BODY IMAGE AND MENTAL REPRESENTATION IN TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS WHO DO VERSUS DO NOT USE A PROSTHESIS

The prosthesis that athletes use should take over the function of the missing limb. Playing table tennis without constraints is one exemplary goal. The question arose whether table tennis players who used a prosthesis and players who did not show similar body image values and mental representation of movements. Five matched pairs of active table tennis players (n = 10) completed a body image questionnaire. Additionally, the mental representation of a forehand table tennis serve was assessed. Results revealed no significant differences between the two groups of athletes on mental representations. Furthermore, the integration of the prosthesis into the body image was considered satisfying by four out of the five athletes with prosthesis, the use of a prosthesis did not appear to affect athletes' body image. Based on the research results it can be recommended that in technical and mental training sessions, one methodological approach be used for all athletes, regardless of whether they use a prosthesis. Finally, it is suggested to foster the integration of athletes who use a prosthesis into the established leagues in which athletes compete who do not use prosthesis.