The kinetic differences in knee joint loading under different foot support patterns in table tennis players.

This study investigated the effects of two foot support patterns—alternating support pattern (ASP) and full-foot support pattern (FSP)—on knee joint loading during forehand loop strokes in elite right-handed national I level table tennis athletes. Results showed that compared to ASP, the FSP reduced knee extension moments, vertical compressive forces, and rotational angular speeds of the hip and trunk but increased knee external rotation angles and free moments, indicating greater rotational stress on the knee joint. The FSP also altered lower limb movement patterns by shifting load from knee extension to hip external rotation, potentially increasing the risk of knee joint injury. The study recommends that athletes avoid using the FSP during offensive forehand strokes to minimize knee joint load and suggests further research on its role in defensive techniques.