Wheelchair Basketball Players Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Warm-Up Using an Assistive Device in Wheelchair Basketball: A Feasibility Study of Able-Bodied Participants.

Introduction A warm-up is often performed to prevent injury and prepare for optimal performance. Nonetheless, research on its impact on performance, particularly in para-sports, remains limited. We hypothesized that the use of an assistive device during warm-up would enable wheelchair basketball players to perform full-body movements efficiently and effectively, contributing to enhanced wheelchair mobility. Therefore, this feasibility study aimed to assess the safety of warm-up exercise with an assistive device and the changes in wheelchair mobility performance before and after warm-up in able-bodied participants. Methods Thirteen able-bodied participants (nine males and four females; mean age: 34.3 ± 6.11 years) were analyzed. Warm-up consisted of a five-minute stand-up exercise using the lumbar-type Hybrid Assistive Limb®. Before and after warm-up, a 3-3-6 m sprint was performed as a wheelchair mobility performance test. The 3-3-6 m sprint is a test in which the athlete repeatedly accelerates, decelerates, and stops while driving at maximum effort for a total of 12 m (0-3 m, 3-6 m, and 6-12 m). The time required for the 3-3-6 m sprint and maximum instantaneous speed, acceleration time, deceleration time, hip joint angle, and average muscle activity of the lower limb and trunk muscles during the acceleration/deceleration phase of each section were compared before and after warm-up exercise. Results Warm-up with an assistive device was safe in healthy participants. The time required for the 3-3-6 m sprint was significantly reduced after the warm-up compared to that before the warm-up (p=0.005). Although not significant, there was a trend toward shorter deceleration times after the warm-up for participants herein. Conclusions In able-bodied participants, warm-up with an assistive device is safe; it may improve wheelchair mobility performance. Further research is required to determine its impact on para-athletes with disabilities.

Physiological Responses of Wheelchair Basketball Athletes to a Combined Aerobic and Anaerobic Training Program

Among the multifarious adapted sports, wheelchair basketball stands out as a highly recommended group activity among individuals with paraplegia, including those with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Athletes facing this particular impairment exhibit distinct alterations in their metabolic, cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, and thermoregulatory systems, ultimately leading to a diminished physiological respiratory capacity in comparison to able-bodied individuals or those with other forms of impairments. The primary objective of the present research endeavor is therefore to explore the impact of a comprehensive exercise regime, encompassing both aerobic and anaerobic components, upon the enhancement of the aerobic capacity of wheelchair basketball athletes. A total of 32 wheelchair basketball players, ranging in age from 34 to 42, were enlisted in the study, with half allocated to an experimental group engaging in combined aerobic and anaerobic training [EG, n = 16], while the remaining participants were assigned to a control group undertaking solely aerobic exercise training [CG, n = 16]. The 12-minute wheelchair propulsion distance was utilized to evaluate the V̇O2peak in individuals with paraplegia, both before and after the intervention. The findings revealed a significant Time x Group interaction for the 12-minute wheelchair propulsion distance variable, highlighting a notable enhancement in the treatment group (p < 0.001). In contrast, no substantial changes were detected in the control group. Thus, the outcomes suggest that the integration of aerobic and anaerobic exercise yields a highly positive impact on the aerobic performance of wheelchair basketball players. Key words: physiology; exercise; sport; spinal cord injuries; cardiorespiratory fitness.

Wheelchair Basketball: morpho-functional and physiological aspects of the shoulder

Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular paralympic sports. It is a great physical activity that guarantees important health benefits and promotes the well-being and social inclusion for disabled people. At the same time, wheelchair basketball involves a significant risk of injuries for wheelchair basketball players and upper limbs are the most burdened body segments. In particular, sport specific gestures lead to progressive overload of the shoulder joint, which usually results in shoulder pain. For these reasons, scientific and technological progress should improve the development of rehabilitative strategies to promote shoulder health and then to reduce shoulder pain. Within the spectrum of new technologies, electromyography is a tool that allows real-time measurement and to take advantage of the potentiality of biofeedback, so it has been used previously to improve the outcome of rehabilitation treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize and analyze the current evidence regarding the use of electromyography, as a rehabilitative strategy, to reduce shoulder pain in wheelchair basketball athletes. Following the PRISMA statement guidelines (PROSPERO - 2023, n° CRD42023470395), a total of 10 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria after a search of three databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library). The result of this review highlights the importance of electromyography and surface electromyography in the prevention and treatment of shoulder pain in wheelchair basketball athletes. Moreover, this examination emphasizes that using surface electromyography as a biofeedback seems to be an effective way to speed up shoulder pain rehabilitation outcomes in wheelchair basketball athletes. Keywords: exercise; sport; technologies; rehabilitation, physiology.

