Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the morphological structure, muscle strength, and anaerobic power performance of the upper limbs of wheelchair basketball athletes. Eleven male players (33.2 ± 10.6 years, 71.8 ± 15.8 kg) were submitted to anthropometric measurements and dynamometry (kg), medicine ball throwing (m) and wingate arm tests (W). The results showed sitting height (79.7 ± 4.6 cm), relative body fat (20.7 ± 7.6%), handgrip strength and explosive muscle strength (50.1 ± 10.6 kg and 3.9 ± 1.1 m, respectively), as well as peak power (316.8 ± 126.2 W), mean power (160.5 ± 76.5 W) and fatigue index (50.4%) lower than the performance of other wheelchair basketball athletes. The morphological characteristics and performance of athletes in the present study suggest disadvantages when compared to other wheelchair basketball athletes.
Key words
Basketball; People with Disabilities; Exercise; Physical activity; Power