Effectiveness of Rehabilitation through Kinematic Analysis of Upper Limb Functioning in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular Paralympic sports, including players with different diagnoses. To date, there is scarce evidence on shoulder functionality in wheelchair basketball players, and there is no consensus on a shoulder injury prevention program in these athletes. Therefore, in the present pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive rehabilitative approach on shoulder ROM, muscle activity, and functioning in wheelchair basketball athletes. We included adult wheelchair basketball athletes playing in the Italian Second League who completed an 8-week comprehensive rehabilitative program, based on education to avoid upper limb pain injuries, preventive exercises, and improvement of ergonomics through kinematic analysis. We administered the Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) questionnaire to evaluate pain experienced during functional activities, and used kinematic analysis integrated with sEMG to evaluate shoulder function and propulsion pattern. A sample of 10 wheelchair athletes (33.75 ± 6.42 years) were assessed. After the intervention there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in WUSPI score (27.0 ± 18.5 vs. 25.0 ± 21.5) and in KJOC score (89.3 ± 10.4 to 95.4 ± 9.1). Moreover, there was a significant improvement in scapular upward rotation, abduction, and extra-rotation of the glenohumeral joint. Propulsion techniques improved in pattern and acceleration. This approach played a key role in improving upper limb function, reducing the incidence of pain and cumulative trauma disorders. However, the small sample size could affect the generalizability of results. In conclusion, healthcare professionals should monitor wheelchair athletes, assessing the patient’s function, ergonomics, equipment, and level of pain, and introducing specific exercises to prevent upper limb injuries.

Match Analysis, Physical Training, Risk of Injury and Rehabilitation in Padel: Overview of the Literature

“…This potential for greater repetition of the abduction–external rotation movements of the arm during these strikes could explain the higher rate of upper extremity injuries particularly in case of shoulder instability [ 50 , 51 ]. Thus, it could be considered mandatory an early diagnosis of the kinematic alterations to plan a global rehabilitative approach to the injury [ 51 , 52 ].…”

“…Therefore, figures such as the coach or the athletic trainer should introduce a prevention program of exercises for avoiding performance decreases or a stop in training caused by a lesion, mainly when the player is approaching sport periods [ 12 ]. The smaller court size in padel, as well as the quicker pace of play, may also lead to faster and more intense gameplay, which may contribute to injury risk [ 52 , 53 , 54 ], mostly if fatigue is coupled with improper technique [ 41 , 55 ]. In addition, the high intensity of running and jumping may affect the ability to control landings, and may consequently be associated with non-contact injury [ 56 ].…”

Efficacy of Visual Feedback Training for Motor Recovery in Post-Operative Subjects with Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These authors found, respectively, an improvement in the Tinetti clinical score in postoperative patients with a knee fracture at 8 weeks after treatment, and an immediate improvement in the gait characteristics (interlimb symmetry) during a high-demand walking task in a patient after a TKR [18]. The symmetry index is one of the most important parameters to measure the gait and kinematic pattern alterations [32,33]. The symmetry index comprehensively estimates whether the operated limb and non-operated limb execute the corresponding gait cycle symmetrically, considering the stance and flight phase length [32].…”

The Use of Sleds as a Unique Training Technique for Anaerobic Performance Development among Young Basketball Players

“…The five-week intervention applied in this study may not have been sufficient for inducing significant changes in the young participants; the small team size and inclusion-exclusion criteria limited the number of eligible participants. Further studies are needed to improve the generalizability of the results, including a larger sample size and a control group [48].…”