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This study sought to understand the lived experiences of wheelchair basketball athletes from low- and middle-income countries of recent or current armed conflict and the meaning that they ascribed to their participation. Wheelchair basketball athletes (N = 108) from eight national teams participated in semistructured focus-group interviews. Study data were analyzed thematically using an interpretive descriptive approach. Three themes were developed: "I can do anything I want; not only basketball," self-concept changes through sport participation; "Now they see me as a respectable person," societal belonging through sport; and "I have motivated other disabled people," influence on nonparticipating disabled persons. The findings indicated that participation in wheelchair sports may help disabled persons see themselves as capable individuals on the court and in aspects of daily living, perhaps even peer role models for other disabled persons in their communities and countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More often than not, students with physical disabilities are not provided equitable access to recreational sport programs or clubs, even though they often pay the same fees as their peers without disabilities. Involvement in recreational sports is a large component of the college campus experiences, yet those living with disability are likely to experience a variety of challenges associated with participation, which may inhibit them from fully engaging in sports with their peers and pursuing an active lifestyle. To examine the impact of involvement in an inclusive adaptive sport program on the college experience, a qualitative phenomenological approach was implemented with a convenience sample of 8 college students currently participating in a CTRS-driven inclusive wheelchair basketball program. A semi-structured interview procedure was utilized to elicit the participants' experiences of involvement in the adaptive sports program. Of 8 college students, five were individuals without, and 3 were individuals with an identified physical disability. The adaptive sports program had a positive impact on both groups of students. Four themes and 10 subthemes emerged from the data analysis. Four themes identified were: (a) Sense of Community; (b) Access to Resources and New Opportunities; (c) Inclusive; and (d) Personal Growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The competitiveness of wheelchair basketball has increased over time. However, screen-play, considered a vital offensive tactic in running basketball, is still poorly clarified. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the impact of screen-play on scoring and game results in wheelchair basketball and assess the roles of each player classification (PC). Methods: Information regarding screen-play, including 13 categories such as shot success, location, and PC, was recorded for 22 wheelchair basketball games in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. This information was analyzed using the chi-square test to evaluate the significant differences in the appearance frequency of variables in each category (categorical variable) between the winning and losing teams and the shot-success rate. Results: Except for PC-related categorical variables, comparing the appearance frequency of the winning and losing teams confirmed a significant difference for screen and pass locations (all p < 0.05). Regarding the shot-success rates of the winning and losing teams, a significant difference in five categories was confirmed, including shot and pass locations (all p < 0.05). Regarding the PC, comparing the appearance frequency of the winning and losing teams confirmed a significant difference for PC of the screener (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in the shot-success rates of the winning and losing teams in nine, five, three, and four categories regarding the PCs of the shooter, user, screener, and passer, respectively, such as shot location, pass location, and type of screen (p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: In wheelchair basketball offenses, it may be effective to consider the following points in the scenario lead-up to a shot: Using two different spaces, in the paint and the 3-point field goal area, could be crucial in screenplay. Improving the accuracy of on-the-ball screen plays appears vital, and using off-the-ball screens could also contribute to winning. Allocating approximately 50% of screeners to the middle-point classification (Middle) players and the rest to the low-point (Low) and high-point (High) classification players, at approximately 25% each, may be practical. Regarding winning team player roles, using High shooters and users; Low, Middle, and High screeners; and Middle and High passers contributed to play success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWheelchair basketball, regulated by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, is a sport designed for individuals with physical disabilities. This article presents a data-driven tool that effectively determines optimal team lineups based on past performance data and metrics for player effectiveness. Our proposed methodology involves combining a Bayesian longitudinal model with an integer linear problem to optimize the lineup of a wheelchair basketball team. To illustrate our approach, we use real data from a team competing in the Rollstuhlbasketball Bundesliga, namely the Doneck Dolphins Trier. We consider three distinct performance metrics for each player and incorporate uncertainty from the posterior predictive distribution of the longitudinal model into the optimization process. The results demonstrate the tool’s ability to select the most suitable team compositions and to calculate posterior probabilities of several players playing together in the best composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Wheelchair basketball (WCB) is a popular para-sport adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. Shoulder injuries are commonly reported among WCB athletes. However, the understanding of the specific patterns and characteristics of shoulder injuries in WCB players is currently limited, and there is a lack of comprehensive literature available on this subject. Objectives: To investigate the spectrum of pathologies observed in elite wheelchair basketball (WCB) athletes referred for MRI evaluation of symptomatic injuries of the shoulder. