Differences between EMGs of Forearm Skeletal Muscles for Flick Strokes against Backspin and No-spin Services in Table Tennis

We have conducted an experimental study to clarify the differences between the EMGs for the forearm skeletal muscles when receiving backspin and no-spin services with a forehand flick stroke. An elite Japanese table tennis player participated as a subject in this study. A Chinese coach, acting as a server, sent a service ball and the subject returned it with a forehand flick stroke. The service ball speed was approximately 4 m/s. The receiver was informed whether the service ball had spin or not. A significant difference (p<0.05) between the two kinds of services was shown for the electrical discharge amount of M. extensor carpi ulnarise (Backspin: 122.06±42.10 and No-spin: 87.12±36.39microV). There were no significant differences for other muscles. It is assumed that the electrical discharge of M. extensor carpi ulnarise of the subject for 15ms just before the impact is concerned with controlling the racket surface.