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Trunk Function Correlates Positively with Wheelchair Basketball Player Classification.
Sileno da Silva Santos1, Chandramouli Krishnan, Angelica Castilho Alonso
1From the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Movement Study Laboratory, São Paulo, Brazil (SSS, ACA, JMDG); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical School (CK), School of Kinesiology (CK), and Deparment of Biomedical Engineering (CK), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Trunk muscle strength and balance significantly differ across wheelchair basketball (WCB) player classifications. Objective trunk function measures align with the current WCB player classification system.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Wheelchair Basketball
Background:
- Wheelchair basketball (WCB) classification systems are crucial for fair competition.
- Trunk muscle strength and balance are vital for WCB performance.
- Existing classification relies on observation, potentially lacking objective metrics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in trunk muscle strength and balance among WCB player classes.
- To assess the correlation between objective trunk function measures and the current WCB classification.
Main Methods:
- Objective quantification of isometric trunk strength and balance (limits of stability) in 42 male WCB players.
- Principal component analysis to create a composite trunk function score.
- K-means clustering to establish an objective 4-class player stratification system.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in trunk strength and balance were found across WCB player classes (P < 0.05).
- Progressive increases in trunk extensor/flexor torque and balance indices were observed with higher player classes.
- A strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.785, P < 0.05) was found between observation-based and objective classification systems.
Conclusions:
- Trunk muscle strength and balance are distinct differentiators among WCB player classes.
- Objective trunk function assessment provides a reliable correlate to the established WCB classification system.
- This study supports the integration of objective biomechanical data into WCB player classification.
