Are technical performance differences in wheelchair fencing linked to disability categories?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Paralympic Sports

Background:

• Understanding neuromuscular dynamics in wheelchair fencing is crucial for performance optimization.
• Disability categories (A and B) represent different functional levels in para-athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare muscle activity and activation timing between wheelchair fencers in disability categories A and B.
• To investigate neuromuscular differences influencing performance in elite para-fencers.

Main Methods:

• Surface electromyography and 3D accelerometry were used to record muscle activity and reaction time.
• Eight upper body muscles were assessed in 16 Polish National Paralympic Team wheelchair fencers.
• Data analysis involved specialized software and the Wald-Wolfowitz runs test.

Main Results:

• Category A fencers exhibited quicker reaction times and higher muscle bioelectric tension compared to category B.
• Significant differences in left latissimus dorsi and deltoid muscle activity were observed between the groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Back and abdominal muscles play a key role in postural stability for wheelchair fencers.
• Distinct neuromuscular profiles exist between disability categories A and B, evidenced by differences in back and deltoid muscle activity.
• Findings can inform classification accuracy and targeted training strategies for para-athletes.