Characterizing the Thermal Demands and Mobility Performance During International Wheelchair Rugby Competition

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.

Reliability of anaerobic and aerobic mobility performance tests used in wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Understanding the reliability and validity of field-based mobility and performance tests used within the wheelchair sports of basketball (WCB), rugby (WCR) and tennis (WCT) can assist in understanding an athletes' physiological state, training effects, and/or assist with optimising their wheelchair-user interface.

PURPOSE

To examine, evaluate and synthesize current aerobic and anaerobic field-based mobility and performance tests used in WCB, WCR and WCT.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they investigated performance tests in WCB, WCR and WCT and reported reliability.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies covering 45 mobility/performance tests were included (anaerobic, n = 35; aerobic, n = 10), with agility and repeated sprints (n = 13) being the most common, followed by linear-sprints (n = 11). Repeated sprint ability (n = 2) and submaximal field-tests (n = 2) were the least frequent. Intra-class correlations among all tests ranged from 0.62 to 0.99, with agility and repeated sprints being 0.65-0.98, followed by values of 0.62-0.99 for linear-sprint, 0.96-0.99 for repeated sprints and 0.85-0.97 for submaximal field-tests.

CONCLUSION

The most frequently measured performance tests were anaerobic tests focusing on agility and repeated sprints. Given the low number of aerobic tests in WCB, WCR and WCT, future research should focus on reliable and valid ways to measure and track performance.

Validity of a Wheelchair Rugby Field Test to Simulate Physiological and Thermoregulatory Match Outcomes

The purpose of the study was to verify the criterion-validity (concurrent) of an existing and reliable, submaximal wheelchair Rugby (WCR) field test by examining the correlations of selected measures of physical performance between the field test and real games. Therefore, ten WCR athletes were observed during two WCR real games and during completing the field test two times. Total distance, mean and peak velocity, playing time, number of sprints, sprints per minute, mean and maximal heart rate, body core temperature (Tc), sweat rate, body weight loss, rate of perceived exertion and thermal sensation were measured. Values were correlated with the data observed by completing the field test two times separated by seven days. The results showed significant correlations between games and field tests for sweat rate (r = 0.740, p < 0.001), body weight loss (r = 0.732, p < 0.001) and the increase of Tc (r = 0.611, p = 0.009). All other correlations were not significant. For perceptual responses Bland−Altman analysis showed data within the limits of agreement. Descriptive statistics showed similarity for mean velocity and total distance between tests and games. In conclusion the study provides the first indications that the submaximal field test seems comparable with the game outcomes in terms of increase in Tc, covered distance, mean velocity and perceptual responses. Nevertheless, more research and additional validation are required.