Search Results (17)

Wheelchair tennis (WT) is a Paralympic sport designed for athletes with physical impairments. Assessing physical fitness characteristics using appropriate field-based tests and standardized protocols is essential for individualized training, injury prevention, and performance monitoring. However, there is currently limited information on which field-based tests are most suitable and how they should be applied in WT athletes, resulting in inconsistency across studies and practical use. Establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) enables replicable, cost-effective testing routines that improve data consistency and comparability. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize the existing evidence on field-based physical fitness assessment in WT athletes and to propose a structured SOP for these tests. A comprehensive search was conducted in three electronic databases—NLM PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus—using predefined keywords and Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria were limited to peer-reviewed, English-language original articles focusing exclusively on field tests in WT athletes. Studies with other populations, reviews, and abstracts were excluded. Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria. This scoping review identified various field tests assessing key fitness components, including cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, agility, and body composition. The most frequently employed tests were the 20 m sprint test, isometric handgrip test, spider test, Illinois Agility Test, and skinfold thickness. These findings highlight the lack of standardized fitness assessments in WT. The proposed SOP offers a practical step toward consistent, replicable, and relevant evaluation in these athletes. Full article

Background: Monitoring player mobility in wheelchair sports is crucial for helping coaches understand activity dynamics and optimize training programs. However, the lack of data from monitoring tools, combined with a lack of standardized processing approaches and ineffective data presentation, limits their usability outside of research teams. To address these issues, this study aimed to propose a simple and efficient algorithm for identifying locomotor tasks (static, forward/backward propulsion, pivot/tight/wide rotation) during wheelchair movements, utilizing kinematic data from standard wheelchair mobility tests. Methods: Each participant’s wheelchair was equipped with inertial measurement units—two on the wheel axes and one on the frame. A total of 36 wheelchair tennis and badminton players completed at least one of three proposed tests: the star test, the figure-of-eight test, and the forward/backward test. Locomotor tasks were identified using a five-step procedure involving data reduction, symbolic approximation, and logical pattern searching. Results: This method successfully identified 99% of locomotor tasks for the star test, 95% for the figure-of-eight test, and 100% for the forward/backward test. Conclusion: The proposed method offers a valuable tool for the simple and clear identification and representation of locomotor tasks over extended periods. Future research should focus on applying this method to wheelchair court sports matches and daily life scenarios. Full article

This review reports on the use of sensors in wheelchair sports to monitor and analyze performance during match and training time. With rapid advancements in electronics and related technologies, understanding performance metrics in wheelchair sports is essential. We reviewed nine studies using various sensor types, including electric motors, inertial measurement units, miniaturized data loggers with magnetic reed switches, and smartphones with inbuilt accelerometers and gyroscopes, operating at frequencies from 8 Hz to 1200 Hz. These studies measured parameters such as angular and translational velocities, distance, number of starts/pushes, and other performance indicators in sports such as basketball, rugby, tennis, and racing. Despite differences in sport types and methodologies, most studies found sensor-derived data effective for assessment of performance. Future developments and research in this field should focus on multi-sensor systems that could provide real-time match analysis and deeper insights into performance metrics. Overall, sensor technologies show significant potential for improving wheelchair sport performance diagnostics, contributing to better athlete training and future wheelchair design, and enhancing competitive outcomes. This review emphasizes the need for continued innovation and standardization in applying sensor technologies in wheelchair sports. Full article

