include flexibility, agility, sprint speed, vertical jump performance, Functional Movement Screen scores, and static and dynamic balance measures. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 14 YearsMax age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female adolescent table tennis players aged 12-18 years. * Actively training and competing in table tennis for at least 2 years. * Participating in at least 3 training sessions per week. * Free from injury or medical conditions affecting physical performance. * Voluntarily consent to participate in the study (parental consent required for minors). Exclusion Criteria: * Any musculoskeletal injury, neurological disorder, or medical condition affecting training or performance. * Participation in another structured training program during the study period. * Non-compliance with study protocol or inability to attend scheduled sessions.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Overall Physical Performance Score

Overall physical performance will be assessed using a battery of standardized physical performance tests including flexibility, agility, speed, vertical jump height, balance, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Flexibility: Sit-and-Reach Test (cm; higher values indicate better flexibility) Agility: T-test (seconds; lower values indicate better performance) Speed: 10-meter sprint test (seconds; lower values indicate better performance) Vertical Jump: Countermovement jump height (cm; higher values indicate better performance) Balance: Static and dynamic balance tests (test-specific scoring; higher scores indicate better balance) Functional Movement Screen (FMS): Composite score ranging from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating better movement quality

Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), mid-intervention (week 4), and post-intervention (week 8)

Secondary Outcomes

Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

Flexibility will be assessed using a sit-and-reach test that measures the flexibility of the hamstring and lower back muscles. Measurement: Sit-and-reach Test Unit: centimeters (cm) Range: Typically 0-50 cm Direction: Higher scores indicate better flexibility