International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Research Articles

Selecting the Best Compositions of a Wheelchair Basketball Team: A Data-Driven Approach

Wheelchair basketball, regulated by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, is a sport designed for individuals with physical disabilities. This article presents a data-driven tool that effectively determines optimal team lineups based on past performance data and metrics for player effectiveness. Our proposed methodology involves combining a Bayesian longitudinal model with an integer linear problem to optimize the lineup of a wheelchair basketball team. To illustrate our approach, we use real data from a team competing in the Rollstuhlbasketball Bundesliga, namely the Doneck Dolphins Trier. We consider three distinct performance metrics for each player and incorporate uncertainty from the posterior predictive distribution of the longitudinal model into the optimization process. The results demonstrate the tool’s ability to select the most suitable team compositions and to calculate posterior probabilities of several players playing together in the best composition.

Contribution of Physical Characteristics to Game Performance in Male Wheelchair Basketball Athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Snyder, L, Goods, PSR, Peeling, P, Balloch, A, Peiffer, JJ, Binnie, MJ, and Scott, BR. Contribution of physical characteristics to game performance in male wheelchair basketball athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This investigation explored the physical characteristics of elite male wheelchair basketball (WCB) athletes and their association with game performance during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Sixteen male athletes from the Australian national WCB squad were assessed for anthropometrics, speed, change of direction, aerobic power, and upper-body power during a training camp before the 2020 Paralympic Games. Athletes were grouped according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation disability classification system (1.0-4.5) as low- (≤2.5, more severe impairments) or high-point (≥3.0, less severe impairments) athletes. Physical and performance characteristics between groups were compared using independent-samples t-tests, and their relationship to game statistics (points, rebounds, assists, and steals) per minute played was explored through stepwise regression. High-point athletes were 13% taller (p = 0.001), 4-9% faster (p < 0.001-0.017), and demonstrated superior change of direction ability (15%, p < 0.001) compared with low-point athletes. Approximately 74% of the variance in points scored per minute was accounted for by athlete classification, whereas the most important modifiable physical characteristic was speed, which contributed significantly to steals (54% of variance) and assists (96% of variance when arm span and sitting reach height were also considered). Low-point athletes with spinal cord injuries generally have impaired trunk control, which is a likely explanation for performance differences between groups. A range of nonmodifiable (classification, sitting reach height, and arm span) and modifiable (speed) physical characteristics contribute to game performance outcomes and should therefore be considered when identifying, developing, and selecting WCB athletes for elite competition.

Spectrum and patterns of shoulder pathology on MRI in symptomatic elite wheelchair basketball athletes.

Wheelchair basketball (WCB) is a popular para-sport adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. Shoulder injuries are commonly reported among WCB athletes. However, the understanding of the specific patterns and characteristics of shoulder injuries in WCB players is currently limited, and there is a lack of comprehensive literature available on this subject. To investigate the spectrum of pathologies observed in elite wheelchair basketball (WCB) athletes referred for MRI evaluation of symptomatic injuries of the shoulder. Retrospective review of consecutive elite WCB athletes referred for MRI evaluation of symptomatic shoulder injury. Demographic, clinical, and functional data including international wheelchair basketball federation (IWBF) classification of each athlete were collected. A total of 28 MRI studies were reviewed. Excluding MRI examinations of the same shoulder, 18 study cases were assessed for pathology of the rotator cuff (RC), labrum, long-head of biceps tendon, glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, and osseous lesions of the humerus or glenoid. Correlations between clinical-demographic features and MRI findings were statistically evaluated. Supraspinatus tears were observed in 72.2%, infraspinatus tears in 50%, and subscapularis tears in 38.9% shoulders. Articular-sided partial tears frequently involved posterior supraspinatus (88.9%) and anterior infraspinatus (100%). Labral tears were seen in 38.9%, with involvement of the posterosuperior labrum in all tears. Hill-Sachs and osseous Bankart lesions (5.6%), and anterior-inferior labral tears (11.1%), were uncommon findings. Statistically significant correlations were observed of low IWBF point class and non-ambulatory athletes with subscapularis tendinosis (p = 0.015, p = 0.001) and tearing (p = 0.050, p = 0.013), and athletes with limited trunk control with subscapularis tendinosis (p = 0.013). RC tears are common in elite WCB athletes with pattern of RC and labral tearing suggesting internal (superior-posterior) impingement as a contributory pathoetiologic mechanism. Non-ambulatory, low IWBF point class athletes, as well as those with limited trunk control have a statistically significant increase in subscapularis tendon pathology on MRI.

