Wheelchair Basketball Players Research Articles

Could the Improvement of Supraspinatus Muscle Activity Speed up Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation Outcomes in Wheelchair Basketball Players?

Shoulder pain (SP) is a common clinical complaint among wheelchair basketball (WB) players, since their shoulders are exposed to intense overload and overhead movements. The supraspinatus tendon is the most exposed to WB-related injuries and it is primarily responsible for SP in WB athletes. In these cases, SP rehabilitation remains the main treatment, but there is still a lack of specific protocols which should be customized to WB players' peculiarities and to the supraspinatus muscle activity monitor, and the improvement of rehabilitation outcomes is slow. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify if the improvement of supraspinatus muscle activity, monitored in real time with surface electromyography (sEMG) during the execution of therapeutic exercises, could speed up SP rehabilitation outcomes in WB players. Thirty-three athletes were enrolled. They were divided into two groups. Both groups underwent the same shoulder rehabilitation program, but only the Exercise Plus sEMG Biofeedback Group executed therapeutic exercises while the activity of the supraspinatus muscles was monitored using sEMG. Participants were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at the end of 4 weeks of the rehabilitation program (T1), and 8 weeks after T1 (T2), using the following outcome measures: supraspinatus muscle activity as root mean square (RMS), Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), shoulder abduction, and external rotation range of motion (ROM). The Exercise Plus sEMG Biofeedback Group improved more and faster for all the outcomes compared to the Exercise Group. The monitoring and improvement of supraspinatus muscle activity seems to be an effective way to speed up SP rehabilitation outcomes in WB players, since it makes the performance of therapeutic exercise more precise and finalized, obtaining better and faster results in terms of recovery of shoulder function.

ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND AGILITY OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL PLAYERS : DIFFERENCES AND RELATIONSHIP WITH FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION

The aim of this study was to determine: (1) differences in anthropometric characteristics and agility between different functional classes of wheelchair basketball players and (2) the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and agility with the functional classification of wheelchair basketball players. The sample of participants consisted of 40 wheelchair basketball players, aged 33.9 ± 11.2 years. Anthropometric characteristics (longitudinal and circular dimensions, as well as skinfold thickness) were assessed, and agility was measured using the modified T-test and Figure-of-Eight test. The results of the one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences with very large effects between players of different functional classes in body mass, sitting height, and sitting reach height, while significant differences with large effects were recorded in the agility assessment tests: the T-test and the Figure-of-Eight test. Also, the results of the correlation analysis indicate that there are significant moderate positive correlations of sitting height and reaching height with functional classification.

Real-Time Muscle Activity and Joint Range of Motion Monitor to Improve Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Non-Randomized Clinical Study.

Wheelchair basketball (WB) involves sports gestures that expose the shoulder to high biomechanical stress and frequently lead to shoulder pain (SP). Due to their physical peculiarities and sporting performance, these athletes require specific rehabilitation programs that are as fast, personalized and effective as possible. However, there are few studies specifically dedicated to these purposes. Surface electromyography (sEMG) seems a promising tool for better customization and achieving more targeted rehabilitation results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of sEMG to monitor SP rehabilitation outcomes in WB players. Thirty-three athletes were enrolled in this non-randomized clinical study and divided into two groups. Both groups underwent a shoulder rehabilitation protocol, but only the experimental group was monitored in real time with sEMG on the shoulders. At enrollment (T0), at the end of 4 weeks of the rehabilitation program (T1), and 8 weeks after T1 (T2), the following outcome measures were collected: Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), 20 m straight line test, shoulder abduction range of motion (ROM). There was a statistically significant difference for WUSPI and ROM scores in the comparison between groups (p < 0.001), and for all outcomes in the comparison between times and in the interaction between time and group (p < 0.001). Therefore, the experimental group showed a better improvement at all detection times compared to the control group. sEMG seems a useful tool for improving the monitoring of SP rehabilitation outcomes in WB players. This monitoring speeds up and improves the rehabilitative results, limiting the risk of sport abandonment and increasing the possibility for people with disabilities to quickly return to practice physical activity.

THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETITIVE LEVEL ON THE SPORTS SPECIFIC PERFORMANCES OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The main purpose of the present study is to evaluate the physical characteristics and field test performances of wheelchair basketball (WB) players according to the competitive level (CL). The second goal was to compare the results of physical characteristics and field test performances of WB athletes with different functional classification (FC) scores. Seventy-five (70 males- 5 females) proffesional WB athletes took part in this study. The athletes were divided into two CL: Elite (Super and First League)- Sub-elite (Second and Third League) categories. Players are also grouped into two FC categories: Category A (classes from 1.0 to 2.5)- Category B (classes from 3.0 to 4.5). Players underwent anthropometric measurements, bilateral grip strenght and took field tests in separated sessions. Field tests were evaluated with 20-meter sprint, slalom without the ball, slalom with the ball, zone shot, lay up, passing accuracy, and shuttle run test. Between group differences and correlations were computed to assess the study hypotheses. Statistical differences were observed when the bilateral grip strength and field test performances of WB athletes were examined according to the CL and FC categories. The sitting height and FC score were found to be the indicators that best expressed the field test performances. It has been determined that the field performance in WB differs according to the CL. Besides; since the hand wrist area is intensively used in many movements in WB, a common measurement such as grip strength should be evaluated as a performance criterion in WB athletes.

Promoting language development in physically disabled adults through sports: The content and language integrated learning method

This study reports on the outcomes of a qualitative study which explores the perceptions of ten wheelchair basketball players of the implementation of a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) program. The participants were all members of the official wheelchair basketball team of the Sports Federation for the Disabled in North Cyprus. They were all young adults (18-35 years old) and their level of English language proficiency ranged from elementary to beginner. After a 4-month CLIL intervention period, the data were elicited through individual interviews from the participants. A qualitative analysis of the textual data revealed the themes such as improved self-image, high motivation, developed social skills, and better speaking skills in the target language. The results have a few practical implications for English such as foreign language teachers, sports coaches, and local disability committees.

Building a scale of some players' motivation to practice wheelchair basketball

The aim of the research is to build a measure of some of the motivations of the players to practice wheelchair basketball, as well as to identify the most important motives for wheelchair basketball players, and to identify the differences between the motivations of the players to practice wheelchair basketball, and. The researcher adopted the descriptive approach in the survey method and case study. The research community was represented by wheelchair basketball players, whose number is (84) players, and the scale building sample of (40) players was randomly selected and the survey sample numbered (19) players, while the number of the main research sample (the application sample) was (25) players, The researcher used the questionnaire, tests and measurement as measuring tools, and the measure of the motivations of the players to practice wheelchair basketball was prepared, after determining some of its dimensions by presenting the special questionnaire to a group of experts and specialists, as four dimensions were identified (health and physical motives, and social motives. And personal motives, and psychological motives), and the scale paragraphs amounted to (28) paragraphs distributed on the four dimensions, and alternatives answered according to a triple scale (agree, hesitant, disagree). Treating the results by appropriate statistical means. According to the results, the researcher concluded several conclusions, the most important of which is that the members of the research sample have good grades in the scale of some of the motives of the players to practice wheelchair basketball, in addition to the presence of moral differences between some of the motives of the players to practice wheelchair basketball, and one of the most important recommendations is to emphasize the need for Interest in some of the motivations of players to play wheelchair basketball.

Some life skills of female wheelchair basketball players

Purpose: the current study aimed to know the level of life skills of female wheelchair basketball players and statistical differences in the life skills of female wheelchair basketball players according to team affiliation. Material & Methods: the study was conducted on female wheelchair basketball players, where the study sample amounted to 30 players. The life skills scale prepared by Al-Sutri (2007), which contains four dimensions, was adopted; the skill of communication, the skill of teamwork and cooperation, the skill of taking personal responsibility, and the skill of physical and technical. Results: the results showed that the mean values of the life skills dimensions ranged between (3.40 and 4.18), and the mean value of the total score of the scale amounted to (3.80), which indicates there were a high degree of life skills. And there were no significant differences between female wheelchair basketball players according to team affiliation in the life skills. Conclusions: it was found that the level of life skills of female wheelchair basketball players is high. It is very important to develop special sports programs that enhance the life skills of persons (male/female) with disabilities, considering the type and severity of the disability.

