The relationship between upper extremity physical fitness tests and functional sportive skills in wheelchair basketball players

Our study was planned to investigate the relationship between physical fitness parameters and sportive skills in wheelchair basketball players. The study included 22 wheelchair basketball players. Hand grip strength was assessed using Jamar Dynamometer (Based in South Korea Saehan Corporation Saehan Hand Dynamometers and Pinch Gauges), flexibility was assessed using Back Scratch Test, explosive strength using Medicine Ball Chest Pass Test, balance using Modified Functional Reach Test, muscular strength and endurance using Modified Push Up Test, aerobic endurance using 6 Minute Endurance Test. Sport specific skills were evaluated using the 20 m Sprint Test, Slalom Test, Pick Up the Ball Test, Pass for Accuracy Test, Zone Shot Test, Lay Up Test, T Test. According to the results of the study, the athletes with good grip strength used the TS faster, their ability to use the TS, passing and lay-up performances were better and their agility was better (p<0.05), athletes with good flexibility had better ball gripping and passing performances (p<0.05), there was a positive correlation between explosive strength and anaerobic power and all sportive skills (p<0.05), athletes with good body balance had better wheelchair using skills, passing, lay-up performances and agility (p<0.05), 05), athletes with good muscular strength and endurance had better ball gripping, shooting, passing, lay-up performance, agility and TS usage skills (p<0,05), athletes with good aerobic endurance had better agility, lay-up, passing and ball gripping skills (p<0,05). No significant correlation was found between the anxiety levels of the athletes and any sportive skill, and balance was found to be at a lower level in athletes with high anxiety levels among physical fitness parameters (p>0.05). In our study: It was found that sport-specific skills of wheelchair basketball players were associated with each parameter of physical fitness. It was concluded that the physical fitness and sport-specific skills of the athletes should be evaluated in detail and a personalized comprehensive training and exercise program should be planned in line with the data obtained.