Factors Influencing Speed of Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Players
Journal Title: Sports and Exercise Medicine – Open Journal - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction 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.
Authors and Affiliations
Judy R. Wilson
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP511883
- DOI 10.17140/SEMOJ-4-164
- Views 137
- Downloads 0
Effect of a 6 Week Plyometric Training Program on Agility, Vertical Jump Height and Peak Torque Ratio of Indian Taekwondo Players
Purpose: Taekwondo demands for quick change in direction while keeping balance, strength, speed and body control through high level of lower limb strength, agility to improve performance. Methodology: 30 elite national l...
Defining Different Types of Interval Training: Do we need to use more specific terminology?
Interval training began gaining popularity in modern society throughout the mid 1900’s when track and field athletes started to incorporate them regularly into training programs. Soon after, Christensen, et al. published...
Iliopsoas Tendon Injury In an Adolescent: A Case Report
Background: The Iliopsoas tendon injuries are generally considered uncommon. Especially in children and adolescents, the iliopsoas injury usually occurs in conjunction with avulsion of the lesser trochanter. We reported...
Relationship between Elite Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Skills Testing and Future Success in the Sport
Introduction Wheelchair basketball practices are built around developing technical and tactical skills required in game situations. To assess the performance of these skills, testing protocols have been developed. This a...
Combined Effects of Six Weeks Oat Bran Consumption and Brisk Walking Exercise on Blood Lipid Profiles in Hypercholesterolemia Women Aged 40 to 50 Years
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the additional beneficial effects of combined oat bran consumption and brisk walking exercise compared to oat bran consumption alone and sedentary without oat bran consum...