Naslov
The incidence of improper postural alignment due to the influence of long–term table tennis training

Autori
Munivrana, Goran ; Paušić, Jelena ; Kondrič, Miran

Izvornik
Kinesiologia slovenica (1318-2269) 17 (2011), 2; 47-59

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
postural alignment ; paramorphism ; table tennis ; software program (computer program)

Sažetak
Considering the lack of articles regarding the affects of unilaterality of movements in racquet sports, this study has the important aim of ascertaining if the repetitive performance of strong, one-arm strokes can negatively affect the body posture of young table tennis players. The main objectives of this research were to: (a) classify the subjects (table tennis players – TP, and age-related controls – C) according to their postural alignment status ; and (b) determine whether there is any relationship between long-term active table tennis training and the emergence of improper postural alignment (paramorphism) in children and young people. The sample of subjects comprised 67 TTP, younger cadets and cadets ; and 80 C, namely boys of the same age from two elementary schools (all aged 10–14 years). The measurement of the postural status indicators was performed using high-resolution photo-equipment (Kodak Easyshare C513). Digitalised photographs were taken in the coronal and sagittal plane and further processed using the software program “Posture Image Analyser”, a photographic method for assessing standing postures. According to the data yielded by taxonomic and discriminant analysis, it can be concluded that there is: (a) no significant difference between the TTP and the C regarding their clustering into groups by different types of postural alignment ; and (b) significant differences were found in several indicators of postural status. Although a considerable incidence of improper postural alignment was detected, it must be stressed that this is a general problem among youth and is not directly related to regular table tennis training. Table tennis training is associated with specific circumstances concerning the problem of improper postural alignment: e.g., a lowered shoulder of the dominant hand and a somewhat hunchbacked basic position in the sagittal plane, all largely linked to the biomechanical and structural characteristics of the sport.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

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