Upper limb cranking asymmetry during a Wingate anaerobic test in wheelchair basketball players.

Interlimb asymmetry of strength and/or motor coordination could limit the performance of wheelchair athletes or increase their risk of injury. Studies of interlimb asymmetry in the lower limbs have shown high between-subject variability that does not depend on the side of dominance and that does not change with fatigue. Upper limb asymmetry is particularly large in manual wheelchair athletes with a lower degree of impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate interlimb asymmetry of forces developed during an upper limb Wingate anaerobic test, the effects of fatigue on force, and differences between high- and low-point players. Twenty-five wheelchair basketball players (13 females and 12 males) of male and female national French teams performed a 30s anaerobic Wingate test on an arm ergometer. Participants were classified into two functional categories, high-point (classed from 3 to 4.5) and low-point (classed from 1 to 2.5), according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation classification. Left and right arm forces were measured during the pushing and pulling phases at peak power, 10s, and the end of the 30s test. Upper limb asymmetry changed with fatigue during each phase. Force asymmetry differed between peak power, 10s and 30s, with no consistent increase or decrease. Asymmetry did not differ significantly between low- and high-point players but tended to be greater in high-point players. Asymmetry tended to be greater in the females, with significant differences between the males and females in the push phase. Inter-subject variability was high, but forces were asymmetric for most participants, especially females. The Wingate anaerobic test could highlight problematic asymmetries that might impact daily life or sports performance.

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Women’s Wheelchair Basketball: Differences Between Players’ Functional Classification

The aim of the present study was to determine, for the first time in elite women's wheelchair basketball, the differences in the initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP), mechanical outputs, and sprint performance between A category (≤2.5 class) and B category (≥3 class) players. A secondary aim was to assess the association between IMPRP mechanical outputs and sprint performance to determine the influence of specific strength in the latter. Sixteen Spanish women's wheelchair basketball players participated in this study: A category (n = 9, International Wheelchair Basketball Federation [IWBF] classification range: 1-2.5 points) and B category (n = 7, IWBF classification range: 3-4.5 points). All the players undertook 2 tests: the IMPRP test to measure the strength variables and the 3-, 5-, and 12-m sprint test. B category players reported significantly better performance values in almost all the IMPRP variables and all the sprint distances than A category players. Large to very large significant correlations were observed among IMPRP absolute mechanical outputs (excepting mean power) and sprint performance (3, 5, and 12m) for all the participants. When the group was divided according to categories A and B, the significant differences observed in the whole group decreased in both groups, although some relationships were large or very large. The IMPRP test and sprint test (3, 5, and 12m) seemed to be sensitive to differentiate the level between the 2 functional categories. In addition, there was a high association between strength and sprint variables, which shows that greater strength could improve sprint capacity.

Functional classification and performance in wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball players are classified into four classes based on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation competition system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the IWBF functional classification for wheelchair basketball was related to different performance field-based tests. Forty wheelchair basketball athletes took part in the study. The players carried out five field tests, three of which were quantitative, related to the three conditional skills (strength, endurance and speed test) and two of the qualitative type (accuracy and shooting ability tests). Pearson's correlation was performed to analyse the correlation between the score obtained from functional classification and the results of the wheelchair performance tests. The IWBF class was not correlated (p &lt;0.05) with any of the tests performed. Players with even major injuries, in their best wheelchair set-up, even achieved better times than upper-class players; therefore, the disability factor in these tests is not an index that determines performance disadvantage. The study shows that the functional classification does not affect the qualitative-quantitative performance, so the disabled athlete with a lower score is not disadvantaged in basketball.

