The functional classification system for wheelchair basketball is based on an analysis of the players' functional resources through field-testing and game observation. Under this system, players are assigned a score of 1 to 4.5. The aim of this study was to determine if the wheelchair basketball player classification system reflects the existing differences in performance of elite female players. During the World Championship for Wheelchair Basketball in Sydney 1998, eight teams were videotaped for three 40-min games for a total of 120 min per team. Fifty-nine female players (Class I [1 and 1.5 points] n=12; Class II [2 and 2.5 points] n=20; Class III [3 and 3.5 points] n=13; Class IV [4 and 4.5 points] n=14) were retained for a detailed performance analysis by means of the Comprehensive Basketball Grading System (CBGS). Two-way analysis of variance showed high point players to perform better compared with low point players for the majority of variables determining the quality of game performance. A lack of significant differences between two adjacent classes was explained on the basis of the methodological approach, the class-position relationship in this sample, and the performance level of women's wheelchair basketball. We conclude that the performance of elite female wheelchair basketball players is dependent on functional ability.

The player classification system in wheelchair basketball (composed of four classes) is based on an analysis of players’ functional resources through game observation and field-testing. This study examines if the classes are in the correct proportion relative to each other. During the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Sydney 1998, 12 teams were videotaped for three 40-min games. Eighty-eight male players were retained for a detailed performance analysis by means of the Comprehensive Basketball Grading System (CBGS). Although a slight underestimation of the functional potential of Class II and III players was noted, it was concluded that the player classification system in wheelchair basketball proportionally represents the functional potential of the players.

These results provide evidence that impairment of trunk strength has minimal effect on wheelchair acceleration and indicate the T54 class is valid. Results do not infer that athletes with no trunk strength should compete with those who have partial or full trunk strength.

In most Paralympic wheelchair sports, active trunk range of movement is assessed by observing shoulder girdle excursion during active trunk movements and is a key determinant of an athlete's class. However, to date research evaluating the impact of reduced trunk range of movement on wheelchair sports performance has not been conducted. In the present study, 15 non-disabled male participants performed two 20-s sprints on a wheelchair ergometer in each of three seating positions. Positions were typical of those used to enhance sitting stability in wheelchair sport and each impacted available trunk range of movement differently: condition-90 (seated with thighs horizontal; unrestricted range of movement) condition-45 (seated with thighs in 45°), and condition-0 (seated with hips maximally flexed; minimum range of movement). In condition-90, the trunk only actively contributed to the first push; for the remainder of the sprint, the trunk was held almost isometrically at 48.2° to the horizontal (range 42.1-56.4°). Similar patterns were observed for both condition-45 and condition-0. Compared with condition-90, participants in condition-0 had reduced capacity to accelerate of statistical (P < 0.05) and practical significance. These findings are an important initial step towards evidence-based decision making in classification. Future research should evaluate the individual and collective impact of other factors that affect the trunk's contribution to wheelchair sports performance, including strapping, seating position, and impairments of trunk muscle power and coordination.

These results suggest that during synchronous hand cycling the freely chosen crank rate is not necessarily the most economical, that high crank rates result in a lower ME at a given PO and that freely chosen crank rates increase with increasing PO levels.

It can be concluded that high-performance athletes with ID reach physical fitness levels that are equal to or lower than those of able-bodied sportive counterparts. Further research should investigate the importance of reduced muscle strength to be the limiting factor.

The purpose of this study was to compare the peak and submaximal metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses during steady-state arm-powered (AP) and arm-trunk-powered (ATP) handbike ergometry. Twelve male able-bodied participants with no prior experience in handcycling completed a maximal progressive incremental test and a series of 6-minute submaximal tests at 130 W with various cadences in a custom-designed handbike ergometer that allowed a realistic simulation of AP and ATP handcycling. Peak power output, peak oxygen uptake, and peak ventilation were significantly lower, whereas peak blood lactate concentration was significantly higher during AP handcycling. Mean gross mechanical efficiency was significantly higher during AP handcycling (range 16.7 to 20.5%) compared with ATP handcycling (range 15.8 to 17.6%). These results suggest that AP handcycling is advantageous during submaximal steady-state handcycling, whereas ATP handcycling allows for a higher peak power output generation. However, it remains unclear which handbike configuration would be favorable during competition.

Preliminary results suggest that the ROWSTIM is as effective an exercise device or training tool for persons with SCI as ACE or combined FES-cycling and ACE, and more effective than FES-cycling. A larger sample size and further technological developments of the ROWSTIM are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of rowing over other hybrid exercise modalities and ACE.