Wheelchair Propulsion Biomechanics in Junior Basketball Players: A Method for the Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Specific Training Program

Performance, asymmetry and biomechanical parameters in wheelchair rugby players

The practice of the wheelchair rugby is becoming more and more worldwide. However, few biomechanical studies have focused on this sport. The aim of this study was to compare kinematic parameters of wheelchair rugby players, classified as defensive players (LP-D) versus offensive players (HP-O). Twenty-nine wheelchair rugby players (17 LP-D and 12 HP-O) performed a 20-m sprint test. The peak velocities, temporal parameters (propulsion phase time, deceleration phase time, cycle time and cycle frequencies) and asymmetries (the difference in peak velocities between the right and the left wheels) were measured at the acceleration and constant peak velocity phases of the sprint by an inertial measurement unit which was placed on each rear wheel. At the acceleration and constant peak velocity phases, peak velocities and cycle frequencies were higher in HP-O players than LP-D players. The deceleration phase times and the cycle times were higher in LP-D players than HP-O players. However, no significant difference in asymmetry was found between LP-D players and HP-O players. The HP-O players showed superior performance than the LP-D players, but they could be more exposed at risk of injury at their upper limbs than LP-D players.

Impact of floor covering on wheelchair rugby players: analysis of rolling performance

Introduction

Despite the increased interest in indoor wheelchair sports in many countries, research on the effect of floor coverings on sports performance is limited. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for covering characteristics for wheelchair sports, whether for competitive or recreational purposes. This study aimed to determine the impact of floor coverings on the biomechanical parameters of manual wheelchair propulsion for wheelchair rugby practice.

Methods

Ten wheelchair rugby players performed 6 maximum-velocity sprints over 20 meters, with a 20-second recovery time between sprints, on 3 different coverings, using their personal sports wheelchairs. The coverings were: wood parquet, Gerflor TX System Endurance®, and a plastic synthetic covering (balatum). Performance and propulsion technique variables were collected using inertial measurement units (265 Hz, Kinvent, France). Additionally, rolling resistance quantification tests were conducted on each covering.

Results

Rolling resistance was lowest on the wood parquet, with an average value of 3.98 ± 0.97 N. Best sprint performance was achieved on the wood parquet. The fatigue index on the parquet was significantly lower than on the balatum (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Our results highlight that floor surface influences both performance and propulsion technique variables. Therefore, we recommend performing wheelchair rugby training on wood parquet to optimize performance. It is also important to consider the impact of different coverings on sprint performance when organizing player rotations to maintain a high level of competition during tournaments.

Women's wheelchair basketball lineup analysis at the Tokyo 2020 paralympic games: game related statistics explaining team sport performance

Introduction

Performance analysis through game-related statistics in wheelchair basketball (WB) has focused mainly on the study of the individual efficiency of players according to their functional classification. However, there is little evidence focusing on lineup performances (five players on court) and their composition. Thus, the objective of present study was to analyze the efficiency of the women's WB lineups used during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (PG) and to determine the variables that best discriminated the lineup performances according to the final point differential.

Methods

The sample comprised 507 lineups used in the 31 games by the 10 national teams during the competition. Fifty-one different lineup types (LTs) were categorized. A discriminant analysis was carried out to compare the lineups with a positive and negative point difference according to the game type (balanced and unbalanced games).

Results

It was found that LTs 16 (1-1.5-2.5-4-4.5), 47 (1-2-2.5-4-4.5) and 14 (1-1.5-2.5-4.5-4.5) had the best means of efficiency in field goals (LT 16 = 52%; LT 47 = 44% and LT = 40%), while LT 50 (1-2-3-4-4) obtained the highest mean difference in points (3.67 ± 10.67). The variables that best discriminated winner teams in balanced games were field goal efficiency (SC = 0.55), assists (SC = 0.50) and turnovers (SC = -0.41).

Discussion

Field goal efficiency, assists, turnovers and steals are the game-related statistics most associated with the success of a lineup used in balanced games in WB in PG competition; this could be taken into account by coaches when deciding how to compose a given lineup in a moment of the game, to adequately select players from different functional classifications for the final squad and to choose training content related to the indicated game-related statistics, as they explain success at this competition level.

