Wheelchair rugby players maintain sprint performance but alter propulsion biomechanics after simulated match play.

The study aimed to explore the influence of a sports-specific intermittent sprint protocol (ISP) on wheelchair sprint performance and the kinetics and kinematics of sprinting in elite wheelchair rugby (WR) players with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). Fifteen international WR players (age 30.3 ± 5.5 years) performed two 10-s sprints on a dual roller wheelchair ergometer before and immediately after an ISP consisting of four 16-min quarters. Physiological measurements (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion) were collected. Three-dimensional thorax and bilateral glenohumeral kinematics were quantified. Following the ISP, all physiological parameters significantly increased (p ≤ 0.027), but neither sprinting peak velocity nor distance traveled changed. Players propelled with significantly reduced thorax flexion and peak glenohumeral abduction during both the acceleration (both -5°) and maximal velocity phases (-6° and 8°, respectively) of sprinting post-ISP. Moreover, players exhibited significantly larger mean contact angles (+24°), contact angle asymmetries (+4%), and glenohumeral flexion asymmetries (+10%) during the acceleration phase of sprinting post-ISP. Players displayed greater glenohumeral abduction range of motion (+17°) and asymmetries (+20%) during the maximal velocity phase of sprinting post-ISP. Players with SCI (SCI, n = 7) significantly increased asymmetries in peak power (+6%) and glenohumeral abduction (+15%) during the acceleration phase post-ISP. Our data indicates that despite inducing physiological fatigue resulting from WR match play, players can maintain sprint performance by modifying how they propel their wheelchair. Increased asymmetry post-ISP was notable, which may be specific to impairment type and warrants further investigation.

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.

Stakeholders' Consensus to Guide the Minimum Impairment Criteria in Wheelchair Basketball.

The International Paralympic Committee athlete classification code mandates sports to have defined minimum impairment criteria, describing the minimum level of an eligible impairment an athlete must possess, to be able to participate in that sport. The aim of this study was to establish stakeholders' consensus for the minimum impairment criteria in wheelchair basketball. From a pool of 48 expert stakeholders (identified via an international medical and scientific working group), 39 completed a 4-round Delphi survey. Questions were answered on the method of assessing each eligible impairment, and the level of impairment that should constitute the minimum impairment criteria. This study indicated where stakeholder consensus existed and noted that consensus was developed for impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of motion, leg length difference, hypertonia and ataxia. No consensus was found for limb deficiency and athetosis. Participants raised concerns with using subjective measurement scales for assessing certain impairments, whilst also calling for more quantitative research to be conducted into the level of impairment that should constitute the minimum impairment criteria. For these research findings to form practical minimum impairment criteria that are part of a wheelchair basketball classification system, it is required to examine their feasibility by conducting further research.

Ice Slurry Ingestion Lowers Thermoregulatory Strain in Wheelchair Tennis Players During Repeated Sprint Intervals in the Heat.

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy of per-cooling via ice slurry ingestion (ICE) in wheelchair tennis players exercising in the heat. METHOD: Eight wheelchair tennis players undertook sprints (4 sets of 10 × 5 s over 40 min) in a hot environment (∼32 °C), interspersed by 3 boluses of 2.67 g·kg (6.8 g·kg total) ICE or drinking temperate water (control condition). Athletes performed an on-court test of repeated sprint ability (20 × 20 m) in temperate conditions immediately before and 20 minutes after the heat exposure, and time to complete each sprint as well as intermediate times were recorded. Gastrointestinal and weighted mean skin and forehead temperatures were collected throughout the heat exposure, as were thermal sensation, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration. Sweat rate was calculated from body mass changes and fluid/ice intakes. RESULTS: Compared with the control condition, ICE resulted in a significantly lower gastrointestinal temperature (95% CI, 0.11-0.17 °C; P < .001), forehead temperature (0.58-1.06 °C; P < .001), thermal sensation (0.07-0.50 units; P = .017), and sweat rate (0.06-0.46 L·h-1; P = .017). Skin temperature, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were not significantly different between conditions (P ≥ .598). There was no overall change preheating to postheating (P ≥ .114) or an effect of condition (P ≥ .251) on repeated sprint times. CONCLUSIONS: ICE is effective at lowering objective and subjective thermal strain when consumed between sets of repeated wheelchair sprints in the heat. However, ICE has no effect on on-court repeated 20-m sprint performance.