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive elite WCB athletes referred for MRI evaluation of symptomatic shoulder injury. Demographic, clinical, and functional data including international wheelchair basketball federation (IWBF) classification of each athlete were collected. A total of 28 MRI studies were reviewed. Excluding MRI examinations of the same shoulder, 18 study cases were assessed for pathology of the rotator cuff (RC), labrum, long-head of biceps tendon, glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, and osseous lesions of the humerus or glenoid. Correlations between clinical-demographic features and MRI findings were statistically evaluated. Results: Supraspinatus tears were observed in 72.2%, infraspinatus tears in 50%, and subscapularis tears in 38.9% shoulders. Articular-sided partial tears frequently involved posterior supraspinatus (88.9%) and anterior infraspinatus (100%). Labral tears were seen in 38.9%, with involvement of the posterosuperior labrum in all tears. Hill-Sachs and osseous Bankart lesions (5.6%), and anterior-inferior labral tears (11.1%), were uncommon findings. Statistically significant correlations were observed of low IWBF point class and non-ambulatory athletes with subscapularis tendinosis (p = 0.015, p = 0.001) and tearing (p = 0.050, p = 0.013), and athletes with limited trunk control with subscapularis tendinosis (p = 0.013). Conclusions: RC tears are common in elite WCB athletes with pattern of RC and labral tearing suggesting internal (superior-posterior) impingement as a contributory pathoetiologic mechanism. Non-ambulatory, low IWBF point class athletes, as well as those with limited trunk control have a statistically significant increase in subscapularis tendon pathology on MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheelchair basketball (WB) is a sport modality adapted for people with disabilities who present functional classification (FC) according to their mobility, from 1.0 for players with lesser functional capacity up to 4.5 for great mobility and trunk control players. This study aimed to analyze and compare the external load (EL) and the internal load (IL) of the WB players according to their FC in 5 × 5 simulation game tasks. The main objective of this task was to develop a simulated game in which two teams of five players faced each other to resemble the physical demands of an official match. The development of these tasks allowed for the players to learn the different systems of play, and to improve tactical skills. To conduct the study, 12 (male) national professional WB players (years: 30.7 ± 4.82 and WB experience: 5 ± 1.43) participated in the study and were grouped according to FC. WIMU PROTM devices monitored the EL manufactured by RealTrack Systems in Almería, Spain, and to measure the player's IL, GarminTM Heart Rate (HR) bands were used (GarminTM in Olathe, KS, USA). The EL variables were divided as kinematic (distance, explosive distance, acc, dec, max. acc, max. dec, average speed, max. speed) and neuromuscular (player load, impact). The IL variables were average HR, max. HR and %max. HR. The main results show that players with greater functional capacity (FC = 4.0) developed higher values in the IL and neuromuscular variables analyzed (p < 0.05), as well as in some kinematic variables like distance, dec and average speed (p < 0.05). This information is relevant because it helps to personalize the training load based on competitive demands and create a gradual and adaptable training program. This information helps athletes to develop better performance during training and prevent injuries caused by overexertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim was to analyze the differences between wheelchair basketball players with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and without Spinal Cord injury (Non-SCI) in psycho-physiological response and neuromuscular fatigue in a series of small-sided games (SSG). Methods: Thirteen high-level wheelchair basketball male players (age 28.8 ± 9.2 years, body mass 75.9 ± 11.3 kg) participated in four versus four SSG once a week for five consecutive weeks. Absolute and relative heart rate (HR) during SSG and muscular and respiratory perceived exertion (RPEmus and RPEres), tympanic temperature, and acceleration capacity were recorded at the end of each SSG. Results: No significant differences were observed between SCI and non-SCI players in relative HR variables in SSG series. However, the SCI group had a lower absolute HR (mean HR and peak HR) (p <.05 or p <.01, ES = 0.73–1.39) and higher perceived muscular load (RPEmusTL) (p <.01, ES = 0.75–0.82) during SSG. Regarding the evolution of the physiological response, no differences were observed between the four bouts in the SCI group. However, the Non-SCI group showed an increase in the