TEKERLEKLİ SANDALYE BASKETBOL OYUNCULARINDA KLASİFİKASYON PUANLARINA GÖRE BİYOMOTOR VE TEKNİK ÖZELLİKLER: PİLOT ÇALIŞMA

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the biomotor and technical skills of wheelchair basketball players through their classification scores.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 22 male athletes, 11 with low trunk control (1 to 2.5 points) and 11 with high trunk control (3 to 4.5 points) from Turkish Wheelchair Basketball First League, voluntarily participated in the research. Athletes were grouped according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation functional classification system. Biomotor features of the athletes and wheelchair basketball skill test scores were measured. SPSS 24.0 program was used for data analysis. Group differences were determined by Mann-Whitney U analysis.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed statistically significant differences were in classification points, trunk balance, modified sit-up, modified abdominal endurance, 20 m speed, slalom without the ball, slalom with the ball and 6-min endurance race test parameters (p

Load-Velocity Relationship in Bench Press and Effects of a Strength-Training Program in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Team Study.

Performance in wheelchair basketball is determined by capabilities, such as strength and power. The study has two aims: first, to analyze the association between speed and acceleration variables (collected in the bench press (BP) exercise) and the distinct percentages of one-repetition maximum (1RM); second, to analyze the effect of a strength training protocol on wheelchair basketball (WB) players according to their functional impairments. Ten Spanish male WB players volunteered to participate in the study. The players did a pretest and posttest (1RM in bench press) with 6-week muscle strength intervention program. The results showed a high association between the %1RM and the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and the maximum velocity (Vmax), both in the total of the participants, and in each separate group of athletes. After implementing the strength training program, both the players of the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) < 2.5 group and those of IWBF > 2.5 group improved their 1RM (p < 0.01, ES = 0.20 to 0.23). However, the program produced positive effects at submaximal intensities in the MPV reached with 30, 40, 70, and 80 kg and in time to maximum velocity (TVmax) with 30, 40, and 70 kg (ES = −3.24 to 1.32) only in players with greater functional impairments. The high association between %1RM and MPV and Vmax can allow for determination the %1RM of the WB players in the BP using the MPV and the Vmax. The training program was effective in improving 1RM in both groups, while improvements in submaximal values only occurred in the IWBF < 2.5 group.

Short Distance Sprint Performance in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Women Players: Influence of Functional Classification

The aim of this study was to analyse the short-distance sprint performance (SDSP) differences between functional International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classes in elite wheelchair basketball (WB) women players. Additionally, the association between WB experience and the IWBF functional classification score and SDSP was assessed. Sixteen WB women players belonging to the Spanish national WB team were grouped according to the functional IWBF classes: group 1 (class 1 and 1.5), group 2 (class 2 and 2.5), group 3 (class 3 and 3.5) and group 4 (class 4 and 4.5). Each participant completed 2 sets of 12-m wheeling sprints at maximum speed, and split times at 3, 5 and 12 m were recorded. Major significant differences were observed in SDSP between groups 1 and 4 (p <.05; effect size [ES] range: -2.27 – 4.02) and, while not significant, a clear trend in which the higher the functional IWBF classification the higher the SDSP was observed. Moreover, we found a significant strong association between the functional IWBF classification individual score and the SDSP (p < .05; rs range: 0.61 – 0.71). The SDSP test (split times at 3, 5 and 12 m) would therefore seem to be sufficiently sensitive to reflect the level of functional ability in elite WB women.

The relationship between free-throw accuracy and performance variables in male wheelchair basketball players

We investigated the relationship between the free-throw accuracy and performance variables among fourteen elite male wheelchair basketball players. Participants performed 20 basketball free-throws. Basketball performance variables were the phases of the pre-shoot routine: (a) time taken, (b) minimum angle when taking the ball back, (c) angle at ball release, (d) angular displacement during the forward arm swing, and (e) angular velocity at ball release on the elbow, shoulder, and hip. A significant negative correlation was observed between the free-throw accuracy and mean pre-shot time, suggesting that participants with a shorter pre-shot time showed a higher free-throw accuracy. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between the free-throw accuracy and variability of angular velocity of the hip at the time of ball release, indicating that the consistency of hip movement is an important factor in free-throw accuracy. In contrast, there were no relationship between the free-throw accuracy and player’s classification point defined as International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, and experience of wheelchair basketball. These data suggest that the routine duration and trunk movement are related to free-throw accuracy in wheelchair basketball.

