Medicina Universitaria (Jan 2022)
Optimal performance profiles in male wheelchair basketball players based on hand-grip strength, anthropometric parameters, agility, and speed tests
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the determinants of optimal performance by assessing the relationship between agility, speed tests, hand-grip strength, and anthropometric parameters in male wheelchair-basketball players. Material and methods: Twenty male players were evaluated and separated into two categories, functional class and performance. Speed, agility, hand-grip strength, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: The body mass index and arm span correlated with agility (r= 0.457, p= 0.043; r= 0.572, p= 0.048). Both categories showed similar values of agility, speed, and hand-grip strength. Category A players exhibited a significant correlation between agility and hand-grip strength (r = -0.928, p = 0.008), hand-grip strength and forearm length (r= 0.602, p= 0.038) and iliac crest skinfold (r = 0.764, p= 0.004) and category B showed a correlation between speed test and hand-grip strength (r = -0.928, p = 0.008), triceps skinfold (r = 0.755, p= 0.031) and iliac crest skinfold (r = 0.898, p= 0.002). Conclusions: Hand-grip strength could be a reliable parameter of agility and speed, which determines high performance in wheelchair-basketball players.
Keywords