Alterations in shoulder kinematics are associated with shoulder pain during wheelchair propulsion sprints.

The study purpose was to examine the biomechanical characteristics of sports wheelchair propulsion and determine biomechanical associations with shoulder pain in wheelchair athletes. Twenty wheelchair court-sport athletes (age: 32 ± 11 years old) performed one submaximal propulsion trial in their sports-specific wheelchair at 1.67 m/s for 3 min and two 10 s sprints on a dual-roller ergometer. The Performance Corrected Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (PC-WUSPI) assessed shoulder pain. During the acceleration phase of wheelchair sprinting, participants propelled with significantly longer push times, larger forces, and thorax flexion range of motion (ROM) than both the maximal velocity phase of sprinting and submaximal propulsion. Participants displayed significantly greater peak glenohumeral abduction and scapular internal rotation during the acceleration phase (20 ± 9° and 45 ± 7°) and maximal velocity phase (14 ± 4° and 44 ± 7°) of sprinting, compared to submaximal propulsion (12 ± 6° and 39 ± 8°). Greater shoulder pain severity was associated with larger glenohumeral abduction ROM (r = 0.59, p = 0.007) and scapular internal rotation ROM (r = 0.53, p = 0.017) during the acceleration phase of wheelchair sprinting, but with lower peak glenohumeral flexion (r = -0.49, p = 0.030), peak abduction (r = -0.48, p = 0.034), and abduction ROM (r = -0.44, p = 0.049) during the maximal velocity phase. Biomechanical characteristics of wheelchair sprinting suggest this activity imposes greater mechanical stress than submaximal propulsion. Kinematic associations with shoulder pain during acceleration are in shoulder orientations linked to a reduced subacromial space, potentially increasing tissue stress.

Physical activity levels and shoulder pain in wheelchair users during COVID-19 restrictions.

BACKGROUND: Manual wheelchair users are at high risk of developing shoulder pain. However, it is not known if restrictions to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus affected physical activity, wheelchair use and shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine whether COVID-19 related restrictions caused changes in physical activity levels and the presence of shoulder pain in persons who use a wheelchair. METHODS: Manual wheelchair users completed a survey about the presence and severity of shoulder pain in a cross-sectional study design. Participants completed the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and were asked about daily wheelchair activity before and during lockdown. A logistic regression examined the relationship between increase in shoulder pain severity and change in activity levels. RESULTS: Sixty respondents were included for analysis. There was no significant change in physical activity during lockdown. There was a significant reduction in number of hours of daily wheelchair use and number of chair transfers during lockdown. Of the respondents, 67% reported having shoulder pain and 22% reported their shoulder pain becoming more severe during lockdown. No significant relationship was observed between the change in activity levels and increasing severity of shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: Restrictions to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in no changes in physical activity levels in a sample of adult manual wheelchair users; however, there was a reduced time using a wheelchair each day and fewer chair transfers. The changes in wheelchair activities were not related to the worsening of shoulder pain.

Characteristics of Official Wheelchair Basketball Games in Hot and Temperate Conditions.