Circuit training improves physiological conditions among wheelchair basket players

The utilization of a wheelchair exclusively has a profound impact on an individual's musculoskeletal, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory functions. Various programs focusing on physical activity intervention have proven to effectively enhance these physiological responses in wheelchair users. Nevertheless, there has been a limited number of studies investigating the impact of a circuit training physical activity adaptive program on improving these parameters in wheelchair basketball participants. Therefore, the primary aim of this research was to evaluate and identify alterations in cardiorespiratory fitness and musculoskeletal strength among wheelchair basketball players following a circuit training intervention. The study involved 36 male wheelchair basketball athletes with spinal cord injuries aged between 19 and 26 years. They were divided into an experimental group participating in a circuit training program [EG, n = 18], and a control group undergoing exclusively aerobic upper-body exercise training [CG, n = 18]. Anthropometric measurements and the 12-minute wheelchair propulsion distance test, which evaluates the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), were conducted for all participants at the commencement and conclusion of the training period. The results demonstrated a significant interaction between Time and Group for the 12-minute wheelchair propulsion distance variable, indicating a notable improvement in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the control group. Hence, the findings suggest that incorporating circuit training exercises into the daily training regimen can have a substantial positive influence on the cardiorespiratory fitness and musculoskeletal strength of wheelchair basketball players. Key words: physiology; exercise; sport; spinal cord injuries; cardiorespiratory fitness.

Sports Performance Analysis of Wheelchair Basketball Players Considering Functional Classification

Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a sport modality adapted for people with disabilities who present functional classification (FC) according to their mobility, from 1.0 for players with lesser functional capacity up to 4.5 for great mobility and trunk control players. This study aimed to analyze and compare the external load (EL) and the internal load (IL) of the WB players according to their FC in 5 × 5 simulation game tasks. The main objective of this task was to develop a simulated game in which two teams of five players faced each other to resemble the physical demands of an official match. The development of these tasks allowed for the players to learn the different systems of play, and to improve tactical skills. To conduct the study, 12 (male) national professional WB players (years: 30.7 ± 4.82 and WB experience: 5 ± 1.43) participated in the study and were grouped according to FC. WIMU PROTM devices monitored the EL manufactured by RealTrack Systems in Almería, Spain, and to measure the player’s IL, GarminTM Heart Rate (HR) bands were used (GarminTM in Olathe, KS, USA). The EL variables were divided as kinematic (distance, explosive distance, acc, dec, max. acc, max. dec, average speed, max. speed) and neuromuscular (player load, impact). The IL variables were average HR, max. HR and %max. HR. The main results show that players with greater functional capacity (FC = 4.0) developed higher values in the IL and neuromuscular variables analyzed (p < 0.05), as well as in some kinematic variables like distance, dec and average speed (p < 0.05). This information is relevant because it helps to personalize the training load based on competitive demands and create a gradual and adaptable training program. This information helps athletes to develop better performance during training and prevent injuries caused by overexertion.

Handcycling with concurrent lower body low-frequency electromyostimulation significantly increases acute oxygen uptake in elite wheelchair basketball players: an acute crossover trial.