Laboratory and Non-laboratory Assessment of Anaerobic Performance of Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Athletes.

Wheelchair basketball is an adaptive Paralympic sport and wheelchair basketball players are under classification in sport. Coaches are looking for useful assessment tools (field-based tests) to evaluate players’ anaerobic performance (anaerobic capacity). The aim of this study was to assess the validity of field-based tests for anaerobic performance evaluation for two functional categories of wheelchair basketball players and to create a calculator to predict mean or peak power on the basis of the selected field-based test results. Sixty-one elite male wheelchair basketball players performed the Wingate Anaerobic Test and the following field-based tests: 3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, basketball chest pass test, medicine ball (3 kg) chest pass test, bilateral handgrip, 3-6-9 m drill test, 30-s sprint test, agility drill test and 10 × 5 m sprint test. The participants were divided into two functional categories: A (classes from 1.0 to 2.5; n = 29) and B (classes from 3.0 to 4.5; n = 32) according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation rules. The large effect size (Cohen’s d > 0.5) was found in four tests (3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, basketball chest pass test, medicine ball chest pass test; ES 0.90, 0.53, –0.96, –1.05). There were differences between category A and category B players regarding mean power, peak power and relative peak power. Peak power correlated with four tests, while mean power correlated with eight out of eleven tests. The formulas for estimating peak power or mean power in category A and B players were created separately. All the analyses confirmed that 3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, agility drill test, bilateral handgrip, 3-6-9 m drill test, 30-s sprint test, basketball chest pass test and medicine ball chest pass test are valid for non-laboratory anaerobic performance evaluation. Using the four formulas as a tool to predict mean or peak power on the basis of the selected field-based test results and functional categories will be helpful and will allow coaches and players to prepare pre-season, post-season and in-season conditioning exercises in wheelchair basketball.

The International wheelchair basketball federation’s classification system

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate opinions of elite athletes, coaches and classifiers regarding the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation’s (IWBF) functional classification system. We were also interested in the athletes’ perspective regarding potential changes to the classification system. In addition, we compared the generalized opinions reported by the athletes to those of coaches and classification officers. This survey was administered during the Wheelchair Basketball Gold Cup (Amsterdam, 2006). Seventy-nine athletes, 50 men and 29 women, as well as 12 coaches and 14 classifiers completed the survey. The first part of the survey addressed demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part focused on their opinions regarding the current classification system. Based on the survey responses, athletes reported that the IWBF classification system is generally satisfactory. However, athletes as well as coaches and classification officers did report some specific concerns about this classification system. These concerns included changes in an athlete classification, athlete cheating and communication between classifiers and athletes. Athletes, coaches and classifiers, as the wheelchair basketball’s primary constituent groups, have a vested interest in the evolution of the game and should be included in the evaluation and modifications to the functional classification system. This study has demonstrated that a classification specific survey could&amp;nbsp;provide useful information and insight into the perspectives of these constituent groups.

Correlation Between Elite Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Skills Testing And Future Success In The Sport

