Determination of the relationship between upper extremity muscle strength, anaerobic capacity, aerobic capacity and sportive performance in wheelchair basketball athletes

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between isokinetic muscle strength of shoulder internal and external rotation, grip strength, anaerobic capacity, aerobic capacity and sportive performance in wheelchair basketball athletes. 26 wheelchair basketball athletes were involved into the study. Wheelchair basketball players were divided into two groups according to the classification levels (Group 1: less than 3 points, Group 2: 3 points and higher). Upper extremity muscle strengths were evaluated with the ISOMED 2000® isokinetic device. Hand grip strength was evaluated with hydraulic hand dynamometer. The measurement of the aerobic capacity was measured using its own wheelchair on the treadmill by applying a custom ramp protocol. Anaerobic capacity was evaluated with Wingate anaerobic power test (WAnT) for 30 seconds in standard laboratory conditions. The sportive performances were assessed by "20 m Sprint test", "Slalom Test" and "Zone Shot" tests. There was a significant correlation between the sports performance and the isokinetic muscle strength of shoulder internal and external rotation, aerobic and anaerobic capacities (p <0.05). There was no significant relationship between grip strength and sport performance parameters (p> 0.05). When comparing groups significant difference was found in favor of isokinetic muscle strength, grip strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity and sports performance 3 points and higher group (p <0.05). It was concluded that sportive performance in wheelchair basketball athletes is related to upper extremity muscle strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity and that upper limb muscle strength, sportive performance, aerobic and anaerobic capacity evaluations to be done will contribute positively to the planning of individual training and exercise programs. Keywords: Aerobic Capacity, Anaerobic Capacity, Isokinetic, Muscle Strength, Shoulder, Sportif Performance, Wheelchair Basketball.