This study compared performance parameters of two wheelchair basketball games under hot (30.3 °C, 52% relative humidity) and temperate (21.6 °C, 30% relative humidity) environmental conditions and described the characteristics of wheelchair basketball. Eight wheelchair basketball players from two teams were monitored during two games using an indoor position tracking system. Total distance, mean- and peak-speed, playing-time, number of sprints, sprints per minute, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. Additionally, athletes with a lesion level above and below T6 were compared. No measured parameter differed between the games. Across quarters (Q) mean velocity (m/s) (Q1: 1.01; Q2: 1.10; Q3: 1.18; Q4: 1.06; p < 0.001) and sprints per minute (Q1: 16; Q2: 14; Q3: 23; Q4: 14; p = 0.033) differed significantly, independent of the conditions. Descriptive statistics did not reveal differences between the groups with a lesion level below or above T6. In the present study, hot environmental conditions seemed not to have an impact on activity parameters of wheelchair basketball players. It was speculated that the game intensity and therefore metabolic heat production was too low; consequently, the athletes had a sufficient heat loss to prevent a decrease in performance during the play in hot conditions.

A High-Intensity Warm-Up Increases Thermal Strain But Does Not Affect Repeated Sprint Performance in Athletes With a Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of typical competition versus high-intensity intermittent warm-up (WU) on thermoregulatory responses and repeated sprint performance during wheelchair rugby game play. METHODS: An intermittent sprint protocol (ISP) simulating the demands of wheelchair rugby was performed by male wheelchair rugby players (7 with cervical spinal cord injury [SCI] and 8 without SCI) following 2 WU protocols. These included a typical competition WU (control) and a WU consisting of high-intensity efforts (INT). Core temperature (Tcore), thermal sensation, and thermal comfort were recorded. Wheelchair performance variables associated to power, speed, and fatigue were also calculated. RESULTS: During the WU, Tcore was similar between conditions for both groups. During the ISP, a higher Tcore was found for SCI compared to NON-SCI (38.1 [0.3] vs 37.7 [0.3] °C: P = .036, d = 0.75), and the SCI group experienced a higher peak Tcore for INT compared with control (39.0 [0.4] vs 38.6 [0.6] °C; P = .004). Peak Tcore occurred later in the ISP for players with SCI (96 [5.8] vs 48 [2.7] min; P < .001). All players reported a higher thermal sensation and thermal comfort following INT (P < .001), with no differences between conditions throughout the ISP. No significant differences were found in wheelchair performance variables during the ISP between conditions (P ≥ .143). CONCLUSIONS: The high-INT WU increased thermal strain in the SCI group during the ISP, potentially due to increased metabolic heat production and impaired thermoregulation, while not impacting on repeated sprint performance. It may be advisable to limit high-INT bouts during a WU in players with SCI to mitigate issues related to hyperthermia in subsequent performance.

Effect of Changing Match Format from Halves to Quarters on the Performance Characteristics of Male University Field Hockey Players.

The study examined whether the performance characteristics of male university field hockey players differed when the match format was 2 × 35 min halves compared to 2 × 2 × 17.5 min quarters. Thirty-five male university field hockey players (age 21.2 ± 3.0 years, height 1.81 ± 0.07 m, body mass 75.1 ± 8.9 kg), competing at national level in the UK, were monitored over 52 matches played across the 2018-2019 (2 × 35 min halves) and 2019-2020 (2 × 2 × 17.5 min quarters) seasons using 15 Hz Global Positioning System units and heart rate monitors. Total distance, high-speed running distance (≥15.5 km·h-1), accelerations (≥2 m·s-1), decelerations (≤-2 m·s-1), average heart rate and percentage of time spent at >85% of maximum heart rate were recorded during both match formats. Two-level random intercept hierarchal models (Match-level 1, Player-level 2) suggested that the change in format from 2 × 35 min halves (2018-2019 season) to 2 × 2 × 17.5 min quarters (2019-2020 season) resulted in a reduction in total distance and high-speed running distance completed during a match (by 221 m and 120 m, respectively, both p < 0.001). As no significant cross-level interactions were observed (between season and half), the change from 35 min halves to 17.5 min quarters did not attenuate the reduced physical performance evident during the second half of matches (total distance: -235 m less in second half; high-speed running distance: -70 m less in second half; both p < 0.001). Overall, the findings suggest that the change in match format did alter the performance characteristics of male university field hockey players, but the quarter format actually reduced the total distance and high-speed running distance completed during matches, and did not attenuate the reduction in performance seen during the second half of matches.