Wheelchair basketball (WCB) demands high-intensity training due to its intermittent nature. However, acute oxygen uptake (V˙O2) in handcycling is restricted. Combining handcycling with low-frequency electromyostimulation (LF-EMS) may enhance V˙O2 in elite WBC athletes. Randomized crossover trail. Twelve German national team WCB players (age: 25.6 [5.6] years, height: 1.75 [0.16] m, mass: 74.0 [21.7] kg, classification: 2.92 [1.26]). Participants underwent 2×5 min of handcycling (60 rpm, ¾ bodyweight resistance in watts) (HANDCYCLE) and 2×5 min of handcycling with concurrent LF-EMS (EMS_HANDCYCLE). LF-EMS (4Hz, 350µs, continuous stimulation) targeted gluteal, quadriceps, and calf muscles, adjusted to individual pain thresholds (buttocks: 69.5 [22.3] mA, thighs: 66.8 [20.0] mA, calves: 68.9 [31.5] mA). Significant mode-dependent differences between HANDCYCLE and EMS_HANDCYCLE were found in V˙O2 (17.60 [3.57] vs 19.23 [4.37] ml min-1 kg-1, p = 0.001) and oxygen pulse (16.69 [4.51] vs 18.41 [5.17] ml, p = 0.002). ΔLactate was significantly lower in HANDCYCLE (0.04 [0.28] vs 0.31 [0.26] mmol l-1). Although perceived effort did not differ (p = 0.293), discomfort was rated lower in HANDCYCLE (1.44 [1.28] vs 3.94 [2.14], p = 0.002). LF-EMS applied to the lower extremities increases oxygen demand during submaximal handcycling. Thus, longitudinal application of LF-EMS should be investigated as a potential training stimulus to improve aerobic capacity in wheelchair athletes.

Effects of vibration therapy on muscle soreness and athletic performance in wheelchair basketball players

IntroductionVibration therapy (VT) has been widely used to increase performance and rehabilitate injuries in athletes. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), caused by excessive overload after training and competitions, leads to loss of performance. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wearable local VT on muscle soreness and athletic performance in wheelchair basketball (WCB) players. MethodA non-randomized crossover design was used in this study in which thirteen elite WCB athletes (31.84 ± 12.59 years) participated. A two-week washout period was applied between the measurements of the control and the vibration groups. Muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM), joint position sense, 20-m sprint speed, and shooting percentage were evaluated for all participants pre-exercise, 30 min and 24 h post-exercise for both arms. After eccentric exercise, immediately local wearable VT was applied to both triceps brachii muscles for 10 min in the vibration group. ResultsCompared to baseline, there was a significant increase in muscle soreness and a significant decrease in joint position sense, ROM, sprint speed and shooting percentage in both groups 24 h post-exercise (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups for muscle soreness and 20-m sprint speed (p > 0.05). However, there were significant improvements in elbow ROM, elbow joint position sense, and shooting percentage in the VT group (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe local VT may help improve the elbow ROM, elbow joint position sense, and shooting performance but can't contribute to reducing muscle soreness and sprint performance in recovery from exercise.

Effects of a Strength Training Program on Basic Basketball Skills in Wheelchair Basketball Players

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an upper extremity strength training program on basic basketball skills in wheelchair basketball players. The study consisted of a total of 27 wheelchair basketball players (15 in the training group and 12 in the control group). The basic basketball skills were assessed at the beginning and end of the training program with a slalom test, slalom with ball test, layup test, zone shot test, two-point shot test, and pass for accuracy test. The warm-up part of the strength training included the use of wheelchair and passing exercises with a basketball. The special strength program was applied to the training group three times a week for eight weeks. The control group continued with the routine education program. While there was a statistically significant difference in the slalom, slalom with ball, zone shot, and four-meter and eight-meter pass for accuracy tests in the training group (p0.05). It was determined that the basic basketball skills test of the control group did not yield a difference (p&gt;0.05). At the conclusion this research, it was determined that the upper extremity strength training program planned for wheelchair basketball players for eight weeks positively affected their basic basketball skills. It may be recommended to include this program in the warm-up session of the training program in order to improve sportive performance.

Effect of a Neuromodulation Protocol Associated With Sports Training on the Precision Sports Performance of a Wheelchair Basketball Para-Athlete: A Case Study.

