Wheelchair Propulsion Biomechanics in Junior Basketball Players: A Method for the Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Specific Training Program

Abstract

As participation in wheelchair sports increases, the need of quantitative assessment of biomechanical performance indicators and of sports- and population-specific training protocols has become central. The present study focuses on junior wheelchair basketball and aims at (i) proposing a method to identify biomechanical performance indicators of wheelchair propulsion using an instrumented in-field test and (ii) developing a training program specific for the considered population and assessing its efficacy using the proposed method. Twelve athletes (10 M, 2 F, age = 17.1 ± 2.7 years, years of practice = 4.5 ± 1.8) equipped with wheelchair- and wrist-mounted inertial sensors performed a 20-metre sprint test. Biomechanical parameters related to propulsion timing, progression force, and coordination were estimated from the measured accelerations and used in a regression model where the time to complete the test was set as dependent variable. Force- and coordination-related parameters accounted for 80% of the dependent variable variance. Based on these results, a training program was designed and administered for three months to six of the athletes (the others acting as control group). The biomechanical indicators proved to be effective in providing additional information about the wheelchair propulsion technique with respect to the final test outcome and demonstrated the efficacy of the developed program.

Sensitivity to change of the field-based Wheelchair Mobility Performance Test in wheelchair basketball

“…Therefore, the test is easy to use in practice to determine changes in performance. However, information about kinematic outcomes, such as (rotational) acceleration, could provide additional information and can be measured with inertial sensors on the wheelchair (6,26). The use of additional kinematic outcome measures could provide more in-depth information about sensitivity to change.…”

A Novel AHRS Inertial Sensor-Based Algorithm for Wheelchair Propulsion Performance Analysis

“…For enhanced performance analysis, the algorithm will be tested on elite athletes to provide overall contextual information augmented with more detailed propulsive elements based on other IMU extracted features; for example, encompassing a bilateral wrist symmetry algorithm [3]. These tests will be conducted under match play conditions, investigating the efficacy of the algorithm under dynamic performance conditions.…”

“…IMU sensors predominately contain accelerometers and gyroscopes, allowing for biomechanical data to be both captured and analysed in the natural performance environment at low cost [2]. The efficacy of IMUs for wheelchair propulsion metrics has been evidenced by researchers [3,4]; however, the reliability of these metrics (most commonly velocity, distance, and trajectory) are highly dependent on processing algorithms [5].…”

“…Bergamini et al [3] used a one IMU sensor approach to find push cycle duration and frequency from the forward component of acceleration using a sensor placed on the backrest of the wheelchair. A pitch-roll-yaw 5 s static hold and rotate calibration sequence was employed to ensure all the forward power was in the forward direction of the IMU.…”

“…The methods and results of this paper validate the new algorithm against known baselines to evidence the accuracy and validity of the measurements. This algorithm can be linked with other algorithms-for example, Fuss et al's [7] fractional dimensioning approach to classify in-game activities or Bergamini et al's [3] measurement of wrist synchronicity-to provide coaches with enhanced information, pertinent understanding, and improved performance, mitigating against injury and improving wheelchair design.…”