THE EFFECTS OF WHEELCHAIR CAMBER AND HANDRIM SIZE IN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL MOVEMENT

Abstract

Improving the wheelchair design can be an important determinant of high performance in the wheelchair basketball. Researchers have focused on increasing the efficiency of the wheelchair, looking at the factors such as the seat position, handrim size, and wheel camber. Most handrim and wheel chamber studies, however, have focused only on the propulsive phase. Quick turn as well as fast propulsion is essential to the success in a wheelchair basketball game and the energy efficiency becomes particularly important in a prolonged wheelchair use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wheelchair camber and handrim size on the linear propulsion, turn velocity, and efficiency.