Load and performance monitoring in wheelchair court sports: A narrative review of the use of technology and practical recommendations

Quantifying measures of physical loading has been an essential part of performance monitoring within elite able-bodied sport, facilitated through advancing innovative technology. In wheelchair court sports (WCS) the inter-individual variability of physical impairments in the athletes increases the necessity for accurate load and performance measurements, while at the same time standard load monitoring methods (e.g. heart-rate) often fail in this group and dedicated WCS performance measurement methods are scarce. The objective of this review was to provide practitioners and researchers with an overview and recommendations to underpin the selection of suitable technologies for a variety of load and performance monitoring purposes specific to WCS. This review explored the different technologies that have been used for load and performance monitoring in WCS. During structured field testing, magnetic switch-based devices, optical encoders and laser systems have all been used to monitor linear aspects of performance. However, movement in WCS is multidirectional, hence accelerations, decelerations and rotational performance and their impact on physiological responses and determination of skill level, is also of interest. Subsequently both for structured field testing as well as match-play and training, inertial measurement units mounted on wheels and frame have emerged as an accurate and practical option for quantifying linear and non-linear movements. In conclusion, each method has its place in load and performance measurement, yet inertial sensors seem most versatile and accurate. However, to add context to load and performance metrics, position-based acquisition devices such as automated image-based processing or local positioning systems are required.Highlights Objective measures of wheelchair mobility performance are paramount in wheelchair court sport support, since they enable quantification of workload across athletes of all classifications and in structured field testing, training and match play settings.Given the variety of methods for load and performance monitoring in wheelchair court sports, this review: identified and examined the technology available; provides meaningful insights and decision guidelines; describes applicability for different goals; and proposes practical recommendations for researchers and sports professionals.Wheelchair mounted inertial sensors are most reliable and versatile for measuring wheelchair mobility performance and estimates of workload, yet a combination with local position measurement via indoor tracking or image-based processing could be useful to add context.For wheelchair athletes bound to a wheelchair for daily use, workload monitoring on a regular basis, both on- and off-court, is crucial to avoid overuse injuries. Alternatively, in athletes with lower severity impairments often lack frequent exposure to optimal and progressive loading, reducing the likelihood of positive physiological adaptations.

Physical fitness assessment in wheelchair basketball: A mini-review

Introduction

Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a Paralympic sport ideated for people with motor disabilities, and the research on this topic still requires attention. It is fundamental to evaluate physical fitness characteristics with appropriate tests and standardized routines to plan and monitor the training. Considering that a standard operating procedure is a document that makes the test battery replicable, the objective of the present study was to review the literature on physical fitness assessment in WB players and to create a standard operating procedure.

Methods

Studies were collected from different databases, and after a screening process, data were discussed narratively.

Results

Only 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. The test batteries presented similarities in different studies.

Conclusion

The suggested standard operating procedure consists of 10-min warm-up followed by handgrip evaluation (only if the instrument is available), 20-m sprint test, maximal pass, modified push-up, back scratch test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test adapted test Version 1.

Wheelchair skill tests in wheelchair Basketball: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify, describe and synthesize the skill tests used in wheelchair basketball.

METHOD

A systematic review was carried out in the databases: PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of science and Google Scholar from inception to January 2021 with up to date in January 2022. the eligibility criteria used were Inclusion: (i) evaluation of wheelchair basketball athletes; (ii) using skill tests (defined as agility, speed, ball maneuverability, slalom, etc.) and (iii) papers needed to be written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals. Exclusion: (i) papers with poor description of the test methodology, (ii) participants not classified as wheelchair basketball athletes (less than one year of practice) and (iii) Participants were not people without disabilities.

RESULTS

Our main findings were: a) the most explored skills were pass and speed, and the most frequent test was the pass tests and sprint tests, b) Strong associations were found between sports classes and performance in field tests, c) The most used tests for each skill were: pass = pass accuracy and maximum pass; speed = 20m sprint test with and without the ball; agility = slalom test; dribbling = obstacle dribbling tests and throw = free throw and spot shot.

