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ABSTRACT: Snyder, L, Goods, PSR, Peeling, P, Balloch, A, Peiffer, JJ, Binnie, MJ, and Scott, BR. Contribution of physical characteristics to game performance in male wheelchair basketball athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-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.

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Balloch, AS, Meghji, M, Newton, RU, Hart, NH, Weber, JA, Ahmad, I, and Habibi, D. Assessment of a novel algorithm to determine change-of-direction angles while running using inertial sensors. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 134-144, 2020-The ability to detect and quantify change-of-direction (COD) movement may offer a unique approach to load-monitoring practice. Validity and reliability of a novel algorithm to calculate COD angles for predetermined COD movements ranging from 45 to 180° in left and right directions was assessed. Five recreationally active men (age: 29.0 ± 0.5 years; height: 181.0 ± 5.6 cm; and body mass: 79.4 ± 5.3 kg) ran 5 consecutive predetermined COD trials each, at 4 different angles (45, 90, 135, and 180°), in each direction. Participants were fitted with a commercially available microtechnology unit where inertial sensor data were extracted and processed using a novel algorithm designed to calculate precise COD angles for direct comparison with a high-speed video (remotely piloted, position-locked aircraft) criterion measure. Validity was assessed using Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement and mean bias. Reliability was assessed using typical error (expressed as a coefficient of variation [CV]). Concurrent validity was present for most angles. Left: (45° = 43.8 ± 2.0°; 90° = 88.1 ± 2.0°; 135° = 136.3 ± 2.1°; and 180° = 181.8 ± 2.5°) and Right: (45° = 46.3 ± 1.6°; 90° = 91.9 ± 2.2°; 135° = 133.4 ± 2.0°; 180° = 179.2 ± 5.9°). All angles displayed excellent reliability (CV < 5%) while greater mean bias (3.6 ± 5.1°, p < 0.001), weaker limits of agreement, and reduced precision were evident for 180° trials when compared with all other angles. High-level accuracy and reliability when detecting COD angles further advocates the use of inertial sensors to quantify sports-specific movement patterns.

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This study examined the suitability of sigmoidal (SIG) and exponential (EXP) functions for modeling HR kinetics at the onset of a 5-min low-intensity cycling ergometer exercise test (5MT). The effects of training status, absolute and relative workloads, and high versus low workloads on the accuracy and reliability of these functions were also examined. Untrained participants (UTabs; n = 13) performed 5MTs at 100W. One group of trained participants (n = 10) also performed 5MTs at 100W (ETabs). Another group of trained participants (n = 9) performed 5MTs at 45% and 60% V˙O2 max (ET45 and ET60, respectively). SIG and EXP functions were fitted to HR data from 5MTs. A 30-s lead-in time was included when fitting SIG functions. Functions were compared using the standard error of the regression (SER), and test-retest reliability of curve parameters. SER for EXP functions was significantly lower than for SIG functions across all groups. When residuals from the 30-s lead-in time were omitted, EXP functions only outperformed SIG functions in ET60 (EXP, 2.7 ± 1.2 beats·min-1; SIG, 3.1 ± 1.1 beats·min-1: P < 0.05). Goodness of fit and test-retest reliability of curve parameters were best in ET60 and comparatively poor in UTabs Overall, goodness of fit and test-retest reliability of curve parameters favored functions fitted to 5MTs performed by trained participants at a high and relative workload, while functions fitted to data from untrained participants exercising at a low and absolute workload were less accurate and reliable.

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