Wheelchair Basketball Players Research Articles

‘Save the queen’: female national wheelchair basketball players in gender-segregated and gender-mixed competitive sport

In the German National Wheelchair Basketball League, men and women play together. On the national teams, on the other hand, they play separately according to gender. In addition, people without disabilities can also participate in wheelchair basketball. The differences in terms of disability and gender are to be classified and, if possible, eliminated in the competition with a classification system. The intersectional analysis of 12 biographical interviews with current national team players shows a clear reproduction of a traditional gender order. The women report various hierarchical relationships on the playing field that are obviously based on gender. Men play in more important positions and are considered more efficient. Yet these phenomena are mostly taken for granted and hardly questioned. Likewise, certain characteristics are attributed and certain roles are assigned to female players based on their gender. The men interviewed do not see these phenomena or do not reflect on them critically. The difference category of disability also has an influence on the competition setting and the gender discrimination.

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.
 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.
 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

Medicine Ball Throw Responsiveness to Measure Wheelchair Basketball Mobility in Male Players.

Monitoring training loads and consequent fatigue responses are usually a result of personal trainers' experiences and an adaptation of methods used in sports for people without disabilities. Currently, there is little scientific evidence on the relationship between training load and fatigue resulting from training sessions in wheelchair sports. Analogous to the vertical jump, which has been associated with competitive performance and used to assess fatigue in Olympic sports, the medicine ball throw (MBT) is a fast, feasible, and accessible test that might be used to measure performance outcomes in Paralympic athletes. To test the MBT responsiveness to detect meaningful changes after training sessions in beginner wheelchair basketball players (WBP). Cross-sectional study. Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Paralympic Program. Twelve male WBP. The participants performed 3 consecutive days of training sessions involving exercises of wheelchair basketball skills, strength, and power. The MBT test was performed pre and post training sessions. The smallest worthwhile change for MBT was 0.10cm, and the lower and upper limits were 3.54 and 3.75m, respectively. On the first day, the MBT started below the smallest worthwhile change lower limit and increased above the upper limit (3.53 and 3.78m, respectively). On the second day, the MBT pretraining and posttraining session results were near the sample mean (3.62 and 3.59m, respectively). On the third day, the WBP started the MBT test training higher than the upper limit (3.78m) and decreased to near the mean (3.58m). During 3 consecutive days of training sessions, the magnitude-based inference model presented meaningful changes in MBT test performance. The accurate association of the magnitude-based inference model with the MBT allows coaches and sports team staff to interpret the correct magnitude of change in WBP performance.

Effect of using Weighted Balls on Performance Speed in Wheelchair Basketball Players

Summary The researchers seek to identify the impact of weighted balls on performance speed in wheelchair basketball players. An experimental method has been used in conformity with research nature between pre-tests and post-tests sample. The sample was selected by the intended manner and divided into two equal groups (10 players experimental sample, 10 players control sample) for the 2019/2020 sports season. A speed test (5 m and 20 m without ball), speed test (5 m and 20 m with ball) were used. After statistical treatment of the results, the researchers concluded: The weighted balls are important to develop performance speed in wheelchair basketball players, and the best improvement of the experimental group based on of weighted balls is marked comparing to the control group. A regular physical training with weighted balls is very important to improve of performance speed of persons with disabilities in basketball game.

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.

Relationship between Sprint Capacity and Acceleration of Wrists in Wheelchair Basketball Players: Design and Reliability of a New Protocol.

