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BACKGROUND: A healthy lifestyle provides a number of benefits, few comprehensive studies have assessed functional fitness and its association with physical activity, nutrition and body composition in older people. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between functional fitness, physical activity, nutrition and body composition of women aged above 60 years. METHODS: A group of 168 women was divided into two subgroups (‘active’ and ‘inactive’) based on their participation in organized exercise. Physical activity was measured with ActiGraph GT3-BT, nutrition was evaluated with the 4-day record intake, body composition was assessed with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, functional fitness was measured using the Senior Fitness Test. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between the functional fitness index, age and body fat in the ‘active’ group. In the ‘inactive’ group, a relationship was found between the length of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, Healthy Diet Indicator, body fat and functional fitness index. CONCLUSION: Fat mass is of significant importance in maintaining functional fitness in women over 60 years of age, regardless of undertaking organized physical activity

The aim of the study was to examine changes in objective and self-reported physical activity (PA) among women aged 60 years and older. The study included 200 women aged over 60 years, divided into three groups according to age (60–65 years, 66–70 years, > 70 years). The subjective assessment was provided with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – short version with self-reported PA assessment, and objective data was provided by an Actigraph GT3-BT worn for seven days. Significant differences in moderate and high intensity PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA and steps per day were found between the oldest and youngest groups; as well as in low, moderate, moderate-to-vigorous PA and steps per day between groups middle and oldest. In all three age groups, 1) significant differences were observed between subjective and objective measurements of physical activity and 2) no correlation was found between assessment measures. It was found that only direct PA measurement declined with age in women over 60 years old, and that sedentary behavior is underestimated, and moderate and vigorous PA overestimated, with the self-reported IPAQ.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the accuracy of impedance cardiography (ICG) for hemodynamic assessment in wheelchair rugby players during rest and exercise. Method: The study ...

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess upper limbs’ maximum power and locomotion speed among amputee football (amputee soccer) players. Methods: The 30-s Wingate Anaerobic test and the 20-m sprint test were performed. Anthropometric measurements and body composition (Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (% BF), and lean body mass (LBM)) were examined. Results: BMI significantly differentiated forwards and defenders (p < 0.05). Peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were related to LBM (p < 0.05), thus defenders reached higher values of PP, in comparison to forwards. % BF and BMI were related to relative mean power (rMP) (p < 0.05). Field position differentiated players in terms of upper limbs’ relative peak power (rPP) in favour of forwards (p < 0.05). Age was a significant factor for speed velocity on 10 m and 20 m (p < 0.05). There was no relationship between upper limbs’ power and locomotion speed. Conclusion: Body composition, especially % BF may influence on the anaerobic performance of amputee football players.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to determine anaerobic performance in male amputee football players considering types and levels of limb impairment, playing position, anthropometric parameters, and comparing the findings to reference values. Relationship between parameters in the laboratory anaerobic test and the handgrip test was checked. Methods: The 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (peak power, mean power, relative peak power, relative mean power, time to achieve peak power, fatigue index) on the arm-crank ergometer (LODE ANGIO), the FUTREX 6100 (Futrex, Gaithersburg, USA) and the handgrip test were used in amputee football players (n = 23). Anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: There were no differences in anaerobic results between players considering types and levels of limb impairment. Forwards had significantly higher relative mean and peak power (p = 0.049, d = 0.82; p = 0.049, d = 0.81), and lower amputation-adjusted body mass index (p = 0.001, d = 1.50) than defenders. For peak power, 19 out 23 achieved, and for relative peak power, 22 out 23 achieved results from “average” to “elite”. Peak power strongly correlated to handgrip strength results. Conclusions: Amputee football requires a high level of power from players. Maintaining appropriate body composition is important for amputee football players to have better anaerobic performance during the game. The 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test can be used to assess anaerobic performance in AF players. Sport-specific anaerobic performance laboratory tests and field-based tests using in indirect upper limbs’ peak power monitoring would be beneficial for coaches.

The purpose of this study was to compare aerobic parameters in the multistage field test (MFT) in hand rim wheelchair propulsion and lever wheelchair propulsion.Twenty-one men performed MFT using two different types of propulsion, i.e., lever and hand rim wheelchair propulsion. The covered distance and physiological variables (oxygen uptake (VOA significantly longer distance was observed in lever wheelchair propulsion than in hand rim wheelchair propulsion (1,194 and 649 m, respectively). VOThe lever wheelchair propulsion movement is less demanding than hand rim wheelchair propulsion and longer distances can be achieved by the user. There is a need to check lever wheelchair propulsion in different types of field tests.

