Contribution of physical characteristics to game performance in male wheelchair basketball athletes at the Tokyo paralympic games
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : APP1196462
Abstract
This investigation explored the physical characteristics of elite male wheelchair basketball (WCB) athletes and their association with game performance during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Sixteen male athletes from the Australian national WCB squad were assessed for anthropometrics, speed, change of direction, aerobic power, and upper-body power during a training camp before the 2020 Paralympic Games. Athletes were grouped according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation disability classification system (1.0-4.5) as low- (≤2.5, more severe impairments) or high-point (≥3.0, less severe impairments) athletes. Physical and performance characteristics between groups were compared using independent-samples t-tests, and their relationship to game statistics (points, rebounds, assists, and steals) per minute played was explored through stepwise regression. High-point athletes were 13% taller (p = 0.001), 4-9% faster (p < 0.001-0.017), and demonstrated superior change of direction ability (15%, p < 0.001) compared with low-point athletes. Approximately 74% of the variance in points scored per minute was accounted for by athlete classification, whereas the most important modifiable physical characteristic was speed, which contributed significantly to steals (54% of variance) and assists (96% of variance when arm span and sitting reach height were also considered). Low-point athletes with spinal cord injuries generally have impaired trunk control, which is a likely explanation for performance differences between groups. A range of nonmodifiable (classification, sitting reach height, and arm span) and modifiable (speed) physical characteristics contribute to game performance outcomes and should therefore be considered when identifying, developing, and selecting WCB athletes for elite competition.
DOI
10.1519/JSC.0000000000004858
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Snyder, L., Goods, P. S., Peeling, P., Balloch, A., Peiffer, J. J., Binnie, M. J., & Scott, B. R. (2022). Contribution of physical characteristics to game performance in male wheelchair basketball athletes at the Tokyo paralympic games. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 38(10), e579-e586. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004858