The longitudinal relationship between shoulder pain and altered wheelchair propulsion biomechanics of manual wheelchair users.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal association between within-subject changes in shoulder pain and alterations in wheelchair propulsion biomechanics in manual wheelchair users. Eighteen (age 33 ± 11 years) manual wheelchair users propelled their own daily living wheelchair at 1.11 m.s-1 for three minutes on a dual-roller ergometer during two laboratory visits (T1 and T2) between 4 and 6 months apart. Shoulder pain was assessed using the Performance Corrected Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (PC-WUSPI). Between visits mean PC-WUSPI scores increased by 5.4 points and varied from - 13.5 to + 20.9 points. Of the eighteen participants, nine (50%) experienced increased shoulder pain, seven (39%) no change in pain, and two (11%) decreased pain. Increasing shoulder pain severity correlated with increased contact angle (r = 0.59, P = 0.010), thorax range of motion (r = 0.60, P = 0.009) and kinetic and kinematic variability. Additionally, increasing shoulder pain was associated with reductions in peak torque (r = -0.56, P = 0.016), peak glenohumeral abduction (r = -0.69, P = 0.002), peak scapular downward rotation (r = -0.68, P = 0.002), and range of motion in glenohumeral flexion/extension and scapular angles. Group comparisons revealed that these biomechanical alterations were exhibited by individuals who experienced increased shoulder pain, whereas, propulsion biomechanics of those with no change/decreased pain remained unaltered. These findings indicate that wheelchair users exhibit a protective short-term wheelchair propulsion biomechanical response to increases in shoulder pain which may temporarily help maintain functional independence.

The physical characteristics underpinning performance of wheelchair fencing athletes: A Delphi study of Paralympic coaches.

Wheelchair fencing (WF) is a Paralympic sport which is practised by athletes with physical disabilities and is classified into three categories according to the degree of activity limitation the impairment causes in the sport. All Paralympic sports are requested to develop their own evidence-based classification system to enhance the confidence in the classification process; however, this is yet to be achieved in WF. Research within WF is scarce; therefore, the aim of this study was to reach expert consensus on the physical characteristics that underpin performance of athletes competing in the sport as this is known as one of the initial steps required to achieve an evidence-based classification system. Sixteen Paralympic WF coaches were invited to take part in a three-round Delphi study, with experts drawing consensus on qualities of speed, strength, power, flexibility and motor control of the trunk and fencing arm being associated with increased athletic success. The required qualities of the non-fencing arm led to diverging opinions across the expert panel. This study provides clear guidance of the physical qualities to be developed to maximize athletic performance while also providing the initial framework to guide future WF classification research.

Inertial measurement units to estimate drag forces and power output during standardised wheelchair tennis coast-down and sprint tests.

The purpose of this study was to describe and explore an inertial measurement unit-based method to analyse drag forces and external power loss in wheelchair tennis, using standardised coast-down and 10 m sprint tests. Drag forces and power output were explored among different wheelchair-athlete combinations and playing conditions (tyre pressure, court-surface). Eight highly trained wheelchair tennis players participated in this study. Three inertial measurement units (IMUs) were placed on the frame and axes of the wheels of their wheelchair. All players completed a set of three standardised coast-down trials and two 10 m sprints with different tyre pressures on hardcourt surface. One athlete completed additional tests on a clay/grass tennis-court. Coast-down based drag forces of 4.8-7.2 N and an external power loss of 9.6-14.4 W at a theoretical speed of 2 m/s were measured on hardcourt surface. A higher tyre pressure led to lower drag forces during coast-down tests on hardcourt surface (Fr (4) = 10.7, p = 0.03). For the single athlete, there was an external power loss of 10.4, 15.6 and 49.4 W, respectively, for the hardcourt, clay and grass. The current prediction of power output was implemented during coast-down testing; unfortunately, the power prediction during 10 m sprints was difficult to accomplish.

Optimising classification of proximal arm strength impairment in wheelchair rugby: A proof of concept study.

