Research Article

THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Volume: 7 Number: 2 August 31, 2026
TR EN

THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Functional training enhances young athletes’ physical performance by developing multi-joint and multiplanar movement patterns and may reduce injury risk. However, its effects on adolescent table tennis players remain insufficiently investigated. This study compared the effects of an eight-week functional training program with traditional and routine training on physical performance parameters. Methods: Thirty male adolescent table tennis players aged 14–16 years were randomly assigned to the Functional Training Group (n = 10), Traditional Training Group (n = 10), or Control Group performing routine training (n = 10). Flexibility, agility, speed, vertical jump, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and static and dynamic balance were assessed at pre-test, mid-test, and post-test. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests were used to identify significant differences, while effect sizes were reported using Cohen’s d and η². Results: The Functional Training Group demonstrated significant improvements in flexibility, agility, vertical jump height, FMS scores, static and dynamic balance, and speed. The Traditional Training Group showed moderate improvements, whereas the Control Group exhibited minimal changes. Overall, functional training was more effective than traditional and routine training in improving physical performance. Conclusion: Eight weeks of functional training significantly improved multiple physical performance parameters in adolescent table tennis players. Incorporating functional exercises into training programs may enhance athletic performance, reduce movement asymmetries, and potentially minimize injury risk. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of functional training across different age groups and competitive levels.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Karabük University Non-Interventional Clinical Research (Decision No: 2024/ E-77192459-050.99-381871, October 2024). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank all participants for their valuable contribution to this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Training, Exercise Physiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 31, 2026

Submission Date

June 5, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 11, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 2

APA
Uzun, M. E. (2026). THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 7(2), 107-118. https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF
AMA
1.Uzun ME. THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. CUSPOR. 2026;7(2):107-118. https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF
Chicago
Uzun, Mahmut Esat. 2026. “THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL”. Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 7 (2): 107-18. https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF.
EndNote
Uzun ME (August 1, 2026) THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 7 2 107–118.
IEEE
[1]M. E. Uzun, “THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL”, CUSPOR, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 107–118, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF
ISNAD
Uzun, Mahmut Esat. “THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL”. Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 7/2 (August 1, 2026): 107-118. https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF.
JAMA
1.Uzun ME. THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. CUSPOR. 2026;7:107–118.
MLA
Uzun, Mahmut Esat. “THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL”. Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 7, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 107-18, https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF.
Vancouver
1.Mahmut Esat Uzun. THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ON SPEED, BALANCE, AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN ADOLESCENT TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. CUSPOR [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;7(2):107-18. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA78JE54WF

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