PARAMETERS OF BALL RELEASE IN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL FREE THROW SHOOTING

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between ball release parameters and player classification in wheelchair basketball free throw shooting. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) video data collected during international competition, parameters of ball release associated with performance of the dean swish were examined. Significant differences were identified between the four player classes. The upper classes (3 & 4) tended to release the ball from a greater height, with less speed and a smaller angle of projection. The lower classes used a technique that demanded greater accuracy, but still managed to achieve free throw shooting percentages similar to the upper classes (3 & 4) who did not appear to utilize their height advantage

THE EFFECT OF WRIST RESTRAINTS ON WHEELING BIOMECHANICS

High intracarpal pressures created by hyperextension of the wrist during wheelchair propulsion is a suggested cause of median nerve dysfunction at the wrist/hand (Burnham & Steadward, 1994). An injury survey conducted by Burnham, Higgins & Steadward (1994) found that the wrist and hand were the most common sites of injury reported by wheelchair basketball players. The purpose of this study was to assess whether various forms of hand/wrist protection (visco-elastic padded glove, wrist splint, glove and splint) could effectively reduce the hyperextension seen at the wrist during wheelchair propulsion, thus potentially reducing the conditions predisposing to carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, an evaluation of the various forms of hand/wrist protection and their effects on wheeling mechanics was also undertaken. The wheeling performances of thirteen subjects with prior wheeling experience were recorded using two SVHS videorecorders positioned to obtain a front and side view. Each subject propelled a standard wheelchair basketball chair mounted to a set of wheelchair rollers under four different conditions (no splint, visco-elastic padded glove on the palms, wrist splint, and glove and splint together). Under each of the conditions the subjects wheeled for thirty seconds both at their average speed and at their maximum speed. Reflective markers were placed on the joint centers of the shoulder and elbow, on the styloid processes of the radius and ulna, and on the distal ends of the 2nd and 5th metacarpals of the right limb to facilitate subsequent digitizing. Twelve points surrounding the activity space were filmed prior to testing and later utilized for calibration using the DLT method for three-dimensional coordinate data reconstruction, followed by smoothing of the data using a cubic spline. Three-dimensional joint angular displacement-time histories for the elbow and wrist were determined using the 3D coordinate data and the dot product identity. Data were analyzed using an one way AN OVA followed by Scheffe post hoc comparisons where appropriate. No differences were found to be significant between the conditions for the elbow angle, however significant differences were revealed for the wrist extension and wrist range of motion angles. Both splint conditions (splint, glove &splint) were significantly different from the non-restraint conditions (no splint, glove). The data suggest that the splints significantly reduced the amount of wrist extension as compared to the no restraint conditions. No significant differences were found between the conditions for maximum wheeling speed. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the wrist restraints significantly reduced wrist extension during wheeling and that the restraints did not significantly affect wheeling mechanics as suggested by the consistent elbow-angle time histories and wheeling speeds. REFERENCES Burnham, R & Steadward, R (1994). Upper extremity peripheral nerve entrapments among wheelchair athletes: prevalence, location, and risk factors. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 75, 519 524. Burnham, R, Higgins, J. & Steadward, R. (1994). Wheelchair basketball injuries. Palaestra, 10(2), 43-49

COMPARISON OF MEN'S AND WOMEIU'S 100 M FREESTYLE PERFORMANCES AT THE 1996 PARALYMPIC GAMES

Swimming competition for persons with a loco-motor disability is organised according to a functional classification system. One manner of checking the validity of this system is to compare the race results of men and women, in this case for the 100 m freestyle at the 1996 Paralympic Games. Men swam faster than women and had longer stroke lengths but no differences in stroke rate. Starting and turning ability did not differ. Women finished faster. In general the pattern of differences between Olympic and Paralympic swimmers and among classes was similar in men and women, supporting the validity of the functional classification system used for freestyle

THE EFFECTS OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ON COMPETITION SWIM PERFORMANCE

Several factors contribute to successful swim performance, but how are they affected by impaired vision? The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between degree of visual impairment and performance variables during the 100m freestyle and backstroke events in Paralympic swimmers and to compare the performances with those of Olympic swimmers. A competition video analysis conducted at the 1996 Paralympic Games showed that performance tends to decrease in all aspects of the race with increasing visual impairment. Continued competition race analyses and delivery of results to the coaches will help in strengthening the competition of Paralympic swimming

FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARALYMPIC SWIMMERS

Swimming competition for persons with a loco-motor disability is organised according to a functional classification system. However, until the Atlanta Paralympic Games, these swimmers had never been the subject of a more extensive race analysis. Information from this analysis, which could be of interest to coaches of able bodied as well as disabled swimmers, has been discussed. In general Paralympic swimmers do not start, turn, or finish their race much different from Olympic swimmers. The relation of stroke rate and length with free swimming speed is also similar. However, some exceptions within specific impairment groups have been found

'A mockery of equality': An exploratory investigation into disabled activists' views of the Paralympic Games

This article offers an exploratory analysis of the opinions of disabled activists towards the Paralympic Games. With the use of a qualitative online survey, the work focuses on the perceptions of disabled individuals (n = 32) who are not Paralympic athletes but are affiliated to the disability rights group, the United Kingdom Disabled People's Council. Working on the premise that the views of disabled activists have been excluded from Paralympic sports discourse to date, the results illustrate a nuanced yet negative view of the Games to contrast with an existing, yet overly positive, academic narrative. Participants were particularly cynical of the portrayal and production of the Games and its Paralympic athletes as they perceived that the wider population of disabled people is misrepresented. The overwhelming perception in this preliminary analysis suggests that the Paralympic Games can be counterproductive to disability rights beyond sport

International Olympic Committee consensus statement on pain management in elite athletes

Pain is a common problem among elite athletes and is frequently associated with sport injury. Both pain and injury interfere with the performance of elite athletes. There are currently no evidence-based or consensus-based guidelines for the management of pain in elite athletes. Typically, pain management consists of the provision of analgesics, rest and physical therapy. More appropriately, a treatment strategy should address all contributors to pain including underlying pathophysiology, biomechanical abnormalities and psychosocial issues, and should employ therapies providing optimal benefit and minimal harm. To advance the development of a more standardised, evidence-informed approach to pain management in elite athletes, an IOC Consensus Group critically evaluated the current state of the science and practice of pain management in sport and prepared recommendations for a more unified approach to this important topic