CONCLUSION

The most explored skills were passing and speed, and to evaluate these skills we highlight the two-handed chest pass test, 20m sprint test with ball and the WMP test. The use of specific tests can facilitate the creation of reference standards and possible comparison of athletes and, thus, enable better training conditions, aiming to meet the specific demands of each athlete and team.

¿CÓMO PREVENIR EL DOLOR DE HOMBRO EN BALONCESTO EN SILLA DE RUEDAS?

Las lesiones del hombro suponen un problema en el baloncesto en silla de ruedas (BSR). El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la eficacia de un programa de ejercicio para el dolor del hombro en jugadoras de máximo nivel de BSR para tras 12 semanas de intervención a lo largo del proceso preparatorio de una competición internacional. Participaron 13 jugadoras de BSR de la Pre-Selección Española Femenina (edad 26.6 ±6.1 años), respondiendo a un cuestionario de DH antes y después del programa de ejercicio, evaluando también el rango de movimiento (RM) y aplicando pruebas funcionales. El DH se redujo significativamente después de la intervención (Z=-2.93, p?0.05, d=0.67), pero sin cambios significativos ni en las pruebas funcionales (p?0.05) ni en el RM (p?0.05). El programa de ejercicio resultó efectivo para la reducción del DH durante el proceso de preparación, lo que influyó de manera positiva en rendimiento deportivo de las jugadoras.

Influence of Wheelchair Type on Kinematic Parameters in Wheelchair Rugby

Introduction

In wheelchair rugby, players use either an offensive or defensive wheelchair depending on their field position and level of impairment. Performance of wheelchair rugby players is related to several parameters, however it is currently unclear if differences in performance are related to wheelchair type or no: the effect of wheelchair type on performance variables has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare offensive and defensive wheelchairs on performance variables during a straight-line sprint.

Methods

Thirteen able-bodied people performed two 20 m sprint trials: one with an offensive and one with a defensive wheelchair. Data were collected using inertial measurement units fixed on the wheelchair. Peak wheelchair velocities and left-right asymmetries in peak wheel velocities were measured during the acceleration and constant peak velocity phases. Sprint time, cycle frequency, and mean and maximum velocity were calculated over the entire sprint.

Results

The peak velocities of the first 2 pushes (acceleration phase) were significantly higher with the defensive than the offensive wheelchair (p &lt; 0.04 and p &lt; 0.02). Mean and maximum sprint velocity were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.03 and p &lt; 0.04, respectively) with the defensive wheelchair. Cycle frequency and asymmetry did not differ between wheelchairs.

Conclusion

Performance was higher with the defensive than the offensive wheelchair, suggesting that the frequent finding that the higher performance of offensive as compared to defensive players is not related to the use of an offensive wheelchair.

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

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

Impact of dribbling on spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters in wheelchair basketball athletes

BACKGROUND

Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular Paralympic sports. Dribbling a ball while propelling is a key feature of wheelchair basketball. Very few studies have investigated the biomechanical impact of dribbling. This study aims to analyze the impact of dribbling on the amplitude and symmetry of spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters of wheelchair propulsion.

METHODS

Ten experienced wheelchair basketball athletes (31.5 ± 10.6 years old; 7 men, 3 women) with various classifications performed eight 9-m sprints along a straight line on a basketball court: four sprints using classic synchronous propulsion, and four sprints while dribbling a ball down the court.

FINDINGS

Dribbling decreased velocity, mean propulsive moments and the force rate of rise, as well as increased push time, force rate of rise asymmetry and angular impulse asymmetry. All kinetic variables were asymmetric and higher on the dominant limb.

INTERPRETATION

The combination of reduced velocity and propulsive moments when dribbling indicates that wheelchair basketball athletes may deliberately preserve a safety margin of acceleration to adapt to uncontrolled ball rebounds. Dribbling was not associated with any factors associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

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.

