Effects of a 12-week table tennis training on physical fitness and serum antioxidant parameters for older adults

Table tennis is an enjoyable sport which can enhance physical fitness and motor-cognitive skills for athletes and regular players. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week table tennis training on physical fitness and blood redox status of healthy adults aged 55-65, who were beginners in the sport. The participants were randomly allocated into the Table Tennis group (11 males and 25 females) or the Control group (11 males and 23 females). The measurements of single-leg stance, reaction time, hand-grip strength, body composition and serum antioxidant variables were carried out at baseline and after the intervention. The training program resulted in significant improvements in the duration of single-leg stance, reaction time, and hand-grip strength, particularly among the female participants. The training also maintained favorable body composition. Especially, the serum catalase activity in the Table Tennis group demonstrated a significant enhancement compared to those of its own baseline level and the Control group. Furthermore, a substantial reduction in malondialdehyde content was observed within the Table Tennis group when compared to their baseline data. Therefore, the table tennis training is effective to improve physical fitness and serum antioxidant parameters for older adults.