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Comparison of Kinetic Characteristics of Footwork during Stroke in Table Tennis: Cross-Step and Chasse Step
Published on: June 16, 2021
Biomechanical response to systematic changes in impact interface cushioning properties while performing a
Victoria Stiles1, Sharon Dixon
1School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. v.h.stiles@exeter.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|July 27, 2007
Summary
Surface cushioning significantly impacts sports biomechanics, with increased cushioning reducing loading rates and heel pressure. Peak rate of loading is a better indicator of surface cushioning than peak impact force.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- The influence of sports surface properties on human biomechanical responses remains unclear.
- Understanding the role of cushioning versus friction is crucial for injury prevention and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how varying levels of surface cushioning affect biomechanical responses during tennis running forehand foot plants.
- To determine if peak rate of loading or peak impact force is a more reliable indicator of surface cushioning.
Main Methods:
- Systematic manipulation of surface cushioning (acrylic, rubber, thin foam, thick foam) while maintaining consistent friction.
- Assessment of kinetics (ground reaction forces, loading rates), kinematics, and perceived cushioning during simulated tennis movements.
- Utilized force plates (AMTI), pressure insoles (Footscan), and motion capture (Peak MOTUS).
Main Results:
- Increased surface cushioning correlated with decreased peak and mean loading rates of vertical ground reaction force and reduced peak heel pressure.
- Peak impact force was lowest on the least cushioned surface, contrary to expectations.
- Kinematic responses showed no significant differences across surfaces.
- Perceived cushioning strongly correlated with measured biomechanical parameters.
Conclusions:
- Peak rate of loading is a more sensitive indicator of sports surface cushioning than peak impact force.
- Biomechanical data support the use of mechanical methods for assessing surface cushioning properties.
- Findings provide evidence for the importance of surface cushioning in sports biomechanics.
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