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 <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.

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.

Characteristic MRI findings of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints in elite wheelchair basketball players

BackgroundThe health of wheelchair users’ upper limbs is directly related to their quality of life. Moreover, para-sport athletes are subjected to a dual load on their upper extremities from competition and daily life, making it even more critical to maintain upper extremity health. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of joint disorders in elite wheelchair basketball players using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsWe scanned MRI images of the bilateral shoulders, elbows, and wrist joints of ten elite wheelchair basketball players and ten general wheelchair users. The elite wheelchair players were athletes who underwent at our institution medical checkup of the candidates for the national team for the international women's tournament and who agreed to this research purpose. The general wheelchair players were recruited from wheelchair users in their 20s and 30s who had no daily exercise habits and who agreed to the study objectives. Two radiologists interpreted the MRI images and diagnosed the diseases of each joint. We compared the number of lesions between the two groups. We used Fisher's exact test to determine whether the lesions diagnosed by MRI were specific to wheelchair basketball players. The significance threshold was set at P < 0.05.ResultsElite wheelchair basketball players had significantly more right-sided, left-sided and bilateral latero-posterior lesions, which are cysts found on the lateral-posterior corner of the capitulum of the humerus than did general wheelchair users (P < 0.05). Severe damage to the right triangular fibrocartilage complex was also observed more frequently (P < 0.05) in wheelchair basketball players.ConclusionsWe believe that the patients’ tendency to fall forward in the wheelchair hitting both hands on the ground, thereby injuring the triangular fibrocartilage complex and locking the lateral elbow, may be the cause of the characteristic findings on MRI. High-speed wheelchair operation was also considered a cause of severe triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. This study's insights can be useful for future solutions to extend players' careers.

Prevalence of shoulder pain amongst Malaysia men's wheelchair basketball players

Introduction: The shoulder is at high risk of injury, particularly in throwing activities such as basketball. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of shoulder pain amongst Malaysian men's wheelchair basketball (WCBB) players. Furthermore, factors that are associated with shoulder pain were investigated. Materials and Methods: Eleven national WCBB players participated in this study. All players completed the clinical research forms which collected socio-demographic information, WCBB participation and history of shoulder pain. Assessments of shoulders range of motion, isometric muscle strengths and clinical shoulder tests were performed on all players. Results: The prevalence of shoulder pain amongst Malaysian WCBB players was 36.4%. Players with current shoulder pain had significantly higher Performance Corrected Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (PC-WUSPI) scores (13.8 vs. 3.3, P = 0.02) and a greater number of positive shoulder clinical tests (3.5 vs. 1.0, P = 0.04) than players without pain. Players with shoulder pain are frequently diagnosed with rotator cuff injuries, particularly involving the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles. A significant moderately strong positive correlation between PC-WUSPI score and number of positive clinical shoulder tests was found (r = 0.71; P = 0.01). Conclusions: Prevalence and patterns of shoulder pain amongst Malaysian men's WCBB players are comparable to previous studies. A strong association between PC-WUSPI score and number of positive clinical shoulder tests suggests a potential role of regular PC-WUSPI assessment for early detection of shoulder problems amongst players.

Effects of a sport competition on acute affective response in wheelchair basketball players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sport game outcomes on acute affective responses in injured veterans. Twenty-three wheelchair basketball players (mean age, 38.39±11.78 years) participated in this study and were divided into two groups: game winner group (n=12) and game loser group (n=11). All participants completed the Physical Activity Affect Scale immediately before and after participation in the first game of a wheelchair basketball tournament. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to examine a significant difference in acute affective responses between the groups and over time within each group. The losers experienced significantly higher negative affect and lower positive affect at the end of the first game compared to the winners. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that the experience of losing may diminish the positive effect that sport participation can have.

Injuries in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Systematic Review.

