Wheelchair Basketball Players Research Articles

Speed profiles modelization during sprint in wheelchair basketball players

The sprint skill is predominant in wheelchair basketball game strategy [Bloxham, 2001] and need to be optimized during the training session. The development of sensors fixed to the wheelchair gives complementary and objective data for the coach and players [van der Slikke, 2017]. The aim of the study was to define a propulsive efficiency index with wearable sensor during a sprint session. Eleven wheelchair basketball players (32.5 ± 2.5 years, 70.1 ± 22.3 kg, IFWB classification 2.9 ± 1.6 points) realized 2*10 m sprint trials in a straight line on taraflex floor with their basketball wheelchair. The angular velocity of the right wheel is measured by the inertial sensor fixed to the hub (50 Hz, WheelPerf, AtoutNovation). A modelization of the min and max peaks of velocities for each push was defined by the computation of a 2-degree polynomial function. The propulsive efficiency is associated with the quantification of the R squared of the polynomial function. The maximum velocity (Vmax) and its location during the sprint were calculated. The times between the 2 trials are similar (CV = 1.3%). Although Vmax was reached mainly at the end of the sprint (83 to 100%) and required between 8 and 10 pushes, Vmax is different between the players (3.4 to 4.7 m.s −1 ). The value of the R square is different between the players (0.91 to 0.64) but similar for each of the two trials (0.02). The variations in the peaks velocity distribution induce some elements to improve the propulsion method according to the classifications and the adjustments of the wheelchair. The use a wearable sensor to quantify motor efficiency seems to be a relevant tool for the assessment and monitoring of wheelchair basketball players.

A physiological and biomechanical comparison of over-ground and treadmill during asynchronous wheelchair propulsion

Two main modes of propulsion in manual wheelchair (MWC) are described in the literature: synchronous mode (Syn) in which arms are working together, and asynchronous mode (Asy) in which arms are working alternating. It has not yet been demonstrated that the propulsion technique used was identical on a treadmill and in the field, especially because of the movement of “steering” on the field during Asy propulsion. The aim of this study is to compare biomechanical and physiological responses of Asy during tests on the field vs. treadmill. Ten wheelchair basketball players performed 1 session of 4 minutes at 8 km.h −1 on the treadmill and 1 session on the field (‘figure 8’ tests). The MWC is equipped with an instrumented wheel allowing measuring temporal parameters: push time (PT), recovery time (RT) and cycle time (CT = PT + RT). Push frequency (PF), Rate of Rise (RoR), Fraction of Effective Force (FEF) and Rolling Resistance (RR) are also measured. Each subject is equipped with a K4, allowing to obtain the consumption of oxygen (VO 2 kg −1 ). The parameters collected are presented in Table 1 . Although the RR is higher for treadmill, Vo2.kg −1 and PT are superior on the over-ground. This can be explained by the steering on the field, which induces an increased use of the trunk muscles for stability. This could also explain lower PF and RoR. Therefore, field test is recommended to evaluate Asy propulsion.

Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Performance in Sport-Specific Field Test in Female Wheelchair Basketball Players.