In wheelchair sports, aerobic performance is commonly assessed with the use of an arm crank ergometer (ACE), a wheelchair ergometer (WCE) or a wheelchair treadmill (WCT). There are different protocols to identify peak oxygen uptake in wheelchair sports; however, only a few protocols have been applied to evaluate these conditions in wheelchair basketball players. The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses during maximal exercise testing with the use of ACE and WCT in wheelchair basketball players. Twelve elite male wheelchair basketball players participated in this study. The research was performed during a training camp of the Polish National Wheelchair Basketball Team. The study participants were divided into two functional categories: A (players with class 1.0 - 2.5) and B (players with class 3.0 - 4.5). Two main maximal exercise tests, i.e. wheelchair treadmill stress test (WCT test) and arm crank ergometer stress test (ACE test) were used to evaluate aerobic performance of the players. There were no statistically significant differences in aerobic tests between the players from both groups. The comparison of results achieved in two aerobic tests performed on WCT and ACE did not reveal any significant differences between the analyzed variables (peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), minute ventilation (VE), anaerobic threshold (AT), lactate concentration (LApeak), and a drop in lactate concentration (%LA)). Strong correlations between results achieved in WCT and ACE tests were found for VO2peak, VE and LApeak. The main conclusion of the study is that both WCT and ACE tests may be useful when determining aerobic capacity of wheelchair basketball players. Moreover, both protocols can be used by athletes regardless of their functional capabilities and types of impairment.

Proper body balance plays a significant role in performing motor skills and it depends upon a number of factors. Its level decreases when the reception of visual stimuli is limited. It may affect the choice of sports activities as well as overall performance. This study sought to assess the levels of selected static balance indices in visually impaired goalball players. Competitors who took part in the goalball tournament of the 2012 London Paralympic Games were included in the study ( M = 42, F = 23). The athletes were divided into groups taking into account tournament level, disability experience, training experience and training loads. Static balance was assessed using AMTI AccuSway stabilographic platform (ACS Model). The study participants performed the following tests: standing on both feet with eyes open and closed (30 s, single left- and right-leg stance with eyes open, single left- and right-leg stance with eyes closed (10 s). The significance of differences between groups in gender, disability experience, tournament level, training loads and starting class was assessed using Mann–Whitney U test. Significant differences were noted between competitors from teams participating in the preliminary and final rounds and between competitors with training experience of up to and above 10 years. Players participating in the final phase presented a higher level of static balance, but those with longer training experience lower than less experienced athletes. No significant differences were observed in the levels of the analysed variables between males and females and within starting classes. The study revealed the significance of static balance in achieving sporting excellence in goalball.

Introduction. A review of Polish and international literature does not give a clear indication of the level of anaerobic capacity that sailors with disabilities demonstrate with regard to their functional capacities. This study sought to determine differences in functional capacity levels between sailors from three medical and functional groups. Material and methods. The research was carried out during a sports camp at the National Sailing Centre in Górki Zachodnie in 2014. Eighteen males with locomotor disabilities were included in the study. The athletes were members of the National Team of Sailors with Disabilities of the Polish Yachting Association. The sportsmen competed in the Skud 18 and 2.4mR Paralympic classes. A 30-second Wingate test for upper limbs was employed in the study. Results. Significant differences in mean power (MP) values were noted between the groups under investigation. The group of wheelchair sailors with improper core stability (A) and the group of wheelchair sailors with proper core stability (B) had significantly lower scores than the group of study participants who were able to move freely, that is to walk (C). Conclusions. The study revealed that a 30-second anaerobic capacity test performed on an arm ergometer differentiated disabled sailors from selected groups in terms of mean power. Research on anaerobic capacity may be used to verify the current classification in Paralympic sailing and will make it possible to differentiate present competition categories.

