Kinematic, kinetic, and neuromuscular characteristics of topspin forehand and backhand strokes in table tennis: a systematic review

Abstract

Offensive strokes are the primary scoring actions in modern table tennis, yet biomechanical evidence remains fragmented. This systematic review synthesized biomechanical aspects and measurement techniques of offensive table tennis strokes following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. From 239 Scopus records, 20 studies published between 2015 and 2026 met the inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and title, abstract, and full-text screening. Due to heterogeneity in tasks, samples, and outcome measures, a meta-analysis was not conducted; instead, findings were synthesized thematically using the three-stage approach of Thomas and Harden (2008). Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, with strong inter-reviewer agreement (κ = 0.82). Most studies focused on the topspin forehand, followed by the backhand topspin and loop strokes. Overall, offensive strokes were identified as whole-body proximal-to-distal kinetic-chain movements, in which force is generated by the lower limbs and trunk and transferred through the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Joint angles, angular velocities, joint moments, and muscle activation patterns varied according to skill level, sex, incoming spin, and stroke direction. Three-dimensional optical motion capture, inertial sensors, force plates, surface electromyography, and musculoskeletal modelling were the predominant measurement methods, while statistical parametric mapping has emerged as a prominent analytical approach. Of the 20 studies, 14 were rated high quality and 6 moderate quality, with sample sizes ranging from 6 to 42 participants (median ≈ 13). However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of small samples, laboratory-based conditions, and the predominance of topspin forehand research.