Factors Influencing Speed of Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Players

Abstract

Sprinting determines a player's potential to initiate the next action. Previous studies have focused on wheelchair configuration and propulsion biomechanics for optimal performance in wheelchair sports. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine influential factor(s) affecting the speed of collegiate wheelchair basketball players. Methods Eleven women (W: 22.3±4.8 yrs) and 13 men (M: 24.3±5.9 yrs) of University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA's) Wheelchair Basketball teams participated in this study. Participants were grouped based on gender and player classification (1.0-2.5 and 3.0-4.5). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans assessed body fat percentage (BFP). Bilateral handgrip (kg) and 1-repetition maximum bench press tested muscle strength (lb). The first 15 ft of a 20 m sprint were video-recorded and analyzed to obtain values of trunk and elbow flexion (°) and contact and recovery time (sec). Results Lower classified (1.0-2.5) men and women had correlations between initial trunk and elbow flexion (M: r=0.73; W: r=0.84) and 15 ft time and initial elbow flexion (M: r=0.75; W: r=0.71). Low classified (1.0-2.5) men had negative correlations in the handgrips and both 15 ft and 20 m times (R hand 15 ft time: r=-0.89; R hand 20 m time: r=-0.75; L hand 15 ft time: r=-0.81; L hand 20 m time: r=-0.93). Body fat percentage influenced both 15 ft and 20 m times for high classified (3.0-4.5) men (15 ft: r=-0.74; 20 m=-0.78) and the 15 ft times for lower classified (1.0-2.5) women (r=0.88). Conclusion Initial elbow flexion and handgrip were important for lower classified (1.0-2.5) men. Low classified (1.0-2.5) women had faster 15 ft times with larger degrees of elbow flexion. Body fat percentage affected higher classified (3.0-4.5) male players. Additional factors may be identified in future research.