Trunk function: the core of mobility performance in wheelchair tennis

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Paralympic Classification

Background:

• Paralympic sport classification aims for fair competition by minimizing impairment impact.
• Wheelchair tennis (WT) classification currently relies heavily on expert opinion, especially for trunk function.
• Empirical evidence is needed to refine WT classification criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between upper-body strength (arm, trunk) and wheelchair mobility in elite WT players.
• To provide evidence for developing more objective and functionally relevant WT classification criteria.
• To assess the role of trunk function in wheelchair tennis performance.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-one elite wheelchair tennis players participated.
• Upper-body strength (arm, trunk) was measured using isometric force tests.
• Wheelchair mobility was quantified using inertial sensors during field tests and match play.

Main Results:

• Modest correlations (r=0.26-0.62) were found between strength and mobility performance.
• Push and pull forces showed the strongest associations with sprint and rotational performance (up to r=0.62).
• Significant differences in acceleration and rotation were observed between trunk function groups, with large effect sizes (ES=1.18-2.43).

Conclusions:

• Trunk function is critical for wheelchair tennis mobility, particularly for acceleration and rotation.
• Current WT classification systems may underrepresent the impact of trunk impairment.
• Future classification should integrate functional measures of dynamic trunk movements for greater accuracy and fairness.