To investigate whether transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) optimizes the performance of a wheelchair basketball player on precision tasks. A right-handed wheelchair basketball player (1.5 points functional class) with myelomeningocele (low lumbar level) participated in this case study. The tDCS neuromodulation protocol was applied throughout 10 interventions of 20 minutes with a current intensity of 2mA, simultaneously with sport-specific training, 3times a week for 4weeks. Anodic stimulation was performed on the right cerebellar hemisphere (CB2) and cathodic stimulation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. A control participant was submitted to a sham-tDCS stimulation protocol for the same period. Functional performance was assessed before the intervention and after the 5th and 10th interventions using "pass accuracy," "free-throw shooting," and "spot shot" tests. Outcome measures were compared using percentage differences between preintervention, intermediate intervention, and postintervention values. There was a gradual increase in the athlete's total and average scores in all tests performed, with an overall improvement of 78% between the baseline and final assessments, while the control participant had an overall improvement of 6.5%. The tDCS protocol was effective in improving performance in precision activities in a wheelchair basketball player.

Symmetric analysis in a wheelchair basketball player during an incremental intermittent test: a case study

BACKGROUND: Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a sport aimed at people with permanent disabilities in the lower limbs, with a functional classification system that allows the inclusion of various levels of injury from 1 to 4.5. Thus, it is natural that there is an increase in the search for greater sports performance which is related to physiological and kinematic analyses. AIM: The present study aimed to compare the symmetry of temporal kinematic variables in the different zones of effort intensity during an incremental intermittent field test. METHOD: The sample consisted of 1 male player aged (27 years), with spinal cord injury, with more than 5 years of gaming experience. The player performed the incremental field Yo-Yo Test - IR1 and the linear kinematics of the propulsive cycle was estimated. RESULTS: The results indicated that wheelchair propulsion is a symmetrical movement, although some asymmetries seem to be perceived qualitatively, but without a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: It was found that despite the injury to the right shoulder, there is symmetry in terms of wheelchair propulsion.

Do Paralympic athletes suffer from brittle bones? Prevalence and risk factors of low bone mineral density in Paralympic athletes

BackgroundBone health may be a concern in Paralympic athletes, given the presence of multiple risk factors predisposing these athletes to low bone mineral density (BMD). Objective: We aimed to assess the prevalence of low BMD among Paralympic athletes participating in various sport disciplines, and to identify potential risk factors for low BMD. MethodsSeventy Paralympic athletes, of whom 51 % were wheelchair-dependent, were included in this cross-sectional study. BMD of the whole-body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Comparisons between groups were conducted by one-way ANOVA, and regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for low BMD. ResultsThe prevalence of low BMD (Z-score < −1.0) was highest at femoral neck (34 %), followed by total hip (31 %), whole-body (21 %), and lumbar spine (18 %). Wheelchair-dependent athletes had significantly lower BMD Z-scores compared to the non-wheelchair-dependent athletes at whole-body level (−0.5 ± 1.4 vs 0.2 ± 1.3; P = 0.04), total hip (−1.1 ± 1.2 vs 0.0 ± 1.1; P < 0.01), and femoral neck (−1.0 ± 1.3 vs −0.1 ± 1.2; P < 0.01). At the lumbar spine, low BMD was completely absent in wheelchair basketball and tennis players. Regression analyses identified body mass, wheelchair dependence, and type of sport, as the main risk factors for low BMD. ConclusionsIn this cohort of Paralympic athletes, low BMD is mainly present at the hip, and to a lesser extent at the whole-body and lumbar spine. The most prominent risk factors for low BMD in Paralympic athletes are related to mechanical loading patterns, including wheelchair use, the type of sport, and body mass.

How does classification score affect falls in wheelchair basketball? A video-based cross-sectional study on the Italian national team during the European Para Championships 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of falls in male elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players and to analyse the falls characteristics considering their classification score which ranges from 1.0 to 4.5 and it is related to their functional capacity and particularly to their volume of action. DesignA cross-sectional video analysis was conducted using European para championships 2023official match videos. SettingPlayers of the sample team were divided into 2 groups according to their classification point: low-point players (LPP) and high-point players (HPP). Every occurred fall was systematically analysed focusing on falling related characteristics and game circumstances. ParticipantsTwelve WB players of the Italian national team. Main outcomeNumber of falls and mechanism of falls. ResultsThe results showed a higher number of falls for HPP and highlighted a statistically significant differences between LPP and HPP for the fall direction, the playing time and the first anatomical site in contact with the floor. ConclusionResults reported significant differences between LPP and HPP in terms of mechanism of fall. Further studies should focus on the development of new preventive training strategies tailored to WB players with different levels of impairments to reduce fall related injuries.