absolute and relative variables of HR and RPEres and RPEmus (p <.05 or p <.01, ES = 0.45–1.06). On the contrary, only the SCI group showed a loss of acceleration capacity between the four series (p <.05, ES = 0.28–0.35). Conclusion: The results of this study show that there are differences between SCI and non-SCI wheelchair basketball players in their physiological response and acceleration capacity during SSG tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work shows the possibilities that observational analysis can offer to match analysis in Wheelchair Basketball, outlined in a study of the sequences that end in a shot, in the men's team considered to be the best in the world (USA), in the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020. Data recording and coding the 527 sequences that end in a shot was carried out via the LINCE software, and inter-rater reliability guaranteed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Two diachronic behaviour analysis techniques – lag sequential analysis and T-pattern detection – were applied complementarily, thus allowing us to characterise effective and ineffective sequences. Effective behaviours are highlighted as being those which incorporate a final reception and shot by players with less functional limitation; or those in which the shot is made from the paint. Ineffective behaviours are those carried out by players with greater functional difficulty; or those which end in shots made from the offensive zone and external offensive zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to support the tactical decisions of wheelchair basketball (WB) coaches in identifying the best players to form winning lineups. Data related to a complete regular season of a top-level WB Championship were examined. By analyzing game-related statistics from the first round, two clusters were identified that accounted for approximately 35% of the total variance. Cluster 1 was composed of low-performing athletes, while Cluster 2 was composed of high-performing athletes. Based on data related to the second round of the Championship, we conducted a two-fold evaluation of the clusters identified in the first round with the team's net performance as the outcome variable. The results showed that teams where players belonging to Cluster 2 had played more time during the second round of the championship were also those with the better team performance (R-squared = 0.48, p = 0.035), while increasing the playing time for players from Classes III and IV does not necessarily improve team performance (r2 = -0.14, p = 0.59). These results of the present study suggest that a collaborative approach between coaches and data scientists would significantly advance this Paralympic sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of falls in male elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players and to analyse the falls characteristics considering their classification score which ranges from 1.0 to 4.5 and it is related to their functional capacity and particularly to their volume of action. A cross-sectional video analysis was conducted using European para championships 2023official match videos. Players of the sample team were divided into 2 groups according to their classification point: low-point players (LPP) and high-point players (HPP). Every occurred fall was systematically analysed focusing on falling related characteristics and game circumstances. Twelve WB players of the Italian national team. Number of falls and mechanism of falls. The results showed a higher number of falls for HPP and highlighted a statistically significant differences between LPP and HPP for the fall direction, the playing time and the first anatomical site in contact with the floor. Results reported significant differences between LPP and HPP in terms of mechanism of fall. Further studies should focus on the development of new preventive training strategies tailored to WB players with different levels of impairments to reduce fall related injuries. • The fall mechanism varies among players based on their score classification. • High-point players (HPP) fall more frequently forward and backward. • Low-point players (LPP) fall more frequently in the second half of the match. • HPP mostly fall on their hands or back, while LPP showed a more uniform distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable electronic devices are being used to evaluate movement patterns, track workload, prevent injuries, and optimize performance in athletes. Para athletes have unique characteristics to consider separately from the general population. One such difference in competitive parasports includes consideration of athlete classification systems. These sport‐specific classification systems consider athletes' eligible medical conditions that lead to permanent physical, visual, and/or intellectual impairments and objectively evaluate the impact of their impairments on sport functions. Para athletes are assigned sport classes and compete with athletes of similar functional levels. This promotes equitable opportunities to compete while minimizing the effect their impairment has on their sport performance. With recent reports of misrepresentation or incorrect and unfair classification providing unfair advantages to some athletes, parasports classification has been controversial. Having an objective, evidence‐based, and fair classification system in parasports is critical to maintain the integrity of parasports competition. Wearable electronic devices have potential to provide more objective analysis of movement patterns in para athletes to assist in sport classification. This review identifies and