Anthropometry and Performance in Wheelchair Basketball

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Physiology
• Wheelchair Basketball Performance Analysis

Background:

• Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a demanding sport requiring significant physical capacity.
• Differentiating performance levels between divisions is essential for targeted training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if anthropometric characteristics and physical performance metrics differentiate First-Division from Third-Division wheelchair basketball players.
• To identify key performance indicators for elite wheelchair basketball athletes.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of anthropometric data, wheelchair sprint, agility, strength, and endurance tests between First-Division (n=8) and Third-Division (n=11) WB teams.
• Statistical analysis of performance metrics including 20m sprint time, agility, strength, endurance capacity, and rate of perceived exertion.

Main Results:

• First-Division players were significantly faster (8.7%), more agile (13-22%), stronger (18-33%), and had higher endurance capacity (20% more distance).
• Higher rate of perceived exertion (48%) was noted in the First-Division team.
• Inverse correlation found between sprint time and strength/power (r = -0.54 to -0.77, p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Physical performance metrics like speed, agility, strength, and endurance capacity are key differentiators between competitive levels in wheelchair basketball.
• Coaches should focus on strength and conditioning to enhance sprint and agility, aligning training with competitive demands.