Wearable Sensors in Sports for Persons with Disability: A Systematic Review

The interest and competitiveness in sports for persons with disabilities has increased significantly in the recent years, creating a demand for technological tools supporting practice. Wearable sensors offer non-invasive, portable and overall convenient ways to monitor sports practice. This systematic review aims at providing current evidence on the application of wearable sensors in sports for persons with disability. A search for articles published in English before May 2020 was performed on Scopus, Web-Of-Science, PubMed and EBSCO databases, searching titles, abstracts and keywords with a search string involving terms regarding wearable sensors, sports and disability. After full paper screening, 39 studies were included. Inertial and EMG sensors were the most commonly adopted wearable technologies, while wheelchair sports were the most investigated. Four main target applications of wearable sensors relevant to sports for people with disability were identified and discussed: athlete classification, injury prevention, performance characterization for training optimization and equipment customization. The collected evidence provides an overview on the application of wearable sensors in sports for persons with disability, providing useful indication for researchers, coaches and trainers. Several gaps in the different target applications are highlighted altogether with recommendation on future directions.

Innovative Use of Wrist-Worn Wearable Devices in the Sports Domain: A Systematic Review

Wrist wearables are becoming more and more popular, and its use is widespread in sports, both professional and amateur. However, at present, they do not seem to exploit all their potential. The objective of this study is to explore innovative proposals for the use of wearable wrist technology in the field of sports, to understand its potential and identify new challenges and lines of future research related to this technology. A systematic review of the scientific literature, collected in 4 major repositories, was carried out to locate research initiatives where wrist wearables were introduced to address some sports-related challenges. Those works that were limited to evaluating sensor performance in sports activities and those in which wrist wearable devices did not play a significant role were excluded. 26 articles were eventually selected for full-text analysis that discuss the introduction of wrist-worn wearables to address some innovative use in the sports field. This study showcases relevant proposals in 10 different sports. The research initiatives identified are oriented to the use of wearable wrist technology (i) for the comprehensive monitoring of sportspeople’s behavior in activities not supported by the vendors, (ii) to identify specific types of movements or actions in specific sports, and (iii) to prevent injuries. There are, however, open issues that should be tackled in the future, such as the incorporation of these devices in sports activities not currently addressed, or the provision of specific recommendation services for sport practitioners.

A practical assessment of wheelchair racing performance kinetics using accelerometers

Due to the detrimental influence of unnecessary mass on performance, racing wheelchair instrumentation used in both competition assessment and research is currently limited. Attaining key kinetic parameters of propulsion can enhance technique and provide athletes with a competitive advantage. This research examined the plausibility of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to estimate propulsion forces, during a simulated wheelchair race start and training. Start propulsion data calculated from an IMU system was compared to reference force plate data; steady state motion data was compared with existing literature. Some agreement in kinetic parameters between IMU data was observed under steady state motion, with data from athletes following a linear force-velocity relationship. In this context, it is important to identify that this cannot be directly compared to the existing literature due to the different methods of force measurement and the lack of data for similar force measurements using IMUs. IMUs were ineffective when used with wheelchairs having spoked wheels. Performance was best for measurements in the direction of motion. Although exact agreement was not observed, the IMU can provide an effective tool in the in-field assessment of propulsion kinetics.

Effect of a Home-based Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Range of Motion in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a 10 week shoulder home based exercise program (SHEP) on shoulder pain (SP) and range of motion (ROM) in a group of elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players. A convenience sample of elite WB players (n = 36, 15 males and 21 females), mean age of 26 years (SD 7.6, range 15–45)) were assigned to either an exercise or a control group, according to the use of the wheelchair during daily activities. The shoulder pain index for wheelchair basketball players (SPI-WB), functional tests and ROM were measured at baseline and after a 10 week intervention. In the analysis of the SPI-WB scores, for the exercise and control groups separately, there were no significant reductions of SPI-WB scores after intervention. Related to the analysis between groups after 10 weeks of intervention, there were no significant differences in changes between the exercise and control groups (Z = 0.840, p > 0.05, r = 0.743). In this regard, there was a significant change after the intervention for shoulder extension ROM (Z = 2.81, p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.249). Shoulder Pain did not increase along the 10 weeks of the SHEP development in WB players who reported SP before the intervention program. However, in those players who started the intervention without SP, as no increase in SP was observed and players were free of injury. An exercise program could be a tool to maintain shoulder health and prevent injuries in elite WB players.

