Ali Reza Nasirzade; Saeed Ilbeigi; Ali Reza Ehsanbakhsh; Marziyeh Saghebjoo
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the muscle architectural parameters such as muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length of the biceps, brachii, and triceps brachii (long head) muscles in table tennis players. Materials and Methods: 16 table tennis players and 10 inactive ...
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Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the muscle architectural parameters such as muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length of the biceps, brachii, and triceps brachii (long head) muscles in table tennis players. Materials and Methods: 16 table tennis players and 10 inactive individuals participated in the study, with no significant differences for their age, height, weight, and arm length parameters. Muscle thickness and pennation angle in 50%, 60% and 70% of arm length sites was measured and fascicle length was estimated by B-mode ultrasonography images. Results: The results indicated significantly greater muscle thickness for biceps brachii only in 60% and 70% sites in table tennis players. They also showed significantly greater muscle thickness, lesser pennation angle, and greater fascicle length in all sites of triceps brachii. Conclusion: It seems that muscle architectural parameters developed in table tennis players arm muscles to help them to perform their high speed movements. However, muscle thickness of biceps brachii and triceps brachii at different arm sites showed dissimilar adaptations.