INTRODUCTION: Wheelchair basketball practices are built around developing technical and tactical skills required in game situations. To assess performance of these skills, testing protocols have been developed. This allows both player and coach to determine improvements. However, does achieving high scores on skills tests translate to success on the basketball court during competition. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to determine the relationship between skills test results and performance during competition as determined by the average efficiency scores. METHODS: In April, 2013, 25 female wheelchair basketball players were invited to compete for positions on the 2014 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Senior Women’s National Team. Skills tests were similar to those used at NWBA/PVA National Wheelchair Basketball Camps. Strength testing assessments were developed by a panel of NWBA Coaches with a history of National and International coaching experience. The results were then correlated with the box scores and player efficiency ratings obtained during the playoffs at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship in Toronto, June, 2014. The USA Women’s team was divided into two groups by classification (players with functional classifications of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 represented Group 1 and players with functional classification of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 represented Group 2) for analysis. RESULTS: Player efficiency was differentially related to skills tests based on player classification. Among Group 1 players, higher player efficiency ratings during the World Championship games corresponded directly with better non-dominant passing (accuracy r = .95, p = .05; stationary distance r = 1.00, p < .001; moving distance r = 1.00, p < .001). In contrast, higher percentage of free throws was directly related to better player efficiency for the players in Group 2 (r = 1.00, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings may represent differential skill sets needed by lower and higher class players. Passing, in particular non-dominant passing skills, may give players with a lower classifications an advantage on the court; whereas, accuracy of free throws (and more opportunity) may be a skill that sets players with higher classification apart.

The Functional Classification and Field Test Performance in Wheelchair Basketball Players.

Wheelchair basketball players are classified in four classes based on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) system of competition. Thus, the aim of the study was to ascertain if the IWBF classification, the type of injury and the wheelchair experience were related to different performance field-based tests. Thirteen basketball players undertook anthropometric measurements and performance tests (hand dynamometry, 5 m and 20 m sprints, 5 m and 20 m sprints with a ball, a T-test, a Pick-up test, a modified 10 m Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, a maximal pass and a medicine ball throw). The IWBF class was correlated (p<0.05) to the hand dynamometry (r= 0.84), the maximal pass (r=0.67) and the medicine ball throw (r= 0.67). Whereas the years of dependence on the wheelchair were correlated to the velocity (p<0.01): 5 m (r= −0.80) and 20 m (r= −0.77) and agility tests (r= −0.77, p<0.01). Also, the 20 m sprint with a ball (r= 0.68) and the T-test (r= −0.57) correlated (p<0.05) with the experience in playing wheelchair basketball. Therefore, in this team the correlations of the performance variables differed when they were related to the disability class, the years of dependence on the wheelchair and the experience in playing wheelchair basketball. These results should be taken into account by the technical staff and coaches of the teams when assessing performance of wheelchair basketball players.

Explosive strength training improves speed and agility in wheelchair basketball athletes

INTRODUCTION: Wheelchair basketball is a paralympic sport characterized by intermittent high-intensity activities that require explosive strength and speed.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of explosive strength training on speed and agility performance in wheelchair basketball players.METHODS: Ten male wheelchair basketball players (Mage=31±4 yrs) were divided into two groups [i.e. explosive strength training (ES); control (CN)] based on International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classification scores. The ES group underwent 6-weeks of training, twice weekly, at 50% 1RM, 10-12 repetitions and 3-4 sets in addition to routine training. Effects of training were measured by the 20 m sprint test and Illinois agility test.RESULTS: The ES group, showed significantly higher increases in speed and agility performance (p ≤ .05).CONCLUSION: A short-duration (i.e. 6-week) explosive strength training programme in wheelchair basketball athletes results in significant improvements in sprint and agility performance.

Evaluation of Pain and Ultrasonography on Shoulder in Poliomyelitis Wheelchair Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to determine shoulder pain and shoulder ultrasonographic findings in poliomyelitis Wheelchair Basketball (WB) players. Three physicians performed physical examinations and interviewed WB players about their shoulder pain by using Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), Performance-Corrected WUSPI (PC-WUSPI), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). One physician performed shoulder ultrasonography on WB players. All confirmed their International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classifications through Korean Wheelchair Basketball Federation (KWBF). Seventeen men and 6 women players were enrolled in the study, with 46 shoulders evaluated. Nine players had unilateral lower extremity weakness and 14 players were bilateral weakness. Six players used wheelchair for daily living, and 17 players used wheelchair only when playing WB. They were 44.35±5.42 years old on average. They had played WB for 11.09±9.49 years and trained 8.69±3.83 hours a week. PC-WUSPI was significantly correlated with age (p=0.014). There were no significant differences between time spent playing WB, training time for WB, types of poliomyelitis involvement, their use of wheelchair, and WUSPI, PC-WUSPI and SPADI. Tendon tear prevalence was significantly different with training time for WB (p=0.021). Most common abnormal shoulder ultrasonographic findings were subscapularis and supraspinatus tendinopathy. Tendinopathy and tendon tear prevalence did not differ significantly with age, time spent playing WB, types of poliomyelitis, and the use of wheelchair. High prevalence of shoulder pain and rotator cuff pathology were found by physical and ultrasonographic examination in the poliomyelitis wheelchair basketball players. Rotator cuff injury prevention program are needed for prevent shoulder pain and rotator cuff pathology.

