Effects of synchronous versus asynchronous mode of propulsion on wheelchair basketball sprinting

Abstract

The study of wheelchair propulsion strategies is important for better understanding physiological and biomechanical impacts of wheelchair propulsion for individuals with disabilities. From a kinematical point of view, this study highlights synchronous mode of propulsion to be more efficient, with regards to mean maximal velocity reaching during maximal sprinting exercises. Even if this study focuses on well-trained wheelchair athletes, results from this study could complement the knowledge on the physiological and biomechanical adaptations to wheelchair propulsion and therefore, might be interesting for wheelchair modifications for purposes of rehabilitation.

Sprint performance and propulsion asymmetries on an ergometer in trained high‐ and low‐point wheelchair rugby players

“…17 As far as push symmetry is concerned, symmetric and synchronous pushing modes are associated with greater wheelchair velocity and PO, and a close relationship has been shown to exist between upper arm coordination and technical efficiency. 16,18 These aforementioned studies confirm the importance of push symmetry as a valuable performance indicator that has not been examined within the sport of WCR. Moreover, it is unknown as to whether asymmetries are more prevalent in HP players where there is potential for greater variation between arm scores than at the lower end of the classification system.…”

“…For instance, some WCR players present an increased muscle tone or spasticity and impaired coordination leading to muscle imbalance and reduced muscle power . As far as push symmetry is concerned, symmetric and synchronous pushing modes are associated with greater wheelchair velocity and PO, and a close relationship has been shown to exist between upper arm coordination and technical efficiency . These aforementioned studies confirm the importance of push symmetry as a valuable performance indicator that has not been examined within the sport of WCR.…”

“…For this, players completed four‐five maximal pushes and then leaned forward with their hands on their knees until the wheels came to a complete stop. Full details of this procedure have been described elsewhere . In brief calculations of the individual Tr for both the left and right rollers, allowed adjustments to be made to ensure equal resistance were applied on both sides.…”

“…Full details of this procedure have been described elsewhere. 16 In brief calculations of the individual Tr for both the left and right rollers, allowed adjustments to be made to ensure equal resistance were applied on both sides. In line with current physiological assessments in our laboratory and Hutlzer et al, 20 we kept the braking load to a Tr that was sport-specific and realistic to the wheelchair-user interface of WCR (proportional to the mass of the participant and chair combined which ranged 0.5-1.12 Nm).…”

Effects of Modified Multistage Field Test on Performance and Physiological Responses in Wheelchair Basketball Players

“…Firstly, turning in the same direction could induce premature tiredness and muscle fatigue in the upper limb of the external curve. This could be in relation to the great push power output and high arm frequency in the synchronous mode of propulsion [14] and the centrifugal force exerted on the wheelchair in the curve. Secondly, performance in wheelchair sports relies not only on fitness but also on sport-specific skills, experience, and technical proficiency [9] like change in direction [11].…”