Data on the physical and performance characteristics of female wheelchair basketball (WB) players are scarce. In several countries female WB players train and compete with male players on mixed teams due to the limited total population of players, which would otherwise lead to large territorial spread for each team. Any differences in terms of physical characteristics and/or WB skill proficiency between male and female WB players would be relevant to team performance in mixed teams. This work examined anthropometry, body composition, and performance in a set of sport-specific field tests in a sample of 13 female WB players representing about 40% of the eligible population in Italy across a range of functional point scores (Point). Point is assigned on an ordinal scale from 1.0 (i.e., players with minimal functional potential) through to 4.5 (players with maximum functional potential). Our female sample was then compared against twice as many (n = 26) Point-matched (±0.5 points) male players. The two groups were similar for age (P = 0.191; effect size [d] = 0.2), self-reported duration of injury (P = 0.144, d = 0.6), WB experience (P = 0.178, d = 0.5), and volume of training (P = 0.293, d = 0.4). The large majority of measured linear anthropometric variables (10/13) were lower in female players than males (0.001 < P ≤ 0.041). Skinfold-estimated percent body fat was higher (+7.6%) in females (30.7 ± 6.0%; P < 0.001, d = 1.3). Mean performance was worse in female than in males in six out of seven sport-specific field tests, scores being significantly lower in females for the maximal pass (7.5 ± 2.0 m for females vs. 10.4 ± 2.8 m for males; P = 0.002, d = 1.2) and suicide tests (55.8 ± 6.4 s for females vs. 45.4 ± 6.7 s for males; P < 0.001, d = 1.6). When performance in subgroups of females (n = 9) chosen across a range of Point was compared with that of males assigned 1.0 or 1.5 Point less (each n = 9), performance differences between male and female WB players were partially and completely eliminated, respectively. This work contributed new data for characterizing the physique and performance of female WB players. Further, the results suggested that when male and female athletes compete together in mixed teams, a 1.5 points subtraction from female players is needed to match the real gender difference in performance.

Athletic Identity and Self-Esteem of Wheelchair Basketball Players

Background. Disabled persons do not consider and use a single identity to represent themselves. Athletic identity as a wheelchair basketball player can help the process of acceptance and support psychological adjustment. Thus, there is a need to research the association between and the influence of the wheelchair basketball player’s qualification and a strong athletic identity on a person’s self-esteem (Hawkins, Coffee, &amp; Soundy, 2014; Martin, Adams-Mushett, &amp; Smith, 1995). Methods. The multidimensional Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (Brewer &amp; Cornelius, 2002) was used to assess self-identity, social identity, exclusivity and negative affectivity of 36 wheelchair basketball players. Self-esteem was evaluated by the adapted V. Stolin’s (Столин, 1983) test including nine self-evaluation scales: internal integrity, self-confidence, self-direction, self-image, self-interest, self-content, self-orientation, self-contradiction and self-accusation. Results. It was found out that the athletic identity value of the players participating in international level competitions (30 points) is statistically significantly higher compared to that of participating in national level events (18 points, p &lt; .05). Conclusions. Disabled persons of the competition group with better athletic identity represented stronger self-integrity and were less self-accusative, more self-content, their self-confidence grew and they had a better self-image in comparison with the national level group.Keywords: self-confdence, self-image, persons with physical disability.

Examination of Performance Levels of Wheelchair Basketball Players Playing in Different Leagues.

This research was conducted to examine the anthropometric and biometric features of the elite wheelchair basketball players in different league levels, and to evaluate them with regards to field tests particular to wheelchair basketball. A sample of 21 male players volunteered to participate in the research with similar classification points, 12 of whom were from Turkey Wheelchair Basketball First League and 9 of whom were from the Second League. Anthropometric measurements, biometric features of the players and their skill test scores particular to wheelchair basketball were detected. The anthropometric measurements were taken over dominant extremity. SPSS 21.0 program was used in the analysis of the data, and minimum, maximum, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation values were determined. Intergroup differences were determined with Mann–Whitney U analysis. Significance level was admitted as p < 0.05. As a conclusion, it was determined that wheelchair basketball players had similar anthropometric features in the First and Second League levels, and that there was no difference based on the league level they were playing, and moreover, that bio-motor features and skills particular to wheelchair basketball were decisive on the levels of the leagues the players were taking part.

