The effect of special exercises using a ball-throwing machine with light stimuli on several physical variables among advanced table tennis players of Al-Futowa Sports Club
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Oct 24, 2025Abstract
This study aimed to examine the impact of specialized exercises using a ball-throwing machine with light stimuli on certain physical variables among advanced table tennis players at Al-Futowa Sports Club. The researcher used the experimental method because it was well-suited to the study's purpose. The sample was intentionally selected from eight advanced players at Al-Futowa Sports Club in Nineveh Governorate. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control.
The researcher used a two-group experimental design (experimental and control) with pre- and post-tests for both groups. The procedures involved creating a training program with a light-stimulus device designed with the help of a specialized engineer. This device was connected to the ball-throwing machine to function as a single system, emitting light stimuli in five specific areas on the table surface. The light stimulus area changed simultaneously with the ball's release from the throwing machine.
The researcher designed skill-based exercises by analyzing the best matches of the world’s top three players, based on the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings. The training program was implemented by the experimental group using the light-stimulus device, the ball-throwing machine, and the specially designed exercises derived from the match analysis. In contrast, the control group followed the training program prepared by the team coach.
The training program lasted for eight weeks, consisting of two medium training cycles and eight microcycles, with three training sessions per week. The results revealed that the training program had a positive effect on the physical variables—namely, eye–arm coordination, reaction speed, explosive arm strength, explosive leg strength, trunk flexibility, and shoulder flexibility—in favor of the experimental group in the post-tests.
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