Background: Sports injuries have physical and psychological effects that negatively affect sports performance. Although there are data available on sports injuries in wheelchair basketball, some aspects need to be clarified, such as the location, mechanisms and risk factors for injury, which are not well described due to variations and/or a lack of definition of injury. The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological information, primary injury characteristics and affected body regions in wheelchair basketball players; Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were used; Results: eight articles were included in this review. The shoulder was the body region most affected (N = 60; 22.1%). When divided by body segments, the upper limbs were the most affected (N = 128; 47.2%), followed by the head and/or face (N = 53; 19.5%), trunk (included spine and ribs) (N = 48; 17.8%) and lower limbs (N = 42; 15.5%); Conclusions: wheelchair basketball players suffer a large number of injuries with different characteristics that are mainly linked to biomechanics and sport. These results can be used to guide coaches in structuring training to minimize recurring injuries, in addition to assisting in the organization of medical teams in competitions.

Effect of combined exercises on mental, physical, and dribbling skills in young wheelchair basketball players

Wheelchair basketball is one of the sport that plays a significant role in the rehabilitation of individuals with special needs. Players must have a high degree of speed and focus their attention on different perceptual situations in the field. A total of 10 players were selected as sample from the Paralympics Subcommittee in the Babylon Province. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. After conducting the pre-tests, the combined exercises prepared by researchers were applied to the experimental group. These exercises were given to the experimental group in sessions of 30 minutes, three days per week. The control group followed the traditional curriculum. After conducting the post-test, the data were processed using the SPSS. The results indicated that the combined exercises positively contributed to the development of mental, physical, and dribbling skills of the wheelchair basketball players. Therefore, the authors recommend to include these combined physical exercises in the training curricula.

Optimal performance profiles in male wheelchair basketball players based on hand-grip strength, anthropometric parameters, agility, and speed tests

Optimal performance profiles in male wheelchair basketball players based on hand-grip strength, anthropometric parameters, agility, and speed tests

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation through Kinematic Analysis of Upper Limb Functioning in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes: A Pilot Study

Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular Paralympic sports, including players with different diagnoses. To date, there is scarce evidence on shoulder functionality in wheelchair basketball players, and there is no consensus on a shoulder injury prevention program in these athletes. Therefore, in the present pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive rehabilitative approach on shoulder ROM, muscle activity, and functioning in wheelchair basketball athletes. We included adult wheelchair basketball athletes playing in the Italian Second League who completed an 8-week comprehensive rehabilitative program, based on education to avoid upper limb pain injuries, preventive exercises, and improvement of ergonomics through kinematic analysis. We administered the Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) questionnaire to evaluate pain experienced during functional activities, and used kinematic analysis integrated with sEMG to evaluate shoulder function and propulsion pattern. A sample of 10 wheelchair athletes (33.75 ± 6.42 years) were assessed. After the intervention there was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference in WUSPI score (27.0 ± 18.5 vs. 25.0 ± 21.5) and in KJOC score (89.3 ± 10.4 to 95.4 ± 9.1). Moreover, there was a significant improvement in scapular upward rotation, abduction, and extra-rotation of the glenohumeral joint. Propulsion techniques improved in pattern and acceleration. This approach played a key role in improving upper limb function, reducing the incidence of pain and cumulative trauma disorders. However, the small sample size could affect the generalizability of results. In conclusion, healthcare professionals should monitor wheelchair athletes, assessing the patient’s function, ergonomics, equipment, and level of pain, and introducing specific exercises to prevent upper limb injuries.

Characteristics of Official Wheelchair Basketball Games in Hot and Temperate Conditions.

This study compared performance parameters of two wheelchair basketball games under hot (30.3 °C, 52% relative humidity) and temperate (21.6 °C, 30% relative humidity) environmental conditions and described the characteristics of wheelchair basketball. Eight wheelchair basketball players from two teams were monitored during two games using an indoor position tracking system. Total distance, mean- and peak-speed, playing-time, number of sprints, sprints per minute, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. Additionally, athletes with a lesion level above and below T6 were compared. No measured parameter differed between the games. Across quarters (Q) mean velocity (m/s) (Q1: 1.01; Q2: 1.10; Q3: 1.18; Q4: 1.06; p < 0.001) and sprints per minute (Q1: 16; Q2: 14; Q3: 23; Q4: 14; p = 0.033) differed significantly, independent of the conditions. Descriptive statistics did not reveal differences between the groups with a lesion level below or above T6. In the present study, hot environmental conditions seemed not to have an impact on activity parameters of wheelchair basketball players. It was speculated that the game intensity and therefore metabolic heat production was too low; consequently, the athletes had a sufficient heat loss to prevent a decrease in performance during the play in hot conditions.

