The Effect of the Circular Training Method on Hand Reaction Time, Endurance, and Stroke Speed in Table Tennis Players

Abstract: This study examined the effects of a six-week circuit training program on hand reaction time, aerobic endurance, and stroke speed in table tennis athletes. A to-tal of 48 university athletes (18–21 years) with at least one year of training experience participated voluntarily. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24), using a pre-test–post-test controlled de-sign. Hand reaction time was measured with the CatchPad Reaction Timer, aerobic endurance via the Shuttle Run Test, and forehand/backhand stroke speeds using a handheld radar device. The experimental group performed an eight-station circuit training program three times per week for six weeks, while the control group conti-nued their regular training. Data analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group for MaxVO₂, running distance, reaction time, and stroke speeds (p < 0.05). Post-test comparisons showed higher MaxVO₂ and run-ning distance in the experimental group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found for reaction time or stroke speed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, circuit training effectively improves aerobic endurance and overall physical performance in table ten-nis athletes; however, its impact on technical skills appears limited, indicating the need for longer-term and sport-specific training approaches.