analyzes the available literature on wearable electronic technology and its role in parasports classification. A comprehensive PubMed and Google Scholar search identified six articles included in this review. These studies used inertial sensors, motion capture systems, or surface electromyography in wheelchair basketball, rugby, tennis, sit skiing, and boccia. This review identifies the potential value of wearable electronic devices to assist in parasports classification. Additional studies are needed to create standardized protocols for each sport and sensor type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Introduction: The Paralympic movement has grown rapidly over the last few years. As participation in Para sports increases, so do its sport-related injuries. A particular injury constitutes sport-related concussions (SRC). However, the data regarding its epidemiology in Para sports has been inadequately researched. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the occurrence of SRC in Para sports. * Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. * Results: 13 articles were included in this review. Wheelchair Basketball, Sledge Hockey, Blind Football, Para Swimming, Para Judo, and Para Skiing are most commonly affected by SRC. Sledge hockey reported 4.5 SRC per 1000 athlete sports exposure hours (AEH) and Para Swimming reported 0.5-0.6 SRC per 1000 AEH. Visually impaired athletes reported 1.24 SRC per 1000 AEH. Women reported 0.8 SRC per 1000 AEH whereas men reported 0.3 per 1000 AEH. * Discussion: Para sports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Sledge Hockey, Blind Football, Para Swimming, Para Judo, and Para Skiing are differently affected by SRC compared to non Para sports. The increased incidence in Para Swimming and visually impaired athletes can be explained by the respective conditions due to different disabilities. The high incidence of SRC in women is similar to observations in non Para sports. Despite reported studies, SRC in Para sports may still be underreported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheelchair basketball (WCB) is one of the most popular sports for athletes with disabilities. Athletes with a wide range of disabilities compete in the sport, making WCB highly inclusive while presenting unique challenges for various aspects of performance support. This review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on physical characteristics and competition demands of elite WCB athletes to provide practitioners with the best physical preparation practices for improving performance. Many physical characteristics and capacities have been reported to improve performance and are useful for setting performance benchmarks. Assessment of these capacities in WCB athletes requires special considerations due to the impacts of individual disabilities and interactions between the athlete and the wheelchair. Profiling WCB athletes also requires understanding the competitive demands that cannot be extrapolated from nondisabled basketball. To track game movements, this review describes previous studies tracking game movements with various tracking devices, and recent studies have identified inertial sensors as an accurate and practical option. Athletes' internal responses to game demands vary based on disability, particularly spinal cord injuries, so special considerations for internal load monitoring include implementing individualized monitoring strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Analyzing the performance of Wheelchair Basketball players according to Functional Classification and game indicators to provide relevant information regarding the identification of details which can determine indicial and team success in each of the different Functional Classifications. Game statistics are used for the analysis of the performance of athletes. This allows the strengths and weaknesses of the players to be understood, and to design and implement training sessions for performance enhancement. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the game statistics of the 2021 and 2023 European Champions and the 2023 World Champions in Wheelchair Basketball (WB), both male and female. For this purpose, the game statistics of all the championships were collected, and the differences according to gender and competition analysed through a statistical and inferential analysis, considering the functional classification of the players, based on the Mann–Whitney U test for the comparison of gender, and the Kruskal–Wallis H test for the comparison between championships. The results showed that players with a classification higher than 3.0 have higher three-point and two-point throws, while players with a classification of 1.0 have lower effectiveness in shooting. Depending on the championship, a greater number of three-point throws and respective effectiveness was found in the 2023 World Championships, with the male athletes presenting a greater number of points. This information will support WB coaches in designing and implementing training sessions and patterns of play and movements in competitive moments to improve individual and team performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyse the impact of a four-day inclusive basketball campus on the self-efficacy (SE) of players with or without a disability (pre- vs. post-intervention design). A sample of 44 participants, 23 without a disability and 21 with a physical disability, all wheelchair users, participated in this study. The entire sample formed part of the intervention group participating in the Inclusive Basketball Campus of the Real Madrid Foundation over four days. To measure