Avaliação e classificação da capacidade física aeróbia de atletas de basquetebol em cadeira de rodas

The aim of this study was to evaluate and classify the aerobic capacity (AC) of wheelchair basketball (WB) players. For that, 16 WB athletes (8 men / 8 women), which has the following characteristics: age (27.2 ± 7.4 years); body mass (59.0 ± 13.5kg); Height (153.4 ± 21.3cm); time of disability (20.3 ± 12.3 years); time of sports practice (9.0 ± 6.9 years). All of participants underwent for the anthropometric and AC variables assessment through the 12‐minute aerobic test for wheelchair users. After the analysis, there was observed average maximal oxygen uptake of 36.0 ± 3.5ml/kg/min. In the qualitative analysis, most of the athletes (62.5%) presented an “Excellent” AC classification (p = 0.02). Therefore, it is concluded that the athletes presented higher AC than expected, rated as “Excellent” for the most of these, suggesting that the regular practice of WB produces important systemic adaptations to the cardiorespiratory system.

Skin Temperature Responses in a Hot Environment among Wheelchair Rugby and Basketball Players with Spinal Cord Injury

Skin Temperature Responses in a Hot Environment among Wheelchair Rugby and Basketball Players with Spinal Cord Injury

Considering values in the sport experiences of wheelchair basketball players

PurposeThe paper aims to discuss a diversity of sport experiences in individuals with physical disabilities who are members of a wheelchair basketball club. The sample of the study consisted of 10 males with physical disabilities (aged 18–40 years).MethodsThe study used in-depth interviews, and a systems method was applied to analyse the interview data. The method allows for examining sport as a value which is neither fully autonomous nor predetermined.ResultsDespite the differences in the sample, it can be assumed that players with physical disabilities experience sport in similar ways. However, their experiences may differ in terms of kinds, forms, contents, positions, and functions of sport. This diversity represents the dynamics of relations, interactions, and interdependences among values in the participants’ respective axiological systems. Besides, it also reflects the ways in which the participants perceive themselves in the context of multiple practices of daily life.ConclusionsAn essential difference between the experience of players from various countries may therefore lie chiefly in the context (e.g. social, economic, political) in which players function and in which they realize particular values. Further research should take this context into account and investigate in particular its dependencies and relations with other values, such as health, physical ability, work, education, etc. Also, research concerning how sport is experienced from the perspective of different types and levels of disability or from the perspective of gender could prove interesting.

Contributions to the team score by male wheelchair basketball players with different physical capacities at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

[Purpose] The contributions of male wheelchair basketball players with different capability classifications to the team score at the Rio 2016 Paralympics were evaluated. The roles required for team members belonging to each such classification were determined. [Participants and Methods] Statistics obtained from the official box scores of all 42 games included at the Rio 2016 Paralympics were used in this study. Players who participated for >20 minutes in each game were included in the analysis. Players were divided into 3 groups (low, middle, and high) based on their capability classification. The mean statistical data related to each group were compared, and the covariance structure was analyzed to determine the role of each player group. [Results] Many statistical values were higher in players belonging to the high group. In the high group, the relevant variables were field goals scored, field goals attempted, assists, and turnovers. In the low group, the relevant variables were field goals scored, steals, and turnovers. [Conclusion] Many plays related to the ball depended on the high group. High-group players are required to demonstrate strong scoring ability and to reduce turnovers. Conversely, low-group players should increase the numbers of field goals made, increase steals, and reduce turnovers.

Sensitivity to change of the field-based Wheelchair Mobility Performance Test in wheelchair basketball.

The Wheelchair Mobility Performance (WMP) test is a reliable and valid measure to assess mobility performance in wheelchair basketball. The aim of this study was to examine the sensitivity to change of the WMP test by manipulating wheelchair configurations. Sixteen wheelchair basketball players performed the WMP test 3 times in their own wheelchair: (i) without adjustments ("control condition"); (ii) with 10 kg additional mass ("weighted condition"); and (iii) with 50% reduced tyre pressure ("tyre condition"). The outcome measure was time (s). If paired t-tests were significant (p <0.05) and differences between conditions were larger than the standard error of measurement, the effect sizes (ES) were used to evaluate the sensitivity to change. ES values ≥0.2 were regarded as sensitive to change. The overall performance times for the manipulations were significantly higher than the control condition, with mean differences of 4.40 s (weight - control, ES = 0.44) and 2.81 s (tyre - control, ES = 0.27). The overall performance time on the WMP test was judged as sensitive to change. For 8 of the 15 separate tasks on the WMP test, the tasks were judged as sensitive to change for at least one of the manipulations. The WMP test can detect change in mobility performance when wheelchair configurations are manipulated.