The application of new technologies in wheelchair basketball (WB) is important for the advancement and improvement of athletic performance. The purposes of this study are twofold: (a) to develop a methodological design in order to assess WB players’ performance, using wireless inertial measurement units (WIMU®) and a laser system (BioLaserSport® with computer vision), in a 20 m sprint test on court and (b) to assess bilateral symmetry as a performance indicator and for injury prevention purposes, the study of which in previous research is unknown. For both aims, the relation of the acceleration of the players’ wrists to the speed achieved by the player in the wheelchair was explored. Ten elite WB players participated in an on-court 20 m sprint test during real training. BioLaserSport® with computer vision was used to assess the average velocity (Va) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of the WB players, and two WIMU® were used for the total acceleration (AcelT) of the players’ wrists. A very high correlation was obtained in the assessment of the Va (0.97) and AcelT of both wrists (0.90 and 0.85). There was a significant relationship between the average AcelT of the dominant wrist and the Va on-court sprint velocity (p < 0.05). Two players did not show good wrist symmetry. In conclusion, a new methodological protocol was developed, making it possible to assess the bilateral symmetries in elite WB players in on-court real training and the relation between the acceleration of players’ wrists and players’ wheelchair speed. Coaches can use this protocol to assess performance or for injury prevention, as it shows very good reliability, with high ICC values.

ACUTE EFFECT OF KINESIOTAPE APPLICATION ON SHOULDER MUSCLE STRENGTH IN MALE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Purpose: This research aims to determine the effect of kinesiotaping application on wheelchair basketball players’ shoulders. &#x0D; Methods: A total of twelve wheelchair basketball players from TSK Karagücü team were involved in this research. The average age of the subjects was 31.17±7.90 years and mean body mass index was 25.41±6.96 kg/cm2. Subjects were assessed before and after combined kinesiotape application on deltoideus muscle. Muscle facilitation technique was applied to deltoideus muscle. Isokinetic parameters of the subjects’ shoulder joints were measured with Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer. It was taken the dominant shoulders' flexion and abduction movements into consideration for the isokinetic measurements. Measurements were repeated before and after kinesiotape applications. In isokinetic measurement, 5 repetitions at 60°/sec and 10 repetitions at 180°/sec for shoulder's muscle strength were performed. Peak torques and total works were calculated. In statistical analyses of the data, SPSS for Windows 25.0 packet program was used. Wilcoxon Test was performed in the pretest and posttest comparisons. The results were evaluated in 0.05 precision. &#x0D; Results: After the evaluation of the study, an increase of the peak torques, and total works have been found out of all the players’ dominant and non-dominant shoulders’ flexions and abductions at 60o/sec and 180o/sec in favor of the kinesiotaping application (p

Shoulder pain and ultrasound findings: A comparison study of wheelchair athletes, nonathletic wheelchair users, and nonwheelchair users.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal concerns in manual wheelchair users including among athletes. However, there is a paucity of research characterizing both shoulder pain and shoulder pathology in this population. To characterize and compare the prevalence of current shoulder pain and ultrasound metrics of shoulder pathology between wheelchair athletes, nonathletic wheelchair users, and nonwheelchair users. Cross-sectional. Chicago-area adaptive sport teams/programs and musculoskeletal clinics. Thirty-four wheelchair athletes, six nonathletic wheelchair users, and 12 nonwheelchair users. Self-reported shoulder pain was assessed by questionnaire and Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). Shoulder physiology and pathology were assessed by physical and ultrasound evaluation of both shoulders by a sports medicine physician. Questionnaire outcomes: Prevalence of current shoulder pain, total WUSPI score. Physical examination outcomes: total Physical Examination of Shoulder Scale (PESS) score. Sonographic outcomes: Acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and presence of shoulder pathology. The majority of wheelchair athletes (68%) and nonathletic wheelchair users (67%) experienced shoulder pain since using a manual wheelchair. Wheelchair basketball players had a mean WUPSI score of 17.2 (SD = 21.8), and athletes participating in handcycling, sled hockey, and quad rugby had mean scores of 4.91 (SD = 8.32), 7.76 (SD = 13.1), and 4.29 (SD = 7.75), respectively. Shoulder pathology was observed in 14 of 31 (45%) wheelchair athletes and 4 of 6 (67%) nonathletic wheelchair users (p = .41). Although wheelchair use is a risk factor for shoulder pain, participation in amateur wheelchair sports may not be associated with increased risk of shoulder pain. It is possible that overhead sports such as wheelchair basketball may define a unique high-risk group. Further study is needed to examine this relationship and to determine whether there are differences between specific wheelchair sports.