This study examined the relationship between proximal arm strength and mobility performance in wheelchair rugby (WR) athletes and examined whether a valid structure for classifying proximal arm strength impairment could be determined. Fifty-seven trained WR athletes with strength impaired arms and no trunk function performed six upper body isometric strength tests and three 10 m sprints in their rugby wheelchair. All strength measures correlated with 2 m and 10 m sprint times (r ≥ -0.43; p ≤ 0.0005) and were entered into k-means cluster analyses with 4-clusters (to mirror the current International Wheelchair Rugby Federation [IWRF] system) and 3-clusters. The 3-cluster structure provided a more valid structure than both the 4-cluster and existing IWRF system, as evidenced by clearer differences in strength (Effect sizes [ES] ≥ 1.0) and performance (ES ≥ 1.1) between adjacent clusters and stronger mean silhouette coefficient (0.64). Subsequently, the 3-cluster structure for classifying proximal arm strength impairment would result in less overlap between athletes from adjacent classes and reduce the likelihood of athletes being disadvantaged due to their impairment. This study demonstrated that the current battery of isometric strength tests and cluster analyses could facilitate the evidence-based development of classifying proximal arm strength impairment in WR.

Shoulder Tendon Adaptations Following a Graded Exercise Test to Exhaustion in Highly Trained Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Different Impairments.

Objective: This study aimed to identify acute changes in biceps and supraspinatus tendon characteristics before and after a graded exercise test to exhaustion (GXT) in highly trained wheelchair rugby (WR) athletes. A secondary aspect was to define chronic tendon adaptations related to the impairment of the athlete and the occupation of the tendon within the subacromial space (occupation ratio). Methods: Twelve WR athletes with different impairments (age = 32 ± 6 years; body mass = 67.2 ± 11.2 kg; 9.0 ± 3.6 years competing) volunteered for this study. Performance Corrected Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index was used to quantify shoulder pain. Quantitative Ultrasound Protocols (QUS) were used to define supraspinatus and biceps tendon thickness, echogenicity, and echogenicity ratio of both dominant and non-dominant shoulder before and after the GXT including 22 ± 3.1 min submaximal propulsion and 10.2 ± 1.7 min maximal propulsion on a treadmill. Furthermore, the acromio-humeral distance (AHD) defined from ultrasound (US) images was used to calculate the occupation ratios. Results: A mixed-effect multilevel analysis that included shoulder as grouping variable, demonstrated a significant reduction in the echogenicity of the biceps following GXT whilst controlling for impairment [spinal cord injury (SCI) and non-SCI] and the occupation ratio (ß = -9.01, SEß = 2.72, p = 0.001, 95% CI = [-14.34; -3.68]). This points toward fluid inflow into the tendon that may be related to overload and acute inflammation. In addition, persons with a SCI (n = 8) had a thicker supraspinatus tendon in comparison to persons with non-SCI (n = 3) which may be related to chronic tendon adaptations (ß = -0.53 mm, SEß = 0.26, p = 0.038, 95% CI = [-1.04; -0.03]). Finally, a greater occupation ratio was associated with signs of tendinopathy (i.e., greater biceps and supraspinatus tendon thickness, and lower supraspinatus echogenicity and echogenicity ratio). Conclusion: Acute biceps tendon adaptations in response to the GXT in highly trained WR athletes were evident with chronic adaptations in the supraspinatus tendon being related to the impairment of the athlete. Ultrasound can be used to monitor tendon adaptations in WR athletes for medical diagnosis to assist the scheduling and type of training.

Objective Measurement of Ball-Handling Proficiency in Wheelchair Sports: A Systematic Review.