Wheelchair Physical Activities and Sports for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Background: Increased understanding of the outcomes associated with physical activity and sports has the potential to guide rehabilitation interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities. Aim: To describe research related to group physical activity and sport participation of children and adolescent wheelchair users. Methods: The five-step framework described by Arksey and O'Malley was used to guide the review. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and SCOPUS) were searched for relevant literature and selected articles were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Basic article information, study objectives, participant information, methods, outcome measures (quantitative), and themes (qualitative) were extracted from the selected articles. Outcome measures were coded using the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the review. The quantitative research articles evaluated outcomes related to test/training parameters (n = 2), evaluation of tools/models (n = 6), and biomechanical/physiological/participation profiles of athletes/equipment (n = 5). Four qualitative studies explored perceptions and experiences with participation, social supports, and identity development. No articles focused on power wheelchair sport. Conclusion: Additional research on evaluating outcomes associated with group physical activity and sport participation is needed to inform clinical practice and guide future research.

Placement effects of inertial measurement units on contact identification in wheelchair racing

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide a practical solution for attaining key performance data for wheelchair sports. The effects of IMU placement position on the identification of propulsion characteristics are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the variability in the reliability of cycle time measurements (time between hand contacts) across IMU locations on the chair frame (axle housings), and wheels (axle, push rim, outer rim), on both the left and right sides (n = 8). Contacts were defined by spikes in the resultant acceleration data, corresponding to impact between the hands and push rim, and verified against motion capture. Five elite wheelchair racing athletes propelled at racing speeds on a treadmill. Excellent inter-rater Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values indicated high reliability and repeatability for both motion capture and IMU signal analysis approaches (R = 0.997, p < 0.001 and R = 0.990, p < 0.001, respectively). The best results were (as determined by the best between method agreement) were observed for IMUs located on the frame. Detection reliability was positively associated with signal-to-noise ratio of the acceleration data. The IMU assessment approach facilitates an automated processing capability, which is an improvement to the currently used video analysis.

Assessment of a markerless motion analysis system for manual wheelchair application

BACKGROUND

Wheelchair biomechanics research advances accessibility and clinical care for manual wheelchair users. Standardized outcome assessments are vital tools for tracking progress, but there is a strong need for more quantitative methods. A system offering kinematic, quantitative detection, with the ease of use of a standardized outcome assessment, would be optimal for repeated, longitudinal assessment of manual wheelchair users' therapeutic progress, but has yet to be offered.

RESULTS

This work evaluates a markerless motion analysis system for manual wheelchair mobility in clinical, community, and home settings. This system includes Microsoft® Kinect® 2.0 sensors, OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling, and an automated detection, processing, and training interface. The system is designed to be cost-effective, easily used by caregivers, and capable of detecting key kinematic metrics involved in manual wheelchair propulsion. The primary technical advancements in this research are the software components necessary to detect and process the upper extremity kinematics during manual wheelchair propulsion, along with integration of the components into a complete system. The study defines and evaluates an adaptable systems methodology for processing kinematic data using motion capture technology and open-source musculoskeletal models to assess wheelchair propulsion pattern and biomechanics, and characterizes its accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability. Inter-trial repeatability of spatiotemporal parameters, joint range of motion, and musculotendon excursion were all found to be significantly correlated (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The system is recommended for use in clinical settings for frequent wheelchair propulsion assessment, provided the limitations in precision are considered. The motion capture-model software bridge methodology could be applied in the future to any motion-capture system or specific application, broadening access to detailed kinematics while reducing assessment time and cost.

