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The aim of this study was to develop and describe a wheelchair mobility performance test in wheelchair basketball and to assess its construct validity and reliability. To mimic mobility performance of wheelchair basketball matches in a standardized manner, a test was designed based on observation of wheelchair basketball matches and expert judgment.Forty-six players performed the test to determine its validity and 23 players performed the test twice for reliability. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess whether the times needed to complete the test were different for classifications, playing standards and sex. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were calculated to quantify reliability of performance times.Males performed better than females (p<0.001, Effect Size (ES)=-1.26) and international men performed better than national men (p<0.001, ES=-1.62).Performance time of low (≤2.5) and high (≥3.0) classification players was borderline not significant with a moderate ES (p=0.06, ES=0.58). The reliability was excellent for overall performance time (ICC=0.95).These results show that the test can be used as a standardized mobility performance test to validly and reliably assess the capacity in mobility performance of wheelchair basketball athletes. Furthermore, the described methodology of development is recommended for use in other sports to develop sport-specific tests.

27Quantitative assessment of an athlete's individual wheelchair mobility performance is one prerequisite 28 needed to evaluate game performance, improve wheelchair settings and optimize training routines. 29Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based methods can be used to perform such quantitative 30 assessment, providing a large number of kinematic data. The goal of this research was to reduce that 31 large amount of data to a set of key features best describing wheelchair mobility performance in 32 match play and present them in meaningful way for both scientists and athletes. To test the 33 discriminative power, wheelchair mobility characteristics of athletes with different performance levels 34 were compared. 35The wheelchair kinematics of 29 (inter-)national level athletes were measured during a match using 36 three inertial sensors mounted on the wheelchair. Principal component analysis was used to reduce 37 22 kinematic outcomes to a set of six outcomes regarding linear and rotational movement; speed and 38 acceleration; average and best performance. In addition, it was explored whether groups of athletes 39 with known performance differences based on their impairment classification also differed with 40 respect to these key outcomes using univariate general linear models. For all six key outcomes 41 classification showed to be a significant factor (p<0.05). 42We composed a set of six key kinematic outcomes that accurately describe wheelchair mobility 43 performance in match play. The key kinematic outcomes were displayed in an easy to interpret way, 44 usable for athletes, coaches and scientist. This standardized representation enables comparison of 45 different wheelchair sports regarding wheelchair mobility, but also evaluation at the level of an 46 individual athlete. By this means, the tool could enhance further development of wheelchair sports in 47 general. 48

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The WMP monitor showed sensitivity to detect performance differences due to the small changes in wheelchair configuration. Distributed additional mass had the most effect on WMP, whereas additional grip had the least effect of conditions tested. Performance effects appear similar for both low- and high-classified athletes. Athletes, coaches, and wheelchair experts are provided with insight into the performance effect of key wheelchair settings, and they are offered a proven sensitive method to apply in sport practice, in their search for the best wheelchair-athlete combination.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the inter-trial reliability and construct validity (talented juniors vs. international adult players) of four wheelchair tennis field tests using inertial measurement units (IMUs). Twenty-one elite wheelchair tennis players completed four tests, which evaluate the sprinting and manoeuvrability abilities in wheelchair tennis. During all tests 3 IMUs were attached to both wheels and the frame of the athlete’s wheelchair. The IMUs enabled analysis of individual test dynamic characteristics, i.e. the linear/rotational velocity and acceleration data, as well as detected pushes. All tests showed high ICCs (0.95–0.99) for the inter-trial reliability for the IMU-based end times and also the construct validity was good, i.e. talented juniors could be discriminated from international adults. Also, velocities and accelerations during the tests could be consistently visualized, meaning that differences in test performance among participants could be designated. Within the experimental context, the field tests could be regarded as reliable and valid. With the use of IMUs it is possible to verify more detailed performance characteristics, visualize the test execution, as well as differentiate between a talented junior and international adult group and within individuals over time.