Table tennis is characterized with intermittent intervals of explosive (anaerobic) muscle activity, being the cause for use of interval training as the most suitable training method. Performance in the game is a function of the state of the neuromuscular system, i.e. its condition of (non)fatigue. A study has been conceptualized where top young players are monitored through kinematic, kinetic and surface EMG variables when performing a repetitive maximal forehand top-spin movement, practicing with a table tennis robot, in such a dynamics and duration as to induce fatigue. Sequences of 12 shots are followed by 10 second rest periods, and this is to be repeated during an overall time of 20 intervals. M. deltoideus anterior, m. deltoideus medialis, m. biceps brachii and m. pectoralis major are to be monitored, unilaterally. Kinematics of the upper body is to be measured using an ELITE system (Zagreb) or a VICON system (Vienna) respectively, ground reaction forces (GRF) using force plates (Kistler). Changes in time patterning of EMG signal waveforms are expected, while the decrease of the median frequency of the surface EMG power spectrum is to be used as a criterion of local muscle fatigue. Modifications of both, neuro-muscular and kinematic/kinetic patterns, together with decrease of performance are expected to appear with fatigue.

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