Table tennis is a sport that is enjoyed by many, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities. This scoping review summarised the current test protocols for assessing table tennis technical proficiency in individuals with disabilities. Relevant articles were searched through four databases (Scopus, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) covering three key aspects: disability, table tennis, and technical proficiency. The search resulted in 14 studies included for data extraction, covering physical impairments, intellectual disability, and development coordination disorder. Almost all studies (93%) were conducted on well-trained para-table tennis athletes competing in high-level competitions. There exist protocols to assess service accuracy and stroke accuracy, hand–eye coordination, quality of specific skills and ball control, functional reach, and trunk rotation. The forehand topspin and backhand topspin drives were tested the most. Table tennis robots and video cameras are the common equipment used. Moving forward, future research should develop technical proficiency tests for players across all competency levels. The skill assessment criteria and scoring methods should be standardised and clearly explained. The validity and reliability of tests should be established. Lastly, there is great potential in using artificial intelligence to enhance the assessment of table tennis proficiency in individuals with disabilities. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the muscle activations of the dominant arm during the forehand stroke of wheelchair tennis. Five players participated in the present study (age: 32.6 ± 9.9 years; body mass: 63.8 ± 3.12 kg; height: 164.4 ± 1.7 cm). The electrical muscle activity of six dominant arm muscles was recorded using an sEMG system. A significant effect of the muscle’s activity was observed, and it was shown that the muscle activation was significantly higher in the execution phase compared to the preparation phase in the anterior deltoid and biceps brachii (34.98 ± 10.23% and 29.13 ± 8.27%, p < 0.001); the posterior deltoid, triceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi radialis were higher in the follow-through phase than in the execution phase (16.43 ± 11.72%, 16.96 ± 12.19%, 36.23 ± 21.47% and 19.13 ± 12.55%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was determined that the muscle activations of the dominant arm muscles demonstrate variances throughout the phases of the forehand stroke. Furthermore, the application of electromyographic analysis to the primary arm muscles has been beneficial in understanding the muscular activity of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist throughout the various phases of the forehand stroke in wheelchair tennis. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on upper strength in high-level male players playing four successive wheelchair tennis (WT) matches. Eight international WT players took part in a competition, playing one match per day over four consecutive tournament days. Before and after the match, the maximal isometric handgrip strength was measured on the dominant and non-dominant hand. Additionally, each player was equipped with one radiofrequency and IMU device on their wheelchair to control his activity profile (distance). The results showed significant differences between successive matches, with decreasing dominant handgrip strength (p = 0.02, η² = 0.043), and there was a significant interaction between successive matches and the accumulated distance (p = 0.013, η² = 0.049). The pre- and post-match strength values of the dominant hand decreased throughout the matches over a number of days, and post hoc analysis showed differences between the first and fourth matches only in pre-match strength (49.06 ± 6.96 vs. 45.94 ± 7.1; p = 0.045; ES: 1.04) but not in the non-dominant hand. Successive matches caused a decrease in the strength values of the WT players, mainly in the dominant hand. These results should be taken into account in the recovery and prevention of injuries in competitions with successive matches. Full article

Paralympic table tennis is the third largest paralympic sport for the number of players. Performance analysis was conducted for the rally duration and interval and impact of serve, whilst none investigated the shots distribution among classes of physical impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a notational analysis of international competitions in relation to the wheelchair classes. Five matches for each wheelchair class (C1-to-C5) were evaluated from 20 elite male right-handed players. Both players for each match were analyzed for the following performance indicators: strokes type, the area of ball bouncing, and the shots outcome. Backhand shots were the most used technique for all classes. The most used strokes for C1 players were backhand and forehand drive and backhand lob, while for C5 players they were backhand and forehand push and backhand topspin. Similar shots distribution was registered for C2-to-C5 players. The central and far-from-the-net zone was mainly reached by the serve for all classes. Errors shots were similar in all classes, whilst winning shots were more frequent in C1. The current notational analysis provided a meaningful performance modelling of indicators for coaches and athletes that can be used to design training programs for each class. Full article