Comparison of sleep status among three Japanese national wheelchair basketball teams.

[Purpose] Sufficient sleep is required for maximal performance and good mood. Japan has three national wheelchair basketball teams: Top male, Top female, and Under-23 (U23) male teams. Using these team members as model, this study investigated the difference of sleep status of wheelchair basketball players by age and gender. [Subjects and Methods] There were 44 participants: 14 in the Top male team (29.5 ± 5.2 years), 18 in the Top female team (30.6 ± 9.2 years), and 12 in the U23 team (19.1 ± 2.0 years). Sleep status was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); higher scores indicate poor sleep quality. [Results] PSQI scores in the Top male and female teams were higher than in the U23 team. The Top teams showed shorter sleep duration and worse sleep efficacy than the U23 team. Time spent in bed and sleep duration in the female team were shorter than in the Top male and U23 teams. More male players reported “feel too hot” as the reason for sleep disturbance than female players. [Conclusion] Players in the Top Japanese national wheelchair basketball teams had poorer sleep status than U23 players. Among female players, the reason for insomnia was less sleep duration. For males, the reason for insomnia was “feel too hot.”

Comparison of Aerobic Performance Testing Protocols in Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Players.

In wheelchair sports, aerobic performance is commonly assessed with the use of an arm crank ergometer (ACE), a wheelchair ergometer (WCE) or a wheelchair treadmill (WCT). There are different protocols to identify peak oxygen uptake in wheelchair sports; however, only a few protocols have been applied to evaluate these conditions in wheelchair basketball players. The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses during maximal exercise testing with the use of ACE and WCT in wheelchair basketball players. Twelve elite male wheelchair basketball players participated in this study. The research was performed during a training camp of the Polish National Wheelchair Basketball Team. The study participants were divided into two functional categories: A (players with class 1.0 - 2.5) and B (players with class 3.0 - 4.5). Two main maximal exercise tests, i.e. wheelchair treadmill stress test (WCT test) and arm crank ergometer stress test (ACE test) were used to evaluate aerobic performance of the players. There were no statistically significant differences in aerobic tests between the players from both groups. The comparison of results achieved in two aerobic tests performed on WCT and ACE did not reveal any significant differences between the analyzed variables (peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), minute ventilation (VE), anaerobic threshold (AT), lactate concentration (LApeak), and a drop in lactate concentration (%LA)). Strong correlations between results achieved in WCT and ACE tests were found for VO2peak, VE and LApeak. The main conclusion of the study is that both WCT and ACE tests may be useful when determining aerobic capacity of wheelchair basketball players. Moreover, both protocols can be used by athletes regardless of their functional capabilities and types of impairment.

Neuromuscular Responses and Physiological Changes During Small-Sided Games in Wheelchair Basketball.

The aim was to analyze the changes of physical performance and physiological responses during a high-intensity training task in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Thirteen Spanish first division WB male players participated in this study. A test battery (change of direction ability, sprints, and sled towing) was performed to study neuromuscular responses before (pre) and after (post) the small-sided games (SSG). Furthermore, tympanic temperature and blood lactate concentration were measured before and immediately after players finished the SSG. The SSG tasks consisted in four players against four, 4 bouts of 4min with 2min of recovery periods. There was a 1.10% decline in performance in both 5- and 20-m sprints (p < .01; effect size [ES] ≤ 0.14), 1.82% decline in 5-m sled towing (p < .05; ES = 0.18), and 2.68% decline in 20-m sled towing (p < .01; ES = 0.27) between pre- and post-SSG. As in physical performance results, significant differences were observed between pre and post in physiological markers, with increasing tympanic temperature (36.21 ± 0.60 °C to 36.97 ± 0.59 °C; p < .001; ES = 1.27) and blood lactate concentrations (1.95 ± 1.30mmol/Lto 5.84 ± 2.04mmol/L; p < .001; ES = 2.99) after SSG. The SSG produced a decrease in sprint and sled towing performance after 16min of intense exercise. Moreover, the decrease in physical performance was accompanied with an increase in physiological responses. These neuromuscular responses could be similar in the real game; thus, coaching staff could benefit from this information when changing bench players.