A Biomechanical Analysis of the Free Throw Shooting Technique in Wheelchair Basketball: A Pilot Study

The aim of this pilot study is to determine the kinematic elements of the free throw shooting technique among wheelchair basketball players from various classes. Three wheelchair basketball players from the wheelchair basketball club “Nais” took part in the study. The players were classified from IWBF classification 1, 3 and 4.5. All of the participants were right-handed. Free throw shooting recording were made with a fixed camera with a 1920 x 1080р resolution, 30 frames per s, positioned at a height of 1.20 m on the right side of the players facing the basket, at a distance of 7.5 m and 25 cm behind the free throw line. The “Kinovea” video program was used to process the results and the kinematic data for the free throw shooting technique of wheelchair basketball players. The kinematic parameters indicate differences in the performance of the free throw shooting technique among wheelchair basketball players from class 1, 3 and 4.5. A difference in successful throws between the participants from class 1, 3 and 4.5: the angle of ball release 50°, 52° and 47°, velocity of ball release 7.58 m/s, 6.25 m/s and 7.27 m/s, and height of ball release 164.49 cm, 180.71 cm and 190.86 cm, while the temporal parameters and angles of the elbow had the same values. We can conclude that for the successful performance of the free throw shooting technique a basketball player needs to achieve greater height of ball release in the final position.

Comparison of the Shooting Angles and Shooting Accuracy in Wheelchair Basketball and Basketball Players

Shot accuracy is very important for success in wheelchair basketball (WB) and basketball games. The kinematics of the ball affects the shot accuracy. The main purposes of this study are to comparethe kinematics of the ball according to the outcomes of WB and basketball players’ shots and comparethe shooting accuracy of WB and basketball players. Male senior athletes (17 basketball, 6 WB) voluntarily participated in the research. Participants made static shots from 6 spots (n=1515) and the analyses were made. The shots were separated into 4 groups. The first group contained the “Clean Shot”s (CS) which the ball goes into the hoop with no or 1 hit to the rim. The second contained all the “Success” shots (S) but CS. The third contained “Missed” shots, the ball hit to the rim. Fourth contained the rest of the missed shots (Air Ball). Reliable and valid 94fifty Smart Sensor Basketball was used in this research. For both WB and basketball players, CS angles were significantly higher than other shots and no significant difference was found between S angles and unsuccessful shots. CS angles of WB players were significantly higher than basketball players. This research showed that the entry angle affects CS for both sports. It is thought that it may raise CS and shooting percentage if coaches train their players by taking entry angles into consideration. Another finding of this study was CS angles of WB players are higher than basketball players. The reason for this may be the more active, hence more improved, upper extremity motor skills of the WB players.

Testovi za procenu specifičnih motoričkih sposobnosti košarkaša u kolicima - pregledna studija

The foundation for the improvement of the quality of each player are their basic skills, but success in wheelchair basketball is considered to mainly depends on the level of specific motor skills which represent the end result of work done during a specific training process.The paper aims to outline the used tests for the evaluation of specific motor skills of wheelchair basketball players in papers published between 2008 and 2022. To compile the existing studies the following databases were searched:PubMed, SCIndeks, PEDro, J-GATE, SCIndes, DOAJ and Google Scholar.Research published in the period from 2008 to 2022 was analyzed. The analysis of the compiled studies to evaluate the specific motor skills of wheelchair basketball players resulted in a recommendation for the use of several tests such as the: 20m sprint with ball test, Pickup the ball test, the Lay-up test, the Pass for accuracy test, andthe Free-throw shooting test. Based on the results achieved on these tests, it is possible to perform a selection and monitor the progress of the players, as well as the impact of the applied specific training process on the development of motor skills on which success in wheelchair basketball depends.