Wheelchair Tennis Research Articles

A Study on quantification and application of serve ball speed and spin rate in Japanese female paralympian wheelchair tennis player

A Study on quantification and application of serve ball speed and spin rate in Japanese female paralympian wheelchair tennis player

Study on the Injury and Rehabilitation of Racket Athletes with Disabilities

Purpose: This study examined the injury and rehabilitation of athletes with disabilities in racket sports projects (i.e., badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair tennis). In addition, the characteristics of each project and the differences among those projects are discussed. Methods: Business team athletes with disabilities in racket sport were enrolled as subjects (i.e., 19 badminton athletes, 19 table tennis athletes, and 19 wheelchair tennis athletes). The real conditions of the injury, injury severity, injury site, symptoms, and rehabilitation methods after injury were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed among the actual condition, injury severity, symptoms and the methods of rehabilita tion on racket sport for athletes (i.e., badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair tennis athletes) with disability. The differences were fo cused mainly on the injury sites due to the characteristics of the different projects, and specific technical actions. Conclusion: This study examined the real condition of the injury, injury severity, injury site, symptoms and rehabilitation methods after the injury on the rackets (i.e., badminton, table tennis, and wheelchair tennis) athletes with disabilities. The data can be used to eliminate the incidence of injury and minimize the injury severity for racket athletes with disabilities. In addition, it can also be used for the dis abled, who like racket projects, as the fundamental material to prevent injury and assist in recovery.

Wheelchair mobility performance of elite wheelchair tennis players during four field tests: Inter-trial reliability and construct validity

The purpose of the current study was to assess the inter-trial reliability and construct validity (talented juniors vs. international adult players) of four wheelchair tennis field tests using inertial measurement units (IMUs). Twenty-one elite wheelchair tennis players completed four tests, which evaluate the sprinting and manoeuvrability abilities in wheelchair tennis. During all tests 3 IMUs were attached to both wheels and the frame of the athlete’s wheelchair. The IMUs enabled analysis of individual test dynamic characteristics, i.e. the linear/rotational velocity and acceleration data, as well as detected pushes. All tests showed high ICCs (0.95–0.99) for the inter-trial reliability for the IMU-based end times and also the construct validity was good, i.e. talented juniors could be discriminated from international adults. Also, velocities and accelerations during the tests could be consistently visualized, meaning that differences in test performance among participants could be designated. Within the experimental context, the field tests could be regarded as reliable and valid. With the use of IMUs it is possible to verify more detailed performance characteristics, visualize the test execution, as well as differentiate between a talented junior and international adult group and within individuals over time.

Summer Adaptive Sports Technology, Equipment, and Injuries.

As adaptive sports grow in popularity, it is increasingly important to understand the injuries for which their athletes are at risk. This population is challenging to study given its small size and diversity of its participants; accordingly, research is mostly low quality because of limited sample sizes and study durations. Summer adaptive sports account for 22 of 28 Paralympic sports, with the most frequently studied being wheelchair basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics, swimming, and soccer. Injuries vary by sport because of differences in contact level, limbs utilized, and athlete impairments. Equipment changes and technological advances, especially within wheelchair and amputee sports, have increased the level of competition and reduced injury rates. Fortunately, the majority of injuries across adaptive sports are minor and do not result in significant time off from sport. Still, even minor injuries can negatively impact these athletes' mobility and activities of daily living compared to the nondisabled population.

Ultrasonographic comparison of the lateral epicondyle in wheelchair-user (and able-bodied) tennis players: A pilot study

Objective: To evaluate whether manual wheelchair use and wheelchair tennis are associated with increased risk of lateral epicondylosis (LE). We hypothesized that the prevalence of LE would be highest in WC tennis players, followed by tennis players, WC users, and able-bodied subjects. Study design: Prospective cross-sectional pilot study. Setting: Milwaukee VAMC (clinic), National Veterans Wheelchair Games 2016 (medical event coverage). Participants: Wheelchair users, able-bodied controls, tennis players, non-tennis players. Interventions: Subjects meeting inclusion criteria underwent ultrasound examination of the dominant elbow evaluating for characteristics of LE (n = 83). Outcome measurements: Prevalence of LE between groups. Statistical analysis included odds ratios (OR), univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: There was no significant difference in diagnosis of LE between groups when comparing prevalence, unadjusted odds ratios, and predicted probabilities. When adjusted for age, able-bodied controls and tennis players had a similar increase in probability of LE with age; this effect was not seen for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users diagnosed with LE on US had spent significantly more time in a wheelchair (23 vs 13 years) than those with a negative diagnosis. Conclusions: Tennis playing in able bodied controls did not increase risk of LE. In wheelchair users, tennis playing does not appear to be associated with LE, though duration of wheelchair use appears to be a significant predictor of LE. Level of evidence: Level II.