Injuries in Wheelchair Basketball Players

In the literature, information about injury patterns, risk factors and management strategies is limited for wheelchair athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of injuries in wheelchair sports participants. Demographic data, sport history, type, area, cause and story of the injury and barriers of collecting this sport information were recorded. A total of 15 individuals were included in the study. The biggest barrier to play the sport was the cost of the wheelchair. 26.6% of them had injury in the past one year and 75% of them had injuries because of muscle tears. Injuries while playing wheelchair sports are common, and mostly occurred while driving the wheelchair. Mostly their fingers are squeezed and stuck to the wheelchair. Education for prevention of injuries should be given to all the players. Protective equipment for hands should be considered to protect against injuries. Keywords: Injury, wheelchair, basketball players, wheelchair athletes

Expert’s opinion of a home-based exercise program for shoulder pain prevention: application in wheelchair basketball players.

The aim of the study was to assess the structure and content validity of a home-based exercise program, as an instrument to prevent of shoulder pain (SP) in wheelchair basketball players. The proposed program was designed considering previous studies but to be applied in this specific population and; it was composed by exercises based on active mobility (4 exercises), strengthening (5 exercises) and stretching (5 exercises) of the shoulder joint. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 9 experts (1 rehabilitation physician,1 sport physician, 4 physiotherapists and 3 coaches) that fulfilled the defined inclusion criteria. The results showed that experts considered the shoulder home-based exercise program (SHEP) as adequate tool for SP prevention in WB; however, some experts suggested some changes to improve it. According to the qualitative analysis performed, findings revealed two main underlying factors such as “design” (content and structure) and “application” that could influence in the adequate use of the home-based exercise program. This study provided evidence that the presentedhome-based exercise program is a validate tool and could be a powerful tool to prevent shoulder pain in WB player’s population.

Contributions of body fat, fat free mass and arm muscle area in athletic performance of wheelchair basketball players

The aims of this study were: to verify the relationship (1) and dependency (2) between body fat (BF), fat free mass (FFM) and the arm muscle area (AMA) with athletic performance of wheelchair basketball players. Twenty-two subjects were evaluated according to the following order, in 24-hour intervals: a) anthropometric measurements and the Wingate anaerobic test (day 1); b) assessment of VO2peak and threshold (2); and c) specific tests (3). The results showed satisfactory relationships of AMA with handgrip left (r=.36; p=.08), VO2peak (r=.59; p=.03), medicine ball throwing (r=.54; p=.00), absolute (r=.61; p=.00) and relative anaerobic power (r=.67; p=.00). BF with handgrip left (r= .43; p=.03), medicine ball throwing (r=.50; p=.01), absolute (r=.77; p=.00) and relative (r=.82; p=.00) anaerobic power. And FFM with handgrip (r=.44; p=.03), medicine ball throwing (r=.43; p=.03), absolute (r=.64; p=.00) and relative (r=.69; p= .00) anaerobic power. The regression analyses revealed that only predictive models by AMA presented good determination coefficients to VO2peak (r2=.35; p=.00), medicine ball throwing (r2=.29; p=.00), absolute (r2=.37; p=.00) and relative (r2=.46; p=.00) anaerobic Power. The results indicated the importance to consider some anthropometric measures, in particular muscular tissue, to sport training and athletic performance evaluation of wheelchair basketball players.

