Understanding The Relationship Between Performance and Propulsion Mechanics in Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Athletes

Abstract

This dissertation investigated propulsion mechanics used by collegiate wheelchair basketball athletes (WBA) of different performance levels during straight line and pivoting tasks. Two investigations were conducted, focusing on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th pushes during sport-specific movements. Aim I analyzed trunk, shoulder, and wrist displacement in the sagittal plane, as well as push length and push patterns during a linear 20-meter sprint. Aim II examined frontal and sagittal trunk displacement, as well as sagittal shoulder displacement on the pivot and non-pivot side during a change of direction task (CoD). Results from Aim I revealed significant differences between high-performing (HP) and low-performing (LP) athletes. HP athletes demonstrated a different pattern of trunk control during maximal sprinting compared to LP. HP employed a pattern of a near zero displacement in the sagittal plane during the 3rd and 5th pushes. Asymmetric pushing, particularly during the 3rd push, was associated with faster sprint times. Left-hand push patterns and push length differentiated between performance groups. Aim II found no statistical significance differences between groups. However, unique propulsion characteristics, frontal trunk displacement and shoulder displacement on the pivot side, were observed, frontal trunk displacement and shoulder displacement on the pivot side. HP athletes utilized lateral trunk flexion and exhibited a gradual shift towards a neutral position during the CoD task, suggesting increased stability and control of their trunk. These findings provide valuable insights into the sprinting mechanics employed by WBA. This study lays a foundation for developing targeted training interventions and future research directions in para-sport biomechanics.