Abstract:

Objectives: The aims of this study were to comparison and describe the anthropometric characteristics physical fitness and physiological profile of the first 5 and the lower ranked elite male Iranian national table tennis players, who participated in table tennis championship, to compare the anthropometric data, physical fitness and physiological profile of the first 5elite tennis players on the ranking with the lower ranked players, and to establish an anthropometric and physiological profile chart for elite tennis players. Methods: On the direction of this aim 16 male National table tennis Players' participated in this study. According to ranked some physical fitness, physiological and anthropometric variables were recorded of each subject. In this research; Physical fitness was determined using the following test: 1) speed; 36m sprint, 2) shoulder, back and hamstring flexibility; sit and reach, 3) lower limb power; side jump, 4) Anaerobic power; wingate test, 5) Aerobic power; 1600 m running, 6) reaction time; visual reaction time, 7) mussel endurance; sit- ups. In addition to anthropometric analysis (height, weight, siting height, arm length), body composition and somatotype of participants have been assessed. The kolmogorof-smirnov test was applied to determine the nature of data distribution. Since a normal distribution was confirmed, a t- test for independent samples was performed to examine statistical differences between groups and p value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: There were no significant differences in height, jump, shoulder, back and hamstring flexibility, speed, visual reaction time, anaerobic power and BMI between the first 5 and the lower ranked table tennis players, while there were significant differences in weight, side jump, aerobic power, present body fat and somatotype component. A mesomorph – endomorph somatotype was registered for the lower ranked and somatotype of first 5 table tennis players could be defined as mesomorph – ectomorph. Conclusions: As a result, Table tennis in (mesomorph-Ektomorf) were dominant body type and it is determined that it is important to aerobic power.

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