Effects of Recreational Table Tennis on an Bone Health, Body composition, Lipid Profile and Physical Function in Older Men

Investigating the effect of recreational tennis table on the bone health, body composition, lipid profiles and physical function of older men.

The present research is a randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial with parallel groups. The population of the study consisted of elderly people in Shahrood.The subjects of the study are 40 older adults with table tennis experience that selected on the basis on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants are enrolled by one of the research colleagues. An independent assessor, blinded person who had no further involvement in the study made a random allocation sequence using a computer Software prior to the initiation of the study that was used to randomize participants with 1:1 allocation ratio in control group (n=20) and table tennis group (n=20). A block randomization design (block size of 2, 4) were applied to ensure an equal number of participants in each group. Group allocation was concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes, and corresponding envelopes were opened after enrolled participants completed all baseline assessments.

The location of this research is at Nursing homes and community of Shahroud. As it is impossible to blind, participants and sport science specialist providing the tennis table training were not blinded to group allocation. Laboratory specialists assessing the variables and data analyst were blinded to the allocation.

Inclusion criteria: Age over 60 years; Independent living in the community; Lack of regular participation in other physical activities (such as walking, fitness classes); Last participate in table tennis for more than 5 years ago; Ensuring of participants safety during physical activity based on Physical Fitness Readiness Questionnaire; Independence in daily life activities; Physician certification for participation in the study; Signing a confirmation form for informed participation in the research. Exclusion criteria: History of bone metabolic disease and corticosteroids consumption; history of severe musculoskeletal disorders (such as lower back , knee or hip joint arthritis) and / or arthroscopy and artificial implants; history of neurological complications/problems (such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy); history of endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Table Tennis Group: This group receives a 24-week table tennis training program that runs three sessions each week for a period of 1.5 hours in each session. Control group: During the duration of the this research, they continue their usual routine activities.

Bone density; Body composition; Lipid profile; Physical Function

Participants are enrolled by one of the research colleagues. An independent assessor, blinded person who had no further involvement in the study made a random allocation sequence using a computer Software prior to the initiation of the study that was used to randomize participants with 1:1 allocation ratio. A block randomization design (block size of 2, 4) were applied to ensure an equal number of participants in each group. Group allocation was concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes, and corresponding envelopes were opened after enrolled participants completed all baseline assessments. As it is impossible to blind, participants and sport science specialist providing the tennis table training were not blinded to group allocation. Laboratory specialists assessing the variables and data analyst were blinded to the allocation.

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