With progress in fifth-generation techniques, more advanced techniques are available for disabled people. Disability table tennis has also benefited from the new technology. In this paper, a portable and low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator for wheelchair table tennis monitoring systems is proposed. It was applied for wheelchair table tennis athletes’ monitoring. The portable and low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator consists of Kapton, polyurethane triboelectric films, and a foam supporting layer. The materials have flexible and low-cost characteristics. Therefore, the device has no influence on exercise performance. Due to triboelectric and electrostatic induction, the portable and low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator can convert biomechanical signals into electric signals. The electric signal is used as a sensing signal and is transformed in a computer by an Analog-to-Digital acquisition module. The coach acquires motion information in real time from a terminal device regarding force, exercise amplitude, and stability of the athlete. Meanwhile, the electric signal provides also sustainable energy for the microelectronic device. It can light 20 LEDs easily and power a calculator and a watch. This portable and low-cost self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator offers a new approach to the field of motion monitoring for disabled people. Full article

Efforts to provide nutrition support to para-athletes have not been established to date, and are far behind those established for athletes without disabilities. In the present study, we attempted to clarify the actual situation regarding dietary challenges of para-athletes. The aim of this study was to obtain clues to effective intervention methods that encourage the practice of sports nutrition. Six active elite para-athletes (30–70 years, four males) and a female physical therapist without physical disability participated in semi-structured interviews. All para-athletes had lower-limb disabilities and participated in the international wheelchair sports competitions (tennis, softball, and table tennis, with 2–26 years of player history). The interview items were on the ideal diet for improving competitive performance, evaluation of their typical diets, and the role of the dietitian as support. Responses obtained from participants were analyzed using quantitative content analysis by language analysis software. There are differences in the ideal diet based on the characteristics of the sport, but most participants believed that a nutritionally well-balanced diet with abundant vegetables was ideal for improving competitive performance. Para-athletes who use a wheelchair daily pay attention to their total calorie intake, because gaining weight is a critical issue for operating their wheelchairs and transferring themselves to and from their wheelchairs. Despite their world-class competition levels, none of them received routine dietary advice from dietitians. Some para-athletes did not even feel the need to engage with dietitians. Even for these para-athletes at a high level of competition, the “ideal diet” they considered was not always the optimal diet for improving their competitive performance. In addition, there are various barriers to practicing their optimal diet due to disability characteristics. Dietitians need to understand these barriers, their concerns and conflicts, and how to help them plan the optimal diet to improve their performance and maintain overall health. Full article

Manual wheelchair (MWC) users are exposed to whole-body vibrations (WBVs) during propulsion. Vibrations enter the MWC structure through the wheels’ hub, propagate according to the MWC dynamical response, and finally reach the user’s body by the footrest, seat, backrest, and handrims. Such exposure is likely to be detrimental to the user’s health and a source of discomfort and fatigue which could, in daily life, impact users’ social participation and performance in sports. To reduce WBV exposure, a solution relies on MWC dynamical response modelling and simulation, where the model could indeed be used to identify parameters that improve the MWC dynamic. As a result, it is necessary to first assess the MWC dynamical response. In this approach, experimental modal analyses were conducted on eleven MWCs, including daily and sport MWCs (tennis, basketball, and racing). Through this procedure, modal properties (i.e., modal frequencies, damping parameters, and modal shapes) were identified for each MWC part. The results pointed out that each MWC investigated, even within the same group, revealed specific vibration properties, underlining the difficulty of developing a single vibration-reducing system for all MWCs. Nevertheless, several common dynamical properties related to MWC comfort and design were identified. Full article

To better understand the biomechanics of para-table tennis players, this study compared the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint kinematics among able-bodied (AB) and wheelchair players in different classifications. Nineteen participants (AB, n = 9; classification 1 (C1), n = 3; C2, n = 3; C3, n = 4) executed 10 forehand and backhand topspin drives. Shoulder abduction/adduction, elbow flexion/extension, wrist extension/flexion, respective range of motion (ROM), and joint patterns were obtained using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. The results showed clear differences in upper limb kinematics between the able-bodied and wheelchair players, especially in the elbow and wrist. For the para-players, noticeable variations in techniques were also observed among the different disability classes. In conclusion, wheelchair players likely adopted distinct movement strategies compared to AB to compensate for their physical impairments and functional limitations. Hence, traditional table tennis programs targeting skills and techniques for able-bodied players are unsuitable for para-players. Future work can investigate how best to customize training programs and to optimize movement strategies for para-players with varied types and degrees of impairment. Full article