the SE of the participants, a basketball SE questionnaire was used, evaluating the degree of confidence in the skilled performance that they felt during the games and training sessions. The results suggested that the intervention had an overall positive effect (p < 0.01; ηρ2 = 0.35, large), and the intervention was invariable as regards the factors between the groups (i.e. having a disability and gender). Also, there were significant differences for the disability between-group factor (p < 0.01; ηρ2 = 0.33, large), but not for gender. It is concluded that the inclusive sport campus influence the SE of players with and without disabilities, but those with a disability achieved lower SE scores than those without a disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheelchair basketball is a Paralympic sport that has been included in the Paralympic Games since 1960. Today, it is played in over one hundred countries by approximately thirty thousand athletes. The rules are like those of traditional basketball, with specific adaptations for wheelchairs and a classification system based on the athletes’ functional abilities. This sport offers numerous physiological, mental, and social benefits, enhancing the independence and inclusion of people with disabilities. However, it also carries a high risk of injuries, both traumatic and overuse, particularly to the shoulders and hands due to falls and intense movements. Injury prevention is crucial and requires targeted training programs and a multidisciplinary approach. Preventive and rehabilitative strategies, such as improving propulsion techniques and using advanced technologies, can reduce the incidence of injuries and improve the quality of life for athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this phenomenological study is to determine the motivational factors in the participation of wheelchair basketball players in sports according to Self-Determination Theory. Methods: The study group of the research was determined by the criterion sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. Accordingly, thirteen (13) wheelchair athletes constituted the study group. In the research, a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form were prepared as data collection tools within the framework of the self-determination theory. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with the prepared interview forms. The data were analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis method. Results: Six (6) themes emerged: constraints, coping strategies, appreciation, positive feedback, need for existence, and development. Sixteen sub-themes related to these themes were identified. Conclusion: The most significant factors causing a lack of motivation in wheelchair basketball athletes were observed to be structural constraints such as access to materials and facilities. Extrinsic sources of motivation were identified as the positive attitudes and behaviors of individuals in their environment, often related to admiration, appreciation, and being set as an example, and this situation has a positive impact on wheelchair basketball athletes. On the other hand, it can be stated that intrinsic motivations such as identity change, gaining self-confidence, and the feeling of success are crucial in overcoming constraints through sports participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two forms of perfectionism were examined in the present study to see whether they predicted prosocial and antisocial behaviors in sport through moral disengagement and altruism in a sample of 327 wheelchair basketball and rugby athletes (M = 33.57 years, SD = 10.51; 83% male). Using structural equation modeling, the following significant direct and indirect effects were found. First, perfectionistic strivings positively predicted perceived prosocial behaviors and altruism. Second, perfectionistic concerns negatively predicted altruism and prosocial behaviors and positively predicted moral disengagement. Third, antisocial behaviors were positively predicted by moral disengagement and altruism. Furthermore, perfectionistic concerns indirectly predicted antisocial behaviors positively through moral disengagement and negatively through altruism. Finally, perfectionistic strivings positively predicted antisocial behaviors through altruism. Results provided partial support for the role of perfectionism in predicting prosocial and antisocial behaviors through moral disengagement among athletes with a disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An athlete's ability to change direction is important for performance in wheelchair basketball. It is therefore essential that evaluations of change of direction performance are reliable and valid. This study assessed the reliability and construct validity of the L-change of direction test (L-COD) for elite wheelchair basketball athletes. Sixteen male athletes from the Australian national wheelchair basketball squad were recruited. The L-COD test was assessed for total time (via electronic timing gates) to complete a standardised series of rapid changes of direction, accelerations, and decelerations. Inter-trial reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and typical error (TE). Construct validity was assessed by first determining each athlete's fastest trial, then 1) comparing between lower (class = 2.5, n = 6) and higher classified (class = 3.0, n = 10) athletes using an independent samples ttest, and 2) assessing the relationship between athlete classification and timed L-COD performance using Spearman's rank (rs). Excellent reliability was found between the two trials (ICC = 0.96, CV = 1.9%, TE = 0.18 