Examination of Performance Levels of Wheelchair Basketball Players Playing in Different Leagues

Abstract

This research was conducted to examine the anthropometric and biometric features of the elite wheelchair basketball players in different league levels, and to evaluate them with regards to field tests particular to wheelchair basketball. A sample of 21 male players volunteered to participate in the research with similar classification points, 12 of whom were from Turkey Wheelchair Basketball First League and 9 of whom were from the Second League. Anthropometric measurements, biometric features of the players and their skill test scores particular to wheelchair basketball were detected. The anthropometric measurements were taken over dominant extremity. SPSS 21.0 program was used in the analysis of the data, and minimum, maximum, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation values were determined. Intergroup differences were determined with Mann–Whitney U analysis. Significance level was admitted as p < 0.05. As a conclusion, it was determined that wheelchair basketball players had similar anthropometric features in the First and Second League levels, and that there was no difference based on the league level they were playing, and moreover, that bio-motor features and skills particular to wheelchair basketball were decisive on the levels of the leagues the players were taking part.

Objective Measurement of Ball-Handling Proficiency in Wheelchair Sports: A Systematic Review

“…Twenty-two articles fulfilled the predetermined minimum of 15 reported items on the STROBE checklist (see Table 1 ) ( 22 – 51 ). They all had a cross-sectional design.…”

“…Twelve high-quality studies were about able-bodied sports, 11 about handball ( 23 , 29 , 31 , 34 – 36 , 42 – 48 ), and 1 about basketball ( 32 ). Two articles ( 23 , 24 ) were about the same study, of which only one was “high quality.” 10 high-quality studies were about wheelchair sports, 9 about wheelchair basketball, ( 26 , 35 , 37 – 40 , 46 , 49 , 51 ) and 1 about wheelchair rugby ( 49 ). Wheelchair athletes had health conditions, such as spinal cord injury, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions, and congenital and acquired amputations, leading to all eligible impairment types for wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair handball (strength impairment, coordination impairment, impaired range of movement, and limb deficiency ) .…”

“…Only one study measured throwing accuracy in continuous data, the surplus in centimetres by which a projected target was missed, but this study was rated as moderate-poor quality ( 24 ). In 10 studies, ( 26 , 32 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 46 , 47 , 49 , 51 ) running or pushing with the ball, such as the dribbling rules of the game, was assessed. In addition, in four of these studies, picking up the ball from the floor during wheelchair pushing was assessed ( 33 , 37 , 38 , 49 ).…”

“…The evidence indicated that tests for maximal throwing were both reliable ( 37 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 45 , 48 , 50 ) and valid ( 23 , 26 , 29 , 31 , 33 – 37 , 39 , 42 – 44 , 46 , 49 ) in relation to competition level, anthropometric data, and impairment classes. Tests for throwing accuracy lacked reliability ( 38 , 45 , 48 ), and validity showed conflicting results ( 26 , 38 , 50 , 51 ). Besides, the correlation with player ranking as a measure for game performance in wheelchair rugby was low ( 50 ).…”

Effect of a Home-based Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Range of Motion in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Taking into consideration the fact that wheelchair basketball is an adapted sport, it implies a high level of effort [59] and the players practice for many hours to improve their skills. Importantly, an emphasis on proper wheelchair positioning and biomechanics is likely to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries [60].…”