The profile of upper extremity muscular strength in female wheelchair basketball players: a pilot study

Assessment of muscle strength in para-athletes: A systematic review of observational studies

“…For example, significant differences were found in higher shoulder extensor and flexor strength in wheelchair basketball players versus able-bodied controls at 60 and 180°/s. 43 A further study noted significantly higher internal rotator strength in wheelchair tennis players and racers at 180 and 300°/s, but not at slower test velocities of 60°/s. 42 …”

“… 28 An important observation based on a number of the included studies ( n = 6) was that overall, higher shoulder strength values were observed in para-athlete groups relative to controls. 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 48 , 49 This was most clearly demonstrated in studies using isokinetic testing to assess shoulder strength compared to sedentary, able-bodied, and disabled controls. For example, significant differences were found in higher shoulder extensor and flexor strength in wheelchair basketball players versus able-bodied controls at 60 and 180°/s.…”

“…The majority of studies assessed strength using isometric (16/30: 53%) 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 or isokinetic testing protocols (10/30: 33%). 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 Two studies combined isometric and isokinetic testing. 49 , 50 A further two studies used the one-repetition maximum 51 , 52 and one used manual muscle testing (See Table 3 ).…”

“…Values were corrected for body weight in a small number of studies. 30 , 43 , 44 Some studies (both isometric and isokinetic) calculated muscle group ratios, including concentric external and internal rotator strength ratios. 39 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 47 …”

“…They comprised able-bodied participants and individuals with physical impairment from both athletic and sedentary populations or participants with different levels of functional impairment. 25 , 28 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 48 This contributed to the substantial clinical heterogeneity between control groups that precluded meta-analysis. Available data were extracted and summarised based on each group's mean strength values and standard deviations.…”