s). When comparing classification groups, higher classified athletes completed the L-COD test 8.3% faster (p < 0.001, d = 2.51) than lower classified athletes. A very strong inverse correlation was found between classification and L-COD performance time (rs = -0.77). The L-COD test showed excellent inter-trial reliability for elite male wheelchair basketball athletes. It was also able to discriminate between low and higher classified athletes and performance on the test showed a very strong relationship with classification. Therefore, results from this study indicate that the L-COD test can be administered to assess change of direction performance in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Quantifying the external and internal load of the wheelchair basketball will allow the coaching staff to analyze the physical demands of the players during training. The systematic and programmed control and evaluation of the external and internal load of high-performance athletes during training sessions and high-level competitions allows the coaching staff to know a great amount of information to evaluate the physical condition of the players and the tactical positioning as well as to identify optimal performance. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the external and internal load of wheelchair basketball players during training and competition matches considering the functional classification of the players. WIMU PROTM inertial devices were used to collect the data. As independent variables, the sporting context and the functional classification were selected, and as dependent variables, the variables related to the external and internal load were established. The results reported significant differences between the contexts, with higher values in the competition than in the training sessions considering the internal and external load. Taking into account the functional classification, it is shown that the player with a higher functional classification obtained more differences and higher values. Understanding the external and internal load of the players during training and competitions is very important to personalise the training load according to the demands of the competition. It allows development of a progressive and modular training programme of loads to obtain the best performance. Consequently, injury risk of players due to overload will also be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Wheelchair basketball is an adaptation of pedestrian basketball and one of the most popular Paralympic sports worldwide. The epidemiology of health problems in wheelchair basketball has been prospectively studied only during the Paralympic Games, the 2018 World Championships, the 2021 South America Wheelchair Basketball Championship, and one season of two American intercollegiate wheelchair basketball teams. The objective of the study was to prospectively monitor and analyze the prevalence, incidence, burden, and characteristics of injuries and illnesses in a wheelchair basketball league during an entire season for the first time. Methods All players of the highest German wheelchair basketball league (Bundesliga) were invited to participate in the study. Included players completed the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire once a week during the entire season 2020/21 to report health problems. Exposure was captured by self-reported training time and officially-recorded competition time. Results Sixty of 117 players (51%, 47 male, 13 female) of the national league participated with an average response of 93%. Seventy health problems (5.5/1000 exposure hours [95% CI: 4.9–6.1]) were reported, including 54 injuries and 16 illnesses. Prevalence of health problems was 60% (95% CI: 48–72). Most injuries affected the shoulder (32% of all injuries), cervical spine/neck (17%), and hand (13%). More overuse injuries (2.9/1000 exposure hours [95% CI: 2.5–3.3]) than acute injuries (1.3/1000 exposure hours [95% CI: 1.0-1.6]) occurred. Of all health problems, 53% were associated with time-loss. The incidences of all health problems, illnesses, injuries, and overuse injuries were higher in women than in men. Conclusions Characteristics and frequency of injuries and illnesses during wheelchair basketball season differed from those during major wheelchair basketball tournaments. The high proportion of overuse injuries and the higher injury rates in women should be regarded in the development of individualized prevention measures. Since results from previous studies during major tournaments are only partially comparable to wheelchair basketball league play, further studies should follow.

IntroductionThe aim of this phenomenological study is to determine the motivational factors in the participation of wheelchair basketball players in sports according to Self-Determination Theory.MethodsThe study group of the research was determined by the criterion sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. Accordingly, thirteen (13) wheelchair athletes constituted the study group. In the research, a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form were prepared as data collection tools within the framework of the self-determination theory. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with the prepared interview forms. The data were analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis method.ResultsSix (6) themes emerged: constraints, coping strategies, appreciation, positive feedback, need for existence, and development. Sixteen sub-themes related to these themes were identified.ConclusionThe most significant factors causing a lack of motivation in wheelchair basketball athletes were observed to be structural constraints such as access to materials and facilities. Extrinsic sources of motivation were identified as the positive attitudes and behaviors of individuals in their environment, often related to admiration, appreciation, and being set as an example, and this situation has a positive impact on wheelchair basketball athletes. On the other hand, it can be stated that intrinsic motivations such as identity change, gaining self-confidence, and the feeling of success are crucial in overcoming constraints through sports participation.