A Study on Quantification and Application of serve ball speed and spin rate in Japanese male Paralympian Wheelchair Tennis Players

A Study on Quantification and Application of serve ball speed and spin rate in Japanese male Paralympian Wheelchair Tennis Players

Do athletes with physical disabilities perceive their quality of life similarly when involved in different Paralympic Sports?

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare the quality of life perception among Boccia, Para-Athletics, and Wheelchair Tennis athletes. Methods: Eighty-six athletes with physical disabilities participated (Boccia = 41; Para Athletics = 14; Wheelchair Tennis = 31) in the study. The data were collected by applying the Brazilian Portuguese version of the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire and a short survey for demographics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the relationship among the variables considering a confidence level of 95%. Results: Wheelchair Tennis athletes were older and Para-Athletics athletes were involved in this sport for a longer period. The majority of participants perceived positively their overall quality of life and health. Wheelchair Tennis athletes presented higher total quality of life perception scores in comparison to Boccia athletes. Regarding the specific domains of quality of life, Para-Athletics athletes presented higher scores in the psychological domain in comparison to Boccia and Wheelchair Tennis. Wheelchair Tennis presented higher social scores in comparison to Boccia and higher environment scores in comparison to Boccia and Para-Athletics. No differences were found in the physical domain in all groups. Conclusion: The evidence points to the influence of athletes’ demographics, the specific nuances of their impairments, and the Paralympic Sports practiced in perceiving the quality of life. Suggestions are made to further explore the factors that may influence the quality of life perception among Paralympic Sports athletes.

Esporte adaptado na UFSC: uma análise a partir das manifestações esportivas

A prática esportiva auxilia no desenvolvimento global de pessoas com deficiência. No entanto, essa prática pode ser realizada sob diferentes perspectivas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as ações dos diferentes projetos de extensão de esporte adaptado na UFSC a partir das diferentes manifestações esportivas (educacional; participação e rendimento). Os projetos de extensão de esporte adaptado são desenvolvidos no Centro de Desportos desde 1996 e atualmente são ofertadas práticas de cinco modalidades adaptadas: Atletismo; Goalball; Handebol em cadeira de rodas; Natação e Tênis em cadeira de rodas. Ao fazer a análise foi possível identificar que todos os projetos desenvolvem ações nas diferentes manifestações esportivas. Considera-se, além disso, que os projetos têm assegurado por meio do esporte, oportunidades de efetivação de inúmeros direitos e de participação social de pessoas com deficiência.

The Effect of Prior Tennis Experience on Wheelchair Tennis Players' Visual Search.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether prior biped tennis playing experience results in different visual search strategies compared with no prior biped playing experience. A total of 32 wheelchair (WC) tennis players, 17 males and 15 females, ranked between 1 and 16 on the International Tennis Federation rankings participated in this study. Half the players had prior experience playing tennis as a biped player, and half had no prior experience in biped tennis. The athletes viewed 18 different serves from an expert WC player while their gaze was monitored using eye tracking. Results revealed significant differences between the groups in fixation duration and number of fixations. Differences were also found in fixation locations and durations across biomechanical phases of the serve. The WC only players had more fixations for shorter periods than did WC with biped players in the ritual phase. In the preparatory and execution phases, however, the WC only players had fewer fixations for longer duration than the WC with biped players. Results are discussed in terms of long-term memory structures, learning, and considerations when coaching and training WC tennis players.

