Start Date
17-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
17-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction In the Paralympic Games, classification serves as the cornerstone of disability sports, ensuring fairness and credibility in competition. To establish evidence-based classification in para table tennis (TT) (classes 1 to 5 for wheelchair players and classes 6 to 10 for standing players with physical impairments), the objective measurement of para players' abilities is essential. This study aimed to apply an intelligent racket to measure the maximal forehand swing abilities (MFSA) of para TT players from classes 1 to 10 and analyze differences in MFSA across classes. Theoretically, higher classes are expected to correlate with superior abilities and performance.
Methodology We utilized an intelligent racket to measure swing speed and efficiency in the MFSA of 30 elite male players across classes 1 to 10, following the testing protocol outlined by Sheu and Wu (2022).
Results Using the intelligent racket to assess MFSA, we found that wheelchair players in classes 1 to 3 performed significantly weaker than those in classes 4 and 5. However, no significant differences in swing speed or efficiency were observed between classes 4 and 5. Among standing players, MFSA, including swing speed and efficiency, improved progressively with higher classes.
Conclusion Through this technical approach, our analysis of MFSA among wheelchair players revealed no significant differences between classes 4 and 5. We recommend merging these two classes into a single category. For standing players, this technical method objectively measured key TT-specific abilities, highlighting its potential for application in classification systems.
Reference
Sheu, Y. H. & Wu, S. K. (2022). Application of technology in precision measurement of players with impairments: True abilities or intentional misrepresentation. Global Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 9(5), 555772.
Recommended Citation
Wu, Sheng Prof and Sheu, Yung-Hoh Prof, "Assessment of Para Table Tennis Classification: From the Technological Approach to Examine the Fairness of Classification" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 34.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day2/34
Assessment of Para Table Tennis Classification: From the Technological Approach to Examine the Fairness of Classification
Introduction In the Paralympic Games, classification serves as the cornerstone of disability sports, ensuring fairness and credibility in competition. To establish evidence-based classification in para table tennis (TT) (classes 1 to 5 for wheelchair players and classes 6 to 10 for standing players with physical impairments), the objective measurement of para players' abilities is essential. This study aimed to apply an intelligent racket to measure the maximal forehand swing abilities (MFSA) of para TT players from classes 1 to 10 and analyze differences in MFSA across classes. Theoretically, higher classes are expected to correlate with superior abilities and performance.
Methodology We utilized an intelligent racket to measure swing speed and efficiency in the MFSA of 30 elite male players across classes 1 to 10, following the testing protocol outlined by Sheu and Wu (2022).
Results Using the intelligent racket to assess MFSA, we found that wheelchair players in classes 1 to 3 performed significantly weaker than those in classes 4 and 5. However, no significant differences in swing speed or efficiency were observed between classes 4 and 5. Among standing players, MFSA, including swing speed and efficiency, improved progressively with higher classes.
Conclusion Through this technical approach, our analysis of MFSA among wheelchair players revealed no significant differences between classes 4 and 5. We recommend merging these two classes into a single category. For standing players, this technical method objectively measured key TT-specific abilities, highlighting its potential for application in classification systems.
Reference
Sheu, Y. H. & Wu, S. K. (2022). Application of technology in precision measurement of players with impairments: True abilities or intentional misrepresentation. Global Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 9(5), 555772.