Comparison of Upper Extremity Physical Fitness Levels in Wheelchair Archery and Basketball Athletes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between upper extremity physical fitness levels of wheelchair archery and wheelchair basketball athletes. Methods: Ten wheelchair basketball players and ten wheelchair archers, who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Athletes were divided into two groups according to their sports branch. Hand grip strength, shoulder flexibility, reaction time, trunk balance and upper extremity muscle strength were measured among the upper extremity physical fitness parameters. Measurements were repeated separately for both upper extremities. In addition, the demographic data of the individuals were recorded through the questionnaire. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, height, weight and body mass index (p&amp;gt;0.05). The duration of disability and the year of doing sports were significantly higher in basketball athletes, while weekly training hours were significantly higher in archery athletes (p&amp;lt;0.05). When the groups were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in right hand grip strength, trunk balance and all upper extremity muscle strength parameters in favor of wheelchair basketball athletes (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in left hand grip strength, shoulder flexibility and reaction time of all upper extremities between the two groups (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion: According to results, it was thought that these differences between two different sports groups are due to the different nature of the two sports branches and the fact that individuals cannot be distributed homogenously between groups according to the types of disabilities.

Correlations Between Medicine Ball Throw With Wheelchair Mobility and Isokinetic Tests in Basketball Para-Athletes.

A detailed analysis of wheelchair basketball skills in beginner wheelchair basketball players (WBP) can provide practitioners with important indications regarding the selection and prospective development of potential sports talents. A comprehensive WBP evaluation can be very time consuming, mainly during the initial phases of the training processes, which could be a barrier in clinical and practical settings. Moreover, the large number and the turnover of beginner WBP attending rehabilitation centers make the applicability of field and strength tests unfeasible. To verify the relationships between the medicine ball throw (MBT) and wheelchair basketball mobility performance field tests and the shoulder and trunk peak torque in male and female beginner WBP. Cross-sectional study. Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Paralympic Program. Thirty-seven female and male beginner WBP. Participants performed wheelchair basketball field tests (speed, agility, strength, and power tests) and the maximum strength test in the isokinetic dynamometer. The outcomes were correlated with the MBT results. The MBT presented significantly very high and perfect correlations with all wheelchair basketball field tests assessed (5-m sprint, 20-m sprint, and zig-zag agility test with and without a ball), and peak torque (R2 ranging from .810 to .995; P ≤ .05) for male and female athletes. The MBT, a simple and feasible test, can be used for estimating and determining the wheelchair mobility performance of female and male beginner WBP. It is suggested to measure the distance of a 5-kg medicine ball thrown by athletes during training and testing routines to follow the players' progression.

Test design to measure the accuracy and tolerance of wheelchair basketball players

The aim of the research was to design a test to measure the accuracy of correction and tolerance for wheelchair basketball players, in addition to measuring the correction by its accuracy and tolerance from the playing areas of wheelchair basketball players. The research sample consisted of (40) players randomly selected from the players of seven teams Wheelchair basketball clubs, The researcher conducted personal interviews, in addition to conducting an exploratory experiment for the test and then extracted the scientific foundations for it, and after extracting the results and treating them with appropriate statistical means, the researcher reached several conclusions, the most important of which is the test designed to measure the accuracy of correction and its bearing with a basketball on a wheelchair, and it takes the implementation of the test Approximately (5) minutes, taking into account giving the laboratory (5) minutes to warm up and perform some corrections before the actual implementation of the test. In addition, the test highlights the strengths and weaknesses of wheelchair basketball players in terms of their ability to shoot from distances, as well as withstand performance, and in light of these conclusions the researcher recommended several recommendations, including an emphasis on using the designed test as an aid in assessing the The correction skill of wheelchair basketball players, as well as the use of the test as a means of training players in the skill of shooting basketball on wheelchairs, as well as applying this test to other samples of basketball players and players taking into account the common type of correction for such samples.