The effect of a novel square-profile hand rim on propulsion technique of wheelchair tennis players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a square-profile hand rim (SPR) on propulsion technique of wheelchair tennis players. Eight experienced wheelchair tennis players performed two sets of three submaximal exercise tests and six sprint tests on a wheelchair ergometer, once with a regular rim (RR) and once with a SPR. Torque and velocity were measured continuously and power output and timing variables were calculated. No significant differences were found in propulsion technique between the RR and SPR during the submaximal tests. When sprinting with the racket, the SPR showed a significantly lower overall speed (9.1 vs. 9.8 m s−1), maximal speed (10.5 vs. 11.4 m s−1), and maximal acceleration (18.6 vs. 10.9 m s−2). The SPR does not seem to improve the propulsion technique when propelling a wheelchair with a tennis racket in the hand. However, the results gave input for new hand rim designs for wheelchair tennis.

A Literature Review Informing an Operational Guideline for Inertial Sensor Propulsion Measurement in Wheelchair Court Sports.

With the increasing rise of professionalism in sport, teams and coaches are looking to technology to monitor performance in both games and training to find a competitive advantage. Wheelchair court sports (wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair basketball) are no exception, and the use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based inertial measurement unit (IMU) within this domain is one innovation researchers have employed to monitor aspects of performance. A systematic literature review was conducted which, after the exclusion criteria was applied, comprised of 16 records. These records highlighted the efficacy of IMUs in terms of device validity and accuracy. IMUs are ubiquitous, low-cost, and non-invasive. The implementation in terms of algorithms and hardware choices was evidenced as a barrier to widespread adoption. This paper, through the information collected from the systematic review, proposes a set of implementation guidelines for using IMUs for wheelchair data capture. These guidelines, through the use of flow-charts and data tables, will aid researchers in reducing the barriers to IMU implementation for propulsion assessment.

Scapular kinematics in professional wheelchair tennis players

BackgroundParticipating in wheelchair tennis increases the demands placed on the shoulder and could increase the risk of developing shoulder pain and injury that might be associated with differences in scapular kinematics. The aim of the study was to examine the presence of shoulder pain and scapular kinematics in professional wheelchair tennis players. MethodScapular kinematics were obtained in 11 professional wheelchair tennis players, 16 people with shoulder impingement and 16 people without shoulder impingement during humeral elevation and lowering. Clinical examination of the wheelchair tennis players was undertaken using the Wheelchair Users Shoulder Disability Index (WUSPI) and clinical signs of shoulder impingement. FindingsThe WUSPI questionnaire (mean = 28 SD 13.8) demonstrated wheelchair tennis participants experienced little shoulder pain and clinical examination revealed negative impingement tests. Wheelchair tennis players had greater scapular posterior tilt during humeral elevation (3.9° SE 1.71; P = 0.048) and lowering (4.3° SE 1.8; P = 0.04) on the dominant compared to non-dominant side. The dominant scapulae of wheelchair tennis players were significantly (P = 0.014) more upwardly rotated (21° SD 6.7) than the scapulae of people with shoulder impingement (14.1° SD 7.0) during scapular plane humeral elevation. InterpretationThis first study of scapular kinematics in professional wheelchair tennis athletes demonstrated bilateral asymmetries and differences to able-bodied participants with shoulder impingement. Understanding the role of sport participation on shoulder function in wheelchair users would assist in the development of preventative and treatment exercise programmes for wheelchair users at risk of shoulder injury and pain.

Effects of hard courts and clay courts on sprinting performance after a wheelchair tennis match: an acute study

Effects of hard courts and clay courts on sprinting performance after a wheelchair tennis match: an acute study

Differences in game statistics between winning and losing for male wheelchair tennis players in Paralympics Games

ABSTRACT Aims The aim of the present study was to analyze the differences in wheelchair tennis game statistics between winning and losing sets. Methods Data were collected from the 139 sets of 64 matches played by 64 males' players in the 2012 Paralympics Games. The variables studied were grouped in four groups: variables related to serve, to return, to winners and errors, and to net point. Data was collected from official website of the Paralympics Games. A univariate (Wilcoxon test) and multivariate (discriminant) analysis of data was done to the study the four groups of variable in relation to the result of the set (win or lose). Results The result showed that winning players commit fewer errors and achieved more winning shots than losing players. Conclusion The values presented could be used as a reference for practice and competition in wheelchair tennis players.

