Asymmetry of anthropometric dimensions and motor efficiency of table tennis players from Macedonia competing in the super and the first league

Abstract

The research has been carried out on a sample of 54 table tennis players (male), competing in the Macedonian First and Super League, in order to determine the asymmetry of anthropometric characteristics and motor efficiency between the dominant and non-dominant arm. Out of 54 respondents, 50 played with the right hand and 4 with the left one, and their results are shown separately. The total sample of applied variables was 18, out of which 12 variables for assessing anthropometric characteristics and 6 variables for assessing motor skills. The asymmetry was estimated from the differences between the arithmetic mean values as well as the differences between the arithmetic mean values expressed in percent, while the asymmetry coefficient of hand strength was calculated according to the formula of Bragina and Dobrokhotova, 1988. The obtained results and the analysis made show that there are differences in the anthropometric characteristics and motor efficiency between the dominant and non-dominant side. In the anthropometric measurements (paired segments), the morphological asymmetry was observed on the upper part of the body that is distinguished by better results of the dominant hand (the hand that holds the paddle), and it is reflected in percentually greater arm’s length, wrist width, upper arm circumference and smaller percentage of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Insignificant difference was found only in the legs’ volume variable indicating that table tennis players’ structure of leg movements and their engagement is approximately the same in both legs. Asymmetries were determined in motor efficiency where the better results are in favor of the prevailing side, both in the tests for assessment of arm muscles and in the tests for assessment of velocity of frequency movements, and no significant differences were observed between the left and right side when conducting the test for assessment of the manner and direction of movement.