Influence of upper-limb muscle strength on the repeated change of direction ability in international-level wheelchair basketball players

ABSTRACT This study aims 1) to compare repeated change of direction ability (rCODA) and bench press (BP) between low (A category, ≤2.5) and high (B category, ≥3.0) sport classes and 2) to analyse the relationships between rCODA and BP performance in a sample of wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Seventeen world-class WB players volunteered participated in this study. All the players undertook two tests: the repeated (x12) Modified Agility T-test (rMAT) to measure the rCODA and the movement velocity in a BP test. No significant differences were observed between categories in the rMAT and BP. For the total sample, BP variables with a mean propulsive velocity of 1 m·s−1 (V1LOAD) largely correlated with all the full rMAT outcomes (r>-0.625; p< 0.05). Having a better BP could be favourable to perform repeated efforts and this seems particularly relevant in fatigue conditions, and especially for the B category players.

Associations between wheelchair user’s shoulder pain index and tendinitis in the long head of the biceps tendon among female wheelchair basketball players from the Japanese national team

BackgroundAmong injuries in wheelchair athletes, shoulder injury is the most common. An easy and valid assessment tool is required to monitor the shoulder status in wheelchair athletes anytime. The present study aimed to investigate the association of wheelchair user’s shoulder pain index (WUSPI) with physical examinations for tendinitis in the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and range of motion (ROM) of shoulder movements among female wheelchair basketball players from the Japanese national team. MethodsA total of 21 female players (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.9 years) participated in this study. LHBT tendinitis was assessed using findings of tenderness in the bicipital groove point (TBGP) and speed test. Shoulder ROMs were evaluated in three movements—namely, abduction, flexion, and extension. ResultsThe mean total WUSPI score was 9.55 ± 13.35 points. The players were more likely to experience shoulder pain during activities related to wheelchair pushing and object lifting. A higher total WUSPI score was strongly and moderately associated with positive findings of TBGP (effect size r = 0.82) and speed test (r = 0.49), respectively. Furthermore, the total WUSPI score was significantly associated with limited ROM in shoulder abduction (r = 0.47) and flexion (r = 0.43). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the total WUSPI score had a significant area under the curve (AUC) for positive findings of TBGP (AUC = 0.98), speed test (AUC = 0.83), and limited ROM in abduction (AUC = 0.84). When optimal cut-points were set by the Youden index, total WUSPI scores of 4.1 points (sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.92), 11.3 points (sensitivity = 0.80, specificity = 0.81), and 3.3 points (sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.65) were recommended for screening positive findings of TBGP, speed test, and limited ROM in abduction, respectively. ConclusionTBGP, which is a major finding of LHBT tendinitis, was strongly associated with the total WUSPI score in physical examinations. Hence, pain assessed by WUSPI could reflect the presence of LHBT tendinitis. The WUSPI is a superior tool for monitoring the shoulder status of wheelchair basketball players.

Wheelchair Basketball World Championships 2018 –player survey on training environment and health complaints

Problem: Little is known about health complaints and their prevention in elite wheelchair basketball. The study aimed to survey training environment and health complaints of elite wheelchair basketball players in the 12 months prior to the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships 2018 (WBWC). Methods: Players answered an anonymous retrospective questionnaire on match and training exposure, daily training environment, injury prevention as well as health problems and their implications in the 12 months before the WBWC. Results: In the 12 months prior the WBWC, 46.2% of athletes struggled at least sometimes with physical complaints, and 15.9% played often/always with pain or health complaints. Half of the players (50.8%) did not modify the volume of their training when having health complaints. Sixty percent of the athletes reported that injury prevention exercises were often or always part of their training. The overall training environment and national team support was rated as good or very good by 89.7% and 69.1% of players, respectively. Discussion: Prior to the world championships, wheelchair basketball players reported a high rate of pre-competition health complaints despite good training environment and the use of preventive strategies. Most players indicated they continued to play with pain and health complaints. Frequently playing with health complaints is known from other Olympic sports or pedestrian basketball. Prospective surveillance systems are needed to identify health complaints early and to examine efficiency of preventive measures in order to improve health and probably performance of wheelchair basketball players. Key Words: Paralympic Sports, Sports Injury, Injury Prevention, Trainings Conditions, Elite Athletes