Assessment of upper limb use in children with typical development and neurodevelopmental disorders by inertial sensors: a systematic review

Understanding development of bimanual upper limb (UL) activities in both typical and atypical conditions in children is important for: i) tailoring rehabilitation programs, ii) monitoring progress, iii) determining outcomes and iv) evaluating effectiveness of treatment/rehabilitation. Recent technological advances, such as wearable sensors, offer possibilities to perform standard medical monitoring. Body-worn motion sensors, mainly accelerometers, have shown very promising results but, so far, these studies have mainly focused on adults. The main aim of this review was to report the evidence of UL activity of both typically developing (TD) children and children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that are reliably reported and comparable, using a combination of multiple wearable inertial sensors, both in laboratory and natural settings. Articles were selected from three research databases (PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO). Included studies reported data on children aged 0-20 years old simultaneously wearing at least two inertial sensors on upper extremities. The collected and reported data were relevant in order to describe the amount of physical activity performed by the two ULs separately. A total of 21 articles were selected: 11 including TD, and 10 regarding NDDs. For each article, a review of both clinical and technical data was performed. We considered inertial sensors used for following aims: (i) to establish activity intensity cut-points; (ii) to investigate validity and reliability of specified markers, placement and/or number of inertial sensors; (iii) to evaluate duration and intensity of natural UL movements, defined motor tasks and tremor; and (iv) to assess efficacy of certain rehabilitation protocols. Our conclusions were that inertial sensors are able to detect differences in use between both hands and that all reviewed studies support use of accelerometers as an objective outcome measure, appropriate in assessing UL activity in young children with NDDs and determining intervention effectiveness. Further research on responsiveness to interventions and consistency with use in real-world settings is needed. This information could be useful in planning UL rehabilitation strategies.

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.

Trends Supporting the In-Field Use of Wearable Inertial Sensors for Sport Performance Evaluation: A Systematic Review

Recent technological developments have led to the production of inexpensive, non-invasive, miniature magneto-inertial sensors, ideal for obtaining sport performance measures during training or competition. This systematic review evaluates current evidence and the future potential of their use in sport performance evaluation. Articles published in English (April 2017) were searched in Web-of-Science, Scopus, Pubmed, and Sport-Discus databases. A keyword search of titles, abstracts and keywords which included studies using accelerometers, gyroscopes and/or magnetometers to analyse sport motor-tasks performed by athletes (excluding risk of injury, physical activity, and energy expenditure) resulted in 2040 papers. Papers and reference list screening led to the selection of 286 studies and 23 reviews. Information on sport, motor-tasks, participants, device characteristics, sensor position and fixing, experimental setting and performance indicators was extracted. The selected papers dealt with motor capacity assessment (51 papers), technique analysis (163), activity classification (19), and physical demands assessment (61). Focus was placed mainly on elite and sub-elite athletes (59%) performing their sport in-field during training (62%) and competition (7%). Measuring movement outdoors created opportunities in winter sports (8%), water sports (16%), team sports (25%), and other outdoor activities (27%). Indications on the reliability of sensor-based performance indicators are provided, together with critical considerations and future trends.

How Angular Velocity Features and Different Gyroscope Noise Types Interact and Determine Orientation Estimation Accuracy

In human movement analysis, 3D body segment orientation can be obtained through the numerical integration of gyroscope signals. These signals, however, are affected by errors that, for the case of micro-electro-mechanical systems, are mainly due to: constant bias, scale factor, white noise, and bias instability. The aim of this study is to assess how the orientation estimation accuracy is affected by each of these disturbances, and whether it is influenced by the angular velocity magnitude and 3D distribution across the gyroscope axes. Reference angular velocity signals, either constant or representative of human walking, were corrupted with each of the four noise types within a simulation framework. The magnitude of the angular velocity affected the error in the orientation estimation due to each noise type, except for the white noise. Additionally, the error caused by the constant bias was also influenced by the angular velocity 3D distribution. As the orientation error depends not only on the noise itself but also on the signal it is applied to, different sensor placements could enhance or mitigate the error due to each disturbance, and special attention must be paid in providing and interpreting measures of accuracy for orientation estimation algorithms.