The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of disability acceptance among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) participating in the Sport for All program through self-help group activities with other individuals with SCI. This study investigated whether disability acceptance mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction and between sense of belonging and life satisfaction. Subjects were 142 individuals with SCI participating in the self-help group with other sports activities including para table tennis, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and weight training. A simple mediation effect analysis showed that disability acceptance significantly mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction (indirect effect, b = 0.219) and between the sense of belonging and life satisfaction (indirect effect, b = 0.289). The results suggest the importance of disability acceptance for individuals with SCI participating in “Sports for All” programs. Full article

This study was the first to compare the differences in trunk/shoulder kinematics and impact vibration of the upper extremity during backhand strokes in wheelchair tennis players and the able-bodied players relative to standing and sitting positions, adopting an electromagnetic system along with wearable tri-axial accelerometers upon target body segments. A total of 15 wheelchair tennis players and 15 able-bodied tennis players enrolled. Compared to players in standing positions, wheelchair players demonstrated significant larger forward trunk rotation in the pre-preparation, acceleration, and deceleration phase. Significant higher trunk angular velocity/acceleration and shoulder flexion/internal rotation angular velocity/acceleration were also found. When able-bodied players changed from standing to sitting positions, significant changes were observed in the degree of forward rotation of the trunk and shoulder external rotation. These indicated that when the functions of the lower limbs and trunk are lacking or cannot be used effectively, “biomechanical solutions” such as considerable reinforcing movements need to be made before the hitting movement. The differences between wheelchair tennis players and able-bodied players in sitting positions could represent the progress made as the wheelchair players evolve from novices to experts. Knowledge about how sport biomechanics change regarding specific disabilities can facilitate safe and inclusive participation in disability sports such as wheelchair tennis. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the activity pattern and technical-tactical parameters of men’s wheelchair tennis matches from the Paralympic Games (PG) in Athens 2004 (A), Beijing 2008 (B), London 2012 (L) and Rio 2016 (R). A total of 5702 shots from twelve final round matches were analysed. Activity patterns (e.g., rally duration, shots per rally…) and technical effectivity (e.g., errors, winners…) were recorded. An ANOVA test with post hoc pairwise comparisons was conducted to compare the mean differences among matches of different PG. Game duration, points and shots per game differed according to the PG (R and L > B and A). Rally duration (p < 0.001) and shots per rally (p < 0.001) were longer at R and L than B and A. The effectivity of the last shots was different, the errors have been increasing and the winners have been decreasing. The main finding indicates that activity patterns and technical parameters have evolved mainly between A and B to L and R. This study gives an overview of the development of the sport over time, and coaches can use this information to adapt their training sessions to the current needs of the competition. Full article

The aim of this study was to identify the physical factors related to serve speed in male professional wheelchair tennis players (WT). Nine best nationally-ranked Spanish male wheelchair tennis players (38.35 ± 11.28 years, 63.77 ± 7.01 kg) completed a neuromuscular test battery consisting of: isometric handgrip strength; serve velocity; 5, 10 and 20 m sprint (with and without racket); agility (with and without racket); medicine ball throw (serve, forehand and backhand movements); and an incremental endurance test specific to WT. Significantly higher correlations were observed in serve (r = 0.921), forehand (r = 0.810) and backhand (r = 0.791) medicine ball throws showing a positive correlation with serve velocity. A regression analysis identified a single model with the medicine ball throw serve as the main predictor of serve velocity (r² = 0.847, p < 0.001). In conclusion, it is recommended that coaches and physical trainers include medicine ball throw workouts in the training programs of WT tennis players due to the transfer benefits to the serve speed. Full article