Physical demand of wheelchair tennis match-play on hard courts and clay courts

The aim of this study was to define the performance model of wheelchair tennis, by means of 20 Hz GPS together with heart rate monitors, while also investigating potential surface-related differences. Hence, 12 matches performed by 12 nationally ranked wheelchair tennis players were examined. Each athlete played one match on the clay and one on the hard court according to a counterbalanced design, and the data regarding the parameters of maximum heart rate (HRmax), average heart rate (HRav), maximum speed (SPmax), average speed (SPav), maximum acceleration (ACCmax), maximum deceleration (DECmax), maximum metabolic power (MPmax), average metabolic power (MPav) and energy expenditure (EE) were analysed. The average match duration was 82 ± 16 min on clay courts (C) and 68 ± 17 min on hard courts (H) (p = .06), while the distance covered is greater, but not significant, on clay courts (C > H, +10%). The t-test did not highlight significant differences pertaining to the playing surface. The linear regression showed significant values concerning the distance covered (C: p < .0001, r2 = .82, H: r2 = .81) and the energy expenditure (C: p < .05, r2 = .5, H: r2 = .9). The playing surface does not affect the performance of competitive wheelchair tennis athletes.

Wheelchair Tennis and Its Impact on People with Physical Disabilities

Wheelchair Tennis and Its Impact on People with Physical Disabilities

Wheelchair tennis – Croatian experiences

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The research study included 15 participants from 22 to 50 years of age. Data collection involved the use of a semi-structured interview, with qualitative analysis used in the data processing, while for the organization of the data collected the method of open coding was used. According to the results, Difficulties encountered by tennis players with physical disabilities are found to be: spatial barriers, financial difficulties and categorization of sportsmen, namely tennis players. It is important for society as a whole to invest more in the development of this sport and to continue conducting research on wheelchair tennis.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Tennis and disabilities guidelines for coaches

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Tennis is a sport with a high technical, tactical, physical and psychological content. These contents can be developed by players with some kind of impairment. In fact, although at the institutional level, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ́s regulations only consider wheelchair tennis for persons with physical disabilities, we find more and more experiences from people with other forms of disability who play tennis too. So much so, that even the ITF is considering their development at recreational and inclusive level. This article discusses the different modalities of tennis for persons with different abilities and provides some tips for coaches.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Relation of personality traits and decision-making in wheelchair tennis players

Wheelchair tennis, a Paralympic sport in constant growth, requires the extensive use of the cognitive process of decision-making, which is the process of the formation of preferences and the analysis and selection of responses. This process is influenced by many factors, and as personality profiles are also a cognitive component that guides subjects’ actions and behaviours, this study aimed to analyse the personality traits that correlate with the decision-making of wheelchair tennis players. Nine athletes completed the Eysenck Personality Profiler V6 and had their decisions monitored by the Determination Test before a competition. The significance level considered was p ≤ .05, and significant, positive and moderate correlations between the Inverse Efficiency Score (IES) and the psychoticism dimension (r = .684; p = .042) and the anxiety subscale (r = .672; p = .047), and significant, positive and strong correlations between the IES and the irresponsibility subscale (r = .777; p = .014) were identified. In conclusion, wheelchair tennis players with high irresponsibility, anxiety and psychoticism levels tend to show disadvantages in their decision-making quality prior to a competitive moment.

Activity patterns in male and female wheelchair tennis matches

The aim of this study was to compare activity patterns between male and female wheelchair tennis (WT) matches. Sixteen singles international WT matches (eight male and eight female) were analysed. Each match was recorded and analysed according to the following variables: total match time (minutes), total set time (minutes), effective playing time (%), total resting time (%), working time: resting time ratio (W:R), resting time between points (seconds), rally duration (seconds), points per set, shots per set, shots per rally, bounces per point, and time between shots (seconds). A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare between the genders and Wilcoxon test was used to compare variables with the type of point (non-game point opportunity – NGO, and game point opportunity – GO). Female matches showed higher values (p&amp;lt;.05) in rally duration, bounces per point, and frequency of shots than male matches. Both genders spent more time between points in GO than in NGO situation. The findings indicate that male and female players play in a different way, and these differences should be taken into consideration by the WT coaches.