Investigation of sitting position of paralympic wheelchair basketball players

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the sitting position (posture) of wheelchair basketball (WB) players who cannot walk and can walk in daily life and to compare them with the able-bodied sedentary individuals. Methods: A total of 22 male individuals, including six WB players who could not walk in daily life, eight WB players who walked in daily life, and eight able-bodied sedentary individuals (control group) were included in the study. Posture analysis of individuals was evaluated using rastersterographic system DIERS formetric 4D device. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the data obtained during posture analysis. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to determine which group caused the difference in the data determined to be different. Statistical significance level was taken as P &lt; 0.05. Results: Trunk-length, sacrum-width, sagittal and coronal imbalance, trunk-torsion, pelvic-obliqueness, pelvic-torsion, pelvic-inclination and fleche-cervicale were found to be values similar in the three groups (P &gt; 0.05). It was determined that the lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles were different between the groups, and the lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles of the WB players who could not walk in daily life were higher than those of the WB players who walked in daily life and the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of our study, we suggest evaluating the sitting postures of WB players and rehabilitating WB players, especially those who cannot walk in daily life, with posture corrective exercises aimed at reducing and normalizing thoracic kyphosis.

The Effect of a Corrective Exercise Program Based on Scapula Stability on Scapular Upward Rotation and Scapulohumeral Rhythm in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes With Bilateral Scapula Rotational Syndrome

Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effect of scapular stability-based corrective exercise program on scapular upward rotation and scapulohumeral rhythm in Wheelchair Basketball (WB) players with bilateral scapular downward rotation syndrome. Materials &amp; Methods: According to the research conditions, 24 wheelchair basketball athletes with spinal cord injury voluntarily participated in this study. Initially, eight players were selected from each sport class (1 to 1.5 class, 2 to 2.5 class, and 3 to 4.5 class). Then, four subjects in each group were randomly assigned to each group (12 control subjects with Mean±SD age of 43.23±11.0 years and 12 experimental subjects with Mean±SD age of 39.08±5.08 years). Thus, the control and experimental groups were present in an equal number of three sport classes. WB athletes were professional players in Mashhad City league, Iran. The participants were classified according to the Classification Committee of the IWBF, as well as the corresponding national classification from the Islamic Republic of Iran Sports Federation for the Disabled (IRISFD). Two digital inclinometers were used to measure the humeral range of motion and scapular upward rotation and scapulohumeral rhythm in resting position, 45°, 90°, and 135° shoulder abduction in scaption plane. The exercise group performed scapular stability-based corrective exercises based on the Gym training principles and following ACSM guidelines for eight weeks. The independent t-test, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analysis at the significant level of less or equal to 0.05. Results: The results showed no significant asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant shoulders in the scapula’s upward rotation at different angles of shoulder abduction. Contrary to the non-dominant shoulder, the dominant shoulder’s scapula had a less downward rotation at the resting position and a higher upward rotation at 45° of shoulder abduction. Also, in 45° humeral abduction, the dominant shoulder has a less scapulohumeral rhythm ratio than the non-dominant shoulder. WB athletes’ dominant shoulders in lower classes (2-2.5 and 3-4.5) have less scapular downward rotation in scapular resting position and more scapular upward rotation in 45°, 90° 135° humeral abduction. There was no significant difference in scapulohumeral rhythm ratio between WB players with different classes. Scapular upward rotation increased significantly after eight weeks of scapular stability-based corrective exercise program (P≤0.05). Also, a significant decrease in the scapular upward rotation was observed at post-program in resting position (P=0.001) and significantly increased in 45° (P=0.01), 90° (P=0.001), and 135° (P=0.001) humeral abduction compared with pre-program in dominant and non-dominant shoulders. However, the ratio of scapulohumeral rhythm in the dominant shoulder did not improve significantly, and the ratio of scapulohumeral rhythm in the non-dominant shoulder improved at 90° and 135°. Conclusion: Scapular stability-based corrective exercises can be used as one of the training methods to restore muscle balance, prevent and correct scapular upward rotation and scapulohumeral rhythm in wheelchair basketball athletes. Therapists should know that some degrees of scapular upward rotation and scapulohumeral rhythm asymmetry may be common in WB players. This asymmetry should not always be considered a pathological symptom but may be an adaptation to exercise training and frequent use of the upper extremity.

