Article

Classification is a defining factor for competition in wheelchair
sports, but it is a delicate and time-consuming process with often questionable
validity.(1) New inertial sensor based measurement methods applied in match play
and field tests, allow for more precise and objective estimates of the impairment
effect on wheelchair mobility performance. It was evaluated if these measures
could offer an alternative point of view for classification. METHODS: Six
standard wheelchair mobility performance outcomes of different classification
groups were measured in match play (n=29), as well as best possible performance
in a field test (n=47). RESULTS: In match-results a clear relationship between
classification and performance level is shown, with increased performance
outcomes in each adjacent higher classification group. Three outcomes differed
significantly between the low and mid-class groups, and one between the mid and
high-class groups. In best performance (field test), a split between the low and
mid-class groups shows (5 out of 6 outcomes differed significantly) but hardly
any difference between the mid and high-class groups. This observed split was
confirmed by cluster analysis, revealing the existence of only two performance
based clusters. CONCLUSION: The use of inertial sensor technology to get
objective measures of wheelchair mobility performance, combined with a
standardized field-test, brought alternative views for evidence based
classification. The results of this approach provided arguments for a reduced
number of classes in wheelchair basketball. Future use of inertial sensors in
match play and in field testing could enhance evaluation of classification
guidelines as well as individual athlete performance.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI