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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the thermoregulatory responses and mobility performance of wheelchair rugby (WCR) players during international competition.MethodsEleven male National Team WCR players volunteered for the study. Testing occurred during a four game series against international competition (temp 24.7 ± 0.7°C, relative humidity 50.1 ± 3.6%), with movement time (MT) and gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi) recorded continuously.ResultsThe mean maximal Tgi was 38.6 ± 0.6°C (37.9–39.7) and did not significantly differ among Low-Class, Mid-Class, and High-Class athletes (p > 0.05). Moreover, there was a strong and significant relationship between minutes (min) played per quarter of the game and change in Tgi (r = 0.36, p = 0.01). Athletes moved a total of 27:43 ± 9:40 min:seconds (s), spent a total of 15:02 ± 8.23 min:s in Zone 1 (53.5%), 8:19 ± 3:20 min:s in Zone 2 (31.7%), and 5:59 ± 1:51 min:s in Zone 3 (21.3%). There were no differences among classification in total movement time (p = 0.169) or for speed in Zone 1, Zone 2, or Zone 3 (p > 0.05). The relationship between peak forward speed and total movement time was strong (p = 0.021, r = 0.68).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the time spent in absolute movement zones is not classification dependent, the change in core temperature is related to movement time per quarter. Furthermore, peak speeds obtained on-court were linked to overall movement time which suggests athletes should warm-up before going on court.

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

“…Whereas the field test duration was fixed at 32 min, the time the players were in movement seemed to be higher in the real games (median: 39.5 IQR: 28.7 min, range: 22:17–66:13 min). Additionally, Gavel et al [ 22 ] observed a large variability in overall movement time (27:43 ± 9:40 min (range: 12:10–43:10)) during a WCR game. Since WCR players also remain active when the game clock was stopped the duration was longer than the effective playing time.…”

Impact of floor covering on wheelchair rugby players: analysis of rolling performance

“…Indeed, differences in environmental conditions and test protocols could also explain the discrepancy between our results and the maximum velocities observed during matches. In addition to the impact of the floor covering, factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect player performance during a match ( 23 ).…”