TECHNICAL AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The main goal is to identify the level of technical and physical readiness among wheelchair basketball players with musculoskeletal disorders. The central issue consists of increasing the level of physical and technical readiness of basketball players by “playing” and “circular” training methods. The testing results indicated that the best way to develop technical and physical preparation of wheelchair basketball players is "playing" and "circular" training method. Physical and emotional load received during training and games of basketball players provide them with moral, psychological and social satisfaction.

ACTIVE TRUNK MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT AS A KEY FACTOR IN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLASSIFICATION – AN ORIGINAL STUDY

In wheelchair basketball the observation of active trunk movement during a game is done by a qualified panel of classifiers. Players are allocated into one out of eight class. In the past, the map of the volume of action for each class player was created based on classifiers’ experience and knowledge (in qualitative way, without the range of trunk movement). Based on Paralympics’ classification standards there is a need to provide quantitative data for the current classes. The aim of this study was to create the map and reference values of the volume of trunk action of wheelchair basketball players and to check if there are differences in results between players representing different functional classes. The second aim was to investigate if there are significant benefits of using additional equipment with the sport wheelchair like sports straps that help players to achieve the greater volume of trunk action. Sixty-eight players divided into functional classes were asked to perform the maximum active trunk range of movement in three planes, in a sport wheelchair with straps and without straps, that was measured by the Kinect for Windows V2 sensor. The differences in movement was assessed by the t-test or the Wilcoxon test, differences between classes were done by ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey test. The discriminant analysis was calculated. Significant greater volume of trunk action in each plane was noticed in a sport wheelchair with straps (p &lt; .05). There were observed significant differences in trunk movement in three planes between neighboring classes (p &lt; .05). 76.9% original grouped cases were correctly classified. The accuracy of the current classification system in wheelchair basketball was confirmed. The map and reference values of the volume of trunk action will be helpful for all wheelchair basketball stakeholders. Trunk flexion and rotation discriminate the most effectively players. All class players should use appropriately fitted straps around hips during wheelchair basketball game, for safeness and wider volume of action.

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.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLAYING SPORTS AND SELF-EFFICACY IN PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

elf-efficacy is an assessment of an individual's own ability to organize and perform certain actions necessary to achieve the desired outcomes, and its development is very important. The research aimed to determine whether participation in sports and success in playing sports are associated with more pronounced self-efficacy in people with disabilities, and included two studies. The aim of the first study was to examine the differences in self-efficacy between those who play sports (goalball) and those who do not play sports on a sample of people with visual impairment, as well as whether this difference exists between goalball players of different levels of performance. The aim of the second study was to examine the existence of differences in self-efficacy between wheelchair basketball players and non-wheelchair basketball players. The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale consisting of ten statements was used as the measuring instrument and the respondents stated how much each item refers to them on a five-point Likert-type scale (from 0 to 4). In data processing the statistical method of the t-test, univariate analysis of variance (One way ANOVA), as well as the Post-Hoc test, were used. The results show that people with disabilities who play sports have more pronounced self-efficacy compared to those who do not play sports, as well as compared to athletes without disabilities. Statistical differences in self-efficacy between athletes with disabilities of different levels of performance have not been identified.