Background: In Paralympic sports, classification of athletes based on the impact of impairments on the ability to perform is needed, to prevent a one-sided and predictable outcome of the competition in which the least impaired athlete has the best chance to win. Classification is developing from expert opinion based to evidence based. In wheelchair court sports, there is evidence to support the impact of impairment on wheeled mobility, but not on ball handling. To assess the impact of impairment on the ability to perform ball-handling activities, standardised tests for ball handling are needed. Purpose: To assess if reliable and valid standardised tests for the measurement of ball-handling proficiency in a wheelchair or able-bodied court sports exist; to assist in the development of Evidence-Based Classification (EBC) in wheelchair court sports according to the guidelines of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Methods: The review was conducted according to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) statement. Search terms used were "wheelchair," "ball," "ball sports," "test," and "performance." Databases searched were Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Sport Discus. Study quality was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. Results: Twenty-two articles were included. Foundational Movement Skills in ball-handling proficiency were assessed. Tests for throwing maximal distance showed sufficient reliability and validity. Precision in throwing showed low-to-moderate reliability and conflicting results in validity. Throwing techniques differed between studies. Dribbling the ball showed high reliability, but conflicting results in validity. Conclusions: Tests for throwing maximal distance, throwing precision, and dribbling the ball can be used in standardised tests for activity limitation in wheelchair court sports. However, tests need to be adapted and standardised and then reassessed for reliability and validity in athletes with and without arm impairment.

Exercise Recovery Practices of Wheelchair Court Sports Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Murphy, CJ, Mason, BS, and Goosey-Tolfrey, VL. Exercise recovery practices of wheelchair court sports athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 366-372, 2021-Research that describes the recovery practices of Para-athletes around training and competition is limited. This study investigated if and why athletes in wheelchair court sports (basketball, rugby, and tennis) use recovery strategies, what type of strategies are used, and whether the period of the season influences the prevalence of use. A cross-sectional questionnaire was developed to acquire data pertaining to individual characteristics, recovery habits, reasons for use/nonuse, the use of specific recovery strategies, and lifestyle habits. One hundred forty-four athletes (92 = international and 52 = national/club) completed the questionnaire online. In total, 85% (n = 122) of athletes reported using at least one type of recovery strategy, yet most specific types of recovery strategies were not popular (<34% of recovery strategy users). The most commonly used type of recovery strategy was stretching (n = 117), whereas both stretching and heat-related recovery were the most highly rated types of recovery strategies (µ = 4.2/5). The 3 most prevalent reasons for use across all strategies were "reduces muscle soreness," "reduces muscle tightness," and "reduces muscle spasms." The prevalence of sleep complaints was apparent with 38% (n = 55) of respondents reporting difficulties sleeping. This study highlights that although the frequent use of well-known recovery practices is positive, the lack of diversity in strategies implemented may have implications due to the specific requirements of exercise recovery. Therefore, strength and conditioning professionals should educate wheelchair athletes further around this area and increase the range of recovery-specific and impairment-specific strategies used.

Practice improves court mobility and self-efficacy in tennis-specific wheelchair propulsion.

PURPOSE: Wheelchair tennis (WT) propulsion is uniquely characterized by the requirement for racket holding coupled with effective hand-rim contact. Thus, investigations involving strategies to enhance chair mobility skills are merited. The aim was to examine the effects of organized practice on WT match play responses and the impact of racket holding during practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following physiological profiling involving graded and peak exercise testing, 16 able-bodied (AB) participants performed bouts of WT match play interspersed with practice involving wheelchair mobility drills completed with (R) or without (NR) a tennis racket. A data logger recorded distance and speed. Self-efficacy was reported. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Significant main effects for match revealed higher post-practice overall and forwards distances (p < 0.05), peak (p < 0.005) and average (p < 0.05) speeds and self-efficacy (SE) (p = 0.001) were attained. During practice, lower distances and speeds were achieved with R, with a lower physiological cost than NR. Practice increases court movement and SE with no associated increases in physiological cost. Changes represent enhanced court mobility. Differences between practice characteristics provide options for skill development and optimization of health outcomes.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWheelchair tennis participation is likely to confer positive health effects in those with a disability or physical impairment.As chair propulsion combined with racket holding represents a complex skill challenge, novices may find the sport challenging to play.Tennis-specific mobility drills improve confidence and chair propulsion skill with likely crossover into tennis match play competence and ability.

Measures of impairment applicable to the classification of Paralympic athletes competing in wheelchair sports: A systematic review of validity, reliability and associations with performance.

A fundamental aspect of classification systems in Paralympic sport is having valid and reliable measures of impairment. However, minimal consensus exists for assessing impaired strength, coordination and range of motion. This review aimed to systematically identify measures of upper body strength, coordination and range of motion impairments that meet the requirements for use in evidence-based classification systems in wheelchair sports. Three electronic databases were searched from 2003 until 31 August 2019 for studies that assessed upper body function of participants and used a measurement tool that assessed strength, coordination or range of motion. The body of evidence for each identified measure was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Twenty-three studies were included: ten measured strength and coordination, and six measured range of motion. There was "moderate" confidence in using isometric strength for assessing strength impairment. Tapping tasks for the assessment of coordination impairment received a "low" confidence rating. All other identified measures of coordination and range of motion impairment received a "very low" confidence rating. Several potential measures were identified for assessing upper body strength, coordination and range of motion impairments. Further research is warranted to investigate their use for classification in Paralympic wheelchair sports.

Physiology of handcycling: A current sports perspective.

Handcycling is a mode of mobility, and sport format within Para-cycling, for those with a lower limb impairment. The exercise modality has been researched extensively in the rehabilitation setting. However, there is an emerging body of evidence detailing the physiological responses to handcycling in the competitive sport domain. Competitive handcyclists utilize equipment that is vastly disparate to that used for rehabilitation or recreation. Furthermore, the transferability of findings from early handcycling research to current international athletes regarding physiological profiles is severely limited. This narrative review aims to map the landscape within handcycling research and document the growing interest at the elite end of the exercise spectrum. From 58 experimental/case studies and four doctoral theses, we provide accounts of the aerobic capacity of handcyclists and the influence training status plays; present research regarding the physiological responses to handcycling performance, including tests of sprint performance; and discuss the finite information on handcyclists' training habits and efficacy of bespoke interventions. Furthermore, given the wide variety of protocols employed and participants recruited previously, we present considerations for the interpretation of existing research and recommendations for future work, all with a focus on competitive sport. The majority of studies (n = 21) reported aerobic capacity, detailing peak rates of oxygen uptake and power output, with values >3.0 L min-1 and 240 W shown in trained, male H3-H4 classification athletes. Knowledge, though, is lacking for other classifications and female athletes. Similarly, little research is available concerning sprint performance with only one from eight studies recruiting athletes with an impairment.

Crank length alters kinematics and kinetics, yet not the economy of recumbent handcyclists at constant handgrip speeds.

Handcycling performance is dependent on the physiological economy of the athlete; however, handbike configuration and the biomechanical interaction between the two are also vital. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of crank length manipulations on physiological and biomechanical aspects of recumbent handcycling performance in highly trained recumbent handcyclists at a constant linear handgrip speed and sport-specific intensity. Nine competitive handcyclists completed a 3-minute trial in an adjustable recumbent handbike in four crank length settings (150, 160, 170 & 180 mm) at 70% peak power output. Handgrip speed was controlled (1.6 m·s-1 ) across trials with cadences ranging from 102 to 85 rpm. Physiological economy, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were monitored in all trials. Handcycling kinetics were quantified using an SRM (Schoberer Rad Messtechnik) powermeter, and upper limb kinematics were determined using a 10-camera VICON motion capture system. Physiological responses were not significantly affected by crank length. However, greater torque was generated (P < .0005) and peak torque occurred earlier during the push and pull phase (P ≤ .001) in longer cranks. Statistical parametric mapping revealed that the timing and orientation of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and elbow extension were significantly altered in different crank lengths. Despite the biomechanical adaptations, these findings suggest that at constant handgrip speeds (and varying cadence) highly trained handcyclists may select crank lengths between 150 and 180 mm without affecting their physiological performance. Until further research, factors such as anthropometrics, comfort, and self-selected cadence should be used to facilitate crank length selection in recumbent handcyclists.