Wheelchair Basketball Athletes' Participation in Sports: An Examination within the Scope of the Social Model

This study was conducted with the aim of examining the factors that hinder, facilitate, and benefit the participation of wheelchair basketball athletes in sports within the framework of the social model. Employing a phenomenological research design, fitting for the nature of the inquiry, the study utilized qualitative research methods. The sample comprised thirteen (13) wheelchair basketball players competing in the top league in Türkiye. Data collection employed a semi-structured interview format, with face-to-face interviews conducted with the athletes. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, revealing three (3) main themes and twelve (12) sub-themes. Findings suggest that structural barriers pose the most significant hindrance to wheelchair basketball players, while individual facilitators enhance participation, and psychological benefits are predominantly derived from sports engagement. In conclusion, despite encountering numerous inhibiting factors, wheelchair basketball athletes persist in sports participation and attain personal development, facilitated by environmental, structural, and individual factors.

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

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

Energy Requirements of Paralympic Athletes: Insights from the Doubly Labeled Water Approach.

Advanced insight in energy requirements of Paralympic athletes is imperative for optimizing their nutritional counseling. Given the lack of accurate data on total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) of Paralympic athletes, this study aimed to assess energy expenditure and nutritional intake of a large cohort of Paralympic athletes, across different sports and disabilities. In this cross-sectional study, 48 Dutch and Norwegian Paralympic athletes (19 male/29 female) with various disabilities, competing in Para cycling, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, Para Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing participated. TDEE was assessed by the gold standard doubly labeled water method over a 14-d period, resting metabolic rate by ventilated hood indirect calorimetry, energy intake by three unannounced 24-h dietary recalls, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and exercise training duration by a training log. Mean TDEE was 2908 ± 797 kcal·d -1 , ranging from 2322 ± 340 kcal·d -1 for wheelchair basketball players to 3607 ± 1001 kcal·d -1 for Para cyclists. Regression analysis identified fat-free mass, exercise duration, and the presence of a spinal cord disorder as the primary predictors of TDEE, explaining up to 73% of the variance in TDEE. Athletes' energy intake (2363 ± 905 kcal·d -1 ) was below their TDEE, whereas their body mass remained constant, indicating underreporting. Carbohydrate intake (4.1 ± 1.9 g·kg -1 body mass) was low, even when considering underreporting, whereas protein intake (1.8 ± 0.6 g·kg -1 body mass) was relatively high. Paralympic athletes display moderate- to high-energy expenditure, varying across sports and individuals. Much of the variation in TDEE can be attributed to individual differences in fat-free mass and exercise duration. This study establishes the benchmarks for energy requirements of Paralympic athletes, serving as the foundation for future dietary guidelines within this population.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Triceps Brachii Muscle Oxygenation During Sprinting in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of muscle fatigue by measuring the oxygenation of muscles during wheelchair sprinting in wheelchair basketball players, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We believe that this information will be helpful in planning rehabilitation and training programmes.Five male wheelchair basketball players (mean age 30.0±12.0years, mean height 166.0±12.1cm, and mean weight 61.0±15.8kg) participated in this study.These participants performed six 20 m sprint tests after warming up. NIRS measurements were obtained at rest before the start of exercise, during sprinting movements, and during the recovery time after sprinting. Measurements were taken using a wireless NIRS device (PortaMon, Artinis, The Netherlands; sampling rate, 10Hz) with a single-channel system for tissue oxygenation measurements. The NIRS sensor was applied to the triceps muscle on the participant's dominant arm and fixed with an upper arm supporter. The measurement data were imported into a dedicated computer and the tissue saturation index (TSI) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test to compare the TSI before sprinting and at each sprint, and a post hoc Bonferroni test was conducted.Compared to the pre-sprint measurements, TSI significantly decreased during sprints second, fourth, and fifth.In the present study, changes in the oxygen status of the triceps muscle during wheelchair driving varied greatly among individuals, and a tendency was observed towards the oxygen saturation being lowest by the fourth sprint, with the decrease being suppressed from this point on.