Speed profiles in wheelchair court sports; comparison of two methods for measuring wheelchair mobility performance

Wheelchair mobility performance is an important aspect in most wheelchair court sports, commonly measured with an indoor tracking system or wheelchair bound inertial sensors. Both methods provide key wheelchair mobility performance outcomes regarding speed. In this study, we compared speed profiles of both methods to gain insight into the level of agreement, for recommendations regarding future performance measurement.Data were obtained from 5 male highly trained wheelchair basketball players during match play. Players were equipped simultaneously with a tag on the footplate for the indoor tracking system (∼8 Hz) and inertial sensors on both wheels and frame (199.8 Hz). Being part of a larger study on 3 vs 3 player game formats, data were collected in several matches with varying field sizes, but activity profiles closely resembled regular match play. Both systems provide similar outcomes regarding distance covered and average speed. Due to differences in sampling frequency and sensor location (reference point) on the wheelchair (for speed calculation), minor differences were revealed at low speeds (<2.5 m/s). Since both systems provide complementary features, a hybrid solution as proved feasible in this study, could possibly serve as the new gold standard for mobility performance measurement in wheelchair basketball or wheelchair court sports in general.

Improving Mobility Performance in Wheelchair Basketball.

This study aimed to investigate which characteristics of athlete, wheelchair and athlete-wheelchair interface are the best predictors of wheelchair basketball mobility performance. A total of 60 experienced wheelchair basketball players performed a wheelchair mobility performance test to assess their mobility performance. To determine which variables were the best predictors of mobility performance, forward stepwise linear regression analyses were performed on a set of 33 characteristics, including 10 athlete, 19 wheelchair, and 4 athlete-wheelchair interface characteristics. A total of 8 of the characteristics turned out to be significant predictors of wheelchair basketball mobility performance. Classification, experience, maximal isometric force, wheel axis height, and hand rim diameter-which both are interchangeable with each other and wheel diameter-camber angle, and the vertical distance between shoulder and rear wheel axis-which was interchangeable with seat height-were positively associated with mobility performance. The vertical distance between the front seat and the footrest was negatively associated with mobility performance. With this insight, coaches and biomechanical specialists are provided with statistical findings to determine which characteristics they could focus on best to improve mobility performance. Six out of 8 predictors are modifiable and can be optimized to improve mobility performance. These adjustments could be carried out both in training (maximal isometric force) and in wheelchair configurations (eg,camber angle).

Effects of Offense, Defense, and Ball Possession on Mobility Performance in Wheelchair Basketball.

The aim of this study was to determine to what extent mobility performance is influenced by offensive or defensive situations and ball possession and to what extent these actions are different for the field positions. From video analysis, the relative duration of the various wheelchair movements during team offense/defense and individual ball possession was compared in 56 elite wheelchair basketball players. A two-way analysis of variance indicated that during offense, the guards and forwards performed longer driving forward than during defense. Overall, centers stood still longer during offense than during defense. Without ball, centers performed driving forward longer than with ball possession. It is concluded that offense, defense, and ball possession influenced mobility performance for the different field positions. These differences can be used to design specific training protocols. Furthermore, field positions require potentially different specific wheelchair configurations to improve performance.

Effects of synchronous versus asynchronous push modes on performance and biomechanical parameters in elite wheelchair basketball

This study aimed to compare the effects of synchronous (SYN) vs asynchronous (ASY) modes of wheelchair propulsion in field sprint tests on performance and biomechanical parameters. Seven elite wheelchair basketball players performed two separate (SYN and ASY) straight-line 20-m sprints. ASY increased sprint time and decreased push frequency compared to SYN (p < 0.05). Peak velocity and total force for the mean of the last three pushes were higher in SYN. Rate of rise was higher in SYN for the first, second and third pushes (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found for peak power and mean work. SYN mode induces better performance (13% difference in speed). However, the increase in rate of rise, thus the expansion of the total force when gripping the hand rim, push frequency and total force in SYN modes seems to expand the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders during manual wheelchair propulsion for upper limb joints than ASY.