Wheelchair Basketball: Coaching, Classification, and Chaos

Since its humble beginnings at the end of World War II, wheelchair basketball has incorporated a classification system for its players. The classification system ensures equal representation among team players and fosters positions and roles that are unique to the various levels of disability represented on a team (Goodwin et al., 2009). The increasingly competitive nature of this global game has necessitated an increasingly high level of coaching expertise. The purpose of this commentary is to take a practical look at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Player Classification System and the challenges it presents to a wheelchair basketball coach during the chaos of a game.

Participation incentives among US adult, US youth, and Polish adult wheelchair basketball players

Wheelchair basketball may be the world’s oldest and most popular team sport for persons with a physical disability. At present, there are at least eight major international tournaments as well as zonal qualifying tournaments for the Paralympic Games and the Men’s and Women’s Gold Cup under the auspices of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation. There were two purposes of this study. The first was to evaluate the participation motives of Polish wheelchair basketball players and the second was to compare the participation motives of Polish and American wheelchair basketball players. Data for this study were obtained from two sources: men and women who participated on Polish wheelchair basketball teams and data reported in studies by Brasile and Hedrick.1 In general, the results indicate that the incentives for participation in wheelchair basketball across these samples of players are more similar than dissimilar. The groups have similar mean scores and standard deviations for the task-oriented incentives. Future research may address whether American or European wheelchair basketball players have more similar participation motives than players from Africa, Asia, Australia, or South America or that the participants in noncompetitive sports or extreme sports have similar motives.

Relationship between aerobic and anaerobic parameters and functional classification in wheelchair basketball players

Participation in sports for individuals with disabilities continues to gain popularity. In order to provide fair and equitable competition among persons with different disabilities and functional capacity, a separate functional classification system has been devised for each sport. The aims of the present study were to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic performance of wheelchair basketball athletes and verify a correlation with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation functional classification system. For this, 17 highly trained male Brazilian basketball wheelchair athletes (25.4+/-4.4 years) from the national team who had taken part in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games were assessed. These athletes were submitted to cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Wingate-like 30-s sprint test using upper limbs. The present study demonstrated that the functional classification score correlated with relative (r=0.90; P<0.0001) and absolute peak power (r=0.50; P=0.0353) and absolute mean power (r=0.93; P<0.0001) obtained from the Wingate-like 30-s sprint test and also correlated with absolute O(2) peak (r=0.68; P=0.0026) and O(2) at ventilatory threshold (r=0.71; P=0.0014), measured on cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Therefore, our findings support the functional classification created to classify athletes' functional capability on the court, which also correlated with aerobic and anaerobic performance parameters of the elite wheelchair basketball players.

Relationship Between Functional Classification Levels and Anaerobic Performance of Wheelchair Basketball Athletes

Wheelchair basketball athletes are classified using the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) functional classification system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between upper extremity anaerobic performance (AnP) and all functional classification levels in wheelchair basketball. Ninety-seven male athletes from the Polish and Lithuanian national wheelchair basketball leagues took part in this study. The Wingate Anaerobic Test was used to assess four AnP indexes with an arm crank ergometer. The level of AnP in wheelchair basketball athletes depends to some degree on classification level. No significant differences were found for the AnP indexes across levels 1.0–2.5 and 3.0–4.5. However, the AnP level for those in classes 1.0–2.5 was significantly lower than those in classes 3.0–4.5. The findings from this study provided some evidence that the IWBF functional classification system should be reexamined and that a consolidation of the current eight levels might be in order.