Analysis of the External and Internal Load in Wheelchair Basketball Considering the Game Situation

The systematic and programmed control and evaluation of the external and internal load of high-performance athletes during training sessions and high-level competitions allows the coaching staff to know a great amount of information to evaluate the physical condition of the players and the tactical positioning as well as to identify optimal performance. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the external and internal load of wheelchair basketball players during training and competition matches considering the functional classification of the players. WIMU PROTM inertial devices were used to collect the data. As independent variables, the sporting context and the functional classification were selected, and as dependent variables, the variables related to the external and internal load were established. The results reported significant differences between the contexts, with higher values in the competition than in the training sessions considering the internal and external load. Taking into account the functional classification, it is shown that the player with a higher functional classification obtained more differences and higher values. Understanding the external and internal load of the players during training and competitions is very important to personalise the training load according to the demands of the competition. It allows development of a progressive and modular training programme of loads to obtain the best performance. Consequently, injury risk of players due to overload will also be reduced.

Injuries among wheelchair basketball players: A systematic review

Background: Injuries in wheelchair basketball athletes have detrimental physical and psychological impacts on sports performance. There are numerous injuries occurring during wheelchair basketball games, be it during practice, competitions, or post-events.Purpose: This research aims to determine the frequently occurring injuries among wheelchair basketball athletes.Method: A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Sports Discus). A systematic review was conducted on Cross-Sectional Studies, and the study quality assessment was performed using NIH.Results: From the systematic review of 5 articles, it indicated that the commonly occurring injury rate focused on the sacral area, accounting for 19.3%.Conclusion: Efforts to reduce the risk of injuries in athletes, particularly in the sacral area, can enhance their quality of life and their ability to achieve better outcomes.

STUDY OF MUSCLE SYSTEM TENSION OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The aim of the research is to study the athletic effectiveness of wheelchair basketball players, considering neuromuscular system functional condition, associated with changes in the tension of arm biceps and quadriceps muscles, thigh quadriceps muscle and large pectoral muscles. The use of the myotonometry method to determine the functional capabilities of the athletes’ limb muscles is necessary not only as an addition to the clinical picture, but also as an important stage for assessing sports criteria. The results obtained make it possible to determine muscle local exhaustion and take appropriate measures (change the training regime, prescribe appropriate recovery procedures, etc.), which helps to avoid an ineffective training course.The information content of myotonometry increases with dynamic observations. Special attention should be paid to the description of individual indicators of the muscle tone amplitude as an integrative indicator of the functional state of basketball players neuromuscular system.

Neuromuscular Fatigue after Small-Sided Games in Wheelchair Basketball Players with and without Spinal Cord Injury

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim was to analyze the differences between wheelchair basketball players with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and without Spinal Cord injury (Non-SCI) in psycho-physiological response and neuromuscular fatigue in a series of small-sided games (SSG). Methods: Thirteen high-level wheelchair basketball male players (age 28.8 ± 9.2 years, body mass 75.9 ± 11.3 kg) participated in four versus four SSG once a week for five consecutive weeks. Absolute and relative heart rate (HR) during SSG and muscular and respiratory perceived exertion (RPEmus and RPEres), tympanic temperature, and acceleration capacity were recorded at the end of each SSG. Results: No significant differences were observed between SCI and non-SCI players in relative HR variables in SSG series. However, the SCI group had a lower absolute HR (mean HR and peak HR) (p < .05 or p < .01, ES = 0.73–1.39) and higher perceived muscular load (RPEmusTL) (p < .01, ES = 0.75–0.82) during SSG. Regarding the evolution of the physiological response, no differences were observed between the four bouts in the SCI group. However, the Non-SCI group showed an increase in the absolute and relative variables of HR and RPEres and RPEmus (p < .05 or p < .01, ES = 0.45–1.06). On the contrary, only the SCI group showed a loss of acceleration capacity between the four series (p < .05, ES = 0.28–0.35). Conclusion: The results of this study show that there are differences between SCI and non-SCI wheelchair basketball players in their physiological response and acceleration capacity during SSG tasks.