Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Wheelchair Rugby Players

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Men's Wheelchair Basketball

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to report the reliability (intrasession) values of initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP) and sprint performance in elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players and to assess the involvement of strength in sprint capacity.

METHODS

Fifteen Spanish international WB male players participated in this study. The maximum single wheelchair push from a stationary position (IMPRP) and the sprint performance (ie, 3, 5, and 12 m) of WB players were measured in this study.

RESULTS

IMPRP mechanical outputs V, Vmax, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F variables presented high reliability values (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ .92; coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 8.04 ± 7.37; standard error of measurement [SEM] ≤ 29.92), but the maximum strength variables Pmax, Rel. Pmax, Fmax, and Rel. Fmax (ICC ≥ .63; CV ≤ 13.19 ± 16.63; SEM ≤ 203.76) showed lower ICC values and by contrast higher CV and SEM values. The most substantial correlations were identified between maximum IMPRP values (ie, V, Vmax, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F) and sprint performance in 3 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.74 ± 0.22, very large; R2 ≥ .55), 5 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.72 ± 0.24, very large; R2 ≥ .51), and 12 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.67 ± 0.27, large; R2 ≥ .44).

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPRP test and sprint tests (3, 5, and 12 m) are practical and reliable for measuring strength and speed in WB players. In addition, there were large to very large associations among strength variables (ie, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F) and all sprint variables. This could indicate a need to implement specific strength exercises in WB players to improve sprint capacity.

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.

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Women's Wheelchair Basketball: Differences Between Players' Functional Classification

The aim of the present study was to determine, for the first time in elite women's wheelchair basketball, the differences in the initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP), mechanical outputs, and sprint performance between A category (≤2.5 class) and B category (≥3 class) players. A secondary aim was to assess the association between IMPRP mechanical outputs and sprint performance to determine the influence of specific strength in the latter. Sixteen Spanish women's wheelchair basketball players participated in this study: A category (n = 9, International Wheelchair Basketball Federation [IWBF] classification range: 1-2.5 points) and B category (n = 7, IWBF classification range: 3-4.5 points). All the players undertook 2 tests: the IMPRP test to measure the strength variables and the 3-, 5-, and 12-m sprint test. B category players reported significantly better performance values in almost all the IMPRP variables and all the sprint distances than A category players. Large to very large significant correlations were observed among IMPRP absolute mechanical outputs (excepting mean power) and sprint performance (3, 5, and 12 m) for all the participants. When the group was divided according to categories A and B, the significant differences observed in the whole group decreased in both groups, although some relationships were large or very large. The IMPRP test and sprint test (3, 5, and 12 m) seemed to be sensitive to differentiate the level between the 2 functional categories. In addition, there was a high association between strength and sprint variables, which shows that greater strength could improve sprint capacity.