Featured Application: Planning and evaluation of the training sessions provide valuable information regarding the evolution of the physical condition and the load to which the players are exposed. The design and organization of the training tasks in Wheelchair Basketball (WB) determine the load to which the players are exposed. Therefore, the aims of the present study were twofold: (a) to identify the existing associations between the pedagogical variables and the game space that define the training tasks by a coach of a professional WB team using the integral analysis system of training tasks (SIATE) tool, and (b) to analyze the self-defined profile of the two coaches. A total of 46 tasks coded during two months of coaching were analyzed. The following questionnaires were used to determine the coaches' self-defined profile: (i) Coach Orientation Questionnaire; (ii) Coach Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire; (iii) Coach Decision Questionnaire; and (iv) Coach Planning Style Questionnaire. The results reported a relationship between the playing space and the design of the tasks defined by the pedagogical variables. Positional situations in WB are mainly used for 1 × 0 tasks, during warm-up, by means of simple and unopposed application games. In the same way, 1 × 0 tasks are used in midfield game situations. On the other hand, coaches use the round-trip court in more complex game situations, 4 × 4 and 5 × 5, in which attack and defense contents are worked together, by means of specific complex games of numerical equality for the training of collective technical–tactical attacking schemes. Planning and evaluation of the training sessions provide knowledge regarding the evolution of the physical condition and load to which the players are exposed. The WB coaches should handle a wide repertoire of general and specific contents to improve the quality of training sessions, and consequently, the performance in the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) is the property of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Information about non-elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players across national competitive seasons are still missing. This study aimed at identifying which situational-related variables were associated with shooting effectiveness in non-elite WB players. Methods. All the matches played by one WB team across one national competitive season were video-recorded and analysed; 333 shooting attempts from high-point players and several situational-related variables were considered. Results. Pearson's Chi-square test showed that increased shooting effectiveness under the following conditions: playing on home ground, during won matches, while taking shots with the wheelchair in motion, and when no opposing player raised their arm in defence. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant influence of match location (p-valueD0.001), shot-clock remaining (p-value D 0.015) and modality of press (p-value < 0.001). The highest attack effectiveness was achieved when teams played at home (odds ratio [OR] D 2.49), while the shooting effectiveness decreased when the shot occurred during the last seconds of the action (ORD0.36), or the opponents defended with the arm raised (ORD0.19). These results suggest that coaches should include exercises aimed at shooting under conditions of increased pressure in their programmes in order to create specific situations during the training sessions to prepare their high-point athletes for shots under specific match constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the tracking of within-athlete changes in criterion measures of whole-body fat percentage (BF%; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) with skinfold thickness (Σ 4, 6, or 8) in wheelchair basketball players. Methods: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived whole BF% and Σ 4, 6, or 8 skinfolds were obtained at 5 time points over 15 months (N = 16). A linear mixed model with restricted maximum likelihood (random intercept, with identity covariance structure) to derive the within-athlete prediction error for predicting criterion BF% from Σ skinfolds was used. This prediction error allowed us to evaluate how well a simple measure of the Σ skinfolds could track criterion changes in BF %; that is, the authors derived the change in Σ skinfolds that would have to be observed in an individual athlete to conclude that a substantial change in criterion BF% had occurred. Data were log-transformed prior to analysis. Results: The Σ 8 skinfolds was the most precise practical measure for tracking changes in BF%. For the monitoring of an individual player, a change in Σ 8 skinfolds by a factor of greater than 1.28 (multiply or divide by 1.28) is associated with a practically meaningful change in BF% (≥1 percentage point). Conclusions: The Σ 8 skinfolds can track changes in BF% within individuals with reasonable precision, providing a useful field monitoring tool in the absence of often impractical criterion measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]