The aim of this study was to compare the activity of upper limb muscles during hand rim wheelchair propulsion and lever wheelchair propulsion at two different velocity levels.Twenty male volunteers with physical impairments participated in this study. Their task was to push a lever wheelchair and a hand rim wheelchair on a mechanical wheelchair treadmill for 4 minutes at a speed of 3.5 km/h and 4.5 km/h in a flat race setting (conditions of moving over flat terrain). During these trials, activity of eight muscles of upper limbs were examined using surface electromyography.The range of motion in the elbow joint was significantly higher in lever wheelchair propulsion (59.8 ± 2.43°) than in hand rim wheelchair propulsion (43.9 ± 0.26°). Such values of kinematics resulted in a different activity of muscles. All the muscles were more active during lever wheelchair propulsion at both velocity levels. The only exceptions were extensor and flexor carpi muscles which were more active during hand rim wheelchair propulsion due to the specificity of a grip. In turn, the examined change in the velocity (by 1 km/h) while moving over flat terrain also caused a different EMG timing of muscle activation depending on the type of propulsion.Lever wheelchair propulsion seems to be a good alternative to hand rim wheelchair propulsion owing to a different movement technique and a different EMG timing of muscle activity. Therefore, we believe that lever wheelchair propulsion should serve as supplement to traditional propulsion.

Heart rate is a popular parameter observed in team sports to plan training sessions with regard to load and sport specificity. Wheelchair basketball is an intermittent team game for physically impaired players. The study aim was to define heart rate profile of wheelchair basketball players in terms of their functional classification (category A: 1.0-2.5 points, category B: 3.0-4.5 points), tournament level (championships and friendly games), game type (close, balanced, and unbalanced), game quarter (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) and playing time (40-59%, 60-79%, and 80-100% in a quarter). Heart rate of 18 wheelchair basketball players was monitored in 22 games in four different tournaments, i.e., European Championships 2017, World Championships 2018, two friendly international tournaments of national teams (2017 and 2018). Heart rate (HRmean, HRpeak, %HRpeak, HRR, and %HRR) was monitored by Polar Team Pro (Kempele, Finland) during playing time on the court. Timeouts, quarter breaks, a half break, time on a bench were not taken into account in HR monitoring. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Fourteen players divided according to the classification into category A and B were included in the final calculations (n = 457 cases). Significantly higher HRmean, %HRpeak, HRpeak, and %HRR were noted among category B players, and higher %HRpeak and %HRR among category A players at the highest tournament level compared to friendly games. There were significant differences in %HRR and the percentage of time spent in HR zone I between the players with different playing time (40-59% versus 60-79%) in category B. No significant differences in HR were noted between four quarters. Among category A players, differences in HR in zone II were observed. Among category B players, statistically significant differences in % HRpeak, the percentage of time spent in HR zones I, II, III, and %HRR between close, balanced and unbalanced games were found. In conclusion, the intermittent nature of wheelchair basketball was confirmed. Monitoring heart rate in a game could be helpful in creating exercises with proper loads for better physical preparation of wheelchair basketball players. High intensity training sessions would be more beneficial in preparing players for game demands.

Introduction: Paralympic sailing was introduced at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games. Since then it has been developing rapidly and an increasing number of individuals in Poland and abroad regularly take part in sports competitions. Currently, disabled athletes can compete in three classes: Sonar, 2.4mR and Skud 18. The review of the Polish and foreign literature does not give a clear indication of the motives for participation in Paralympic sailing. Material and methods: The study was carried out on 52 regatta sailors with physical disabilities. Group I consisted of 20 sailors from the Polish National Team. Group II consisted of 32 sailors from 10 European countries. The study was conducted during the National Team camp in Górki Zachodnie and during the European Championships in Switzerland. The Participation Reasons Scale (PRS – developed by Brasile and Hedrick in 1991) was used in the study. Results: Excitement of the activity and an opportunity to improve abilities were rated highest by the disabled sailors from the Polish National Team. In the group of sailors from other European countries, the motives rated highest included the chance to be with friends and challenges related to sailing. Conclusions: Sports-related aspects and emotions are the main factors motivating disabled persons to practise sailing. If we take into account the needs indicated by the sailors in planning sports activities for people with disabilities, it may contribute to faster development of Paralympic sailing in our country.

Identification of factors that affect postural stability may help to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance the quality of treatment and rehabilitation. This study sought to assess the relationship between postural stability parameters and anthropometric factors of persons with hearing impairment (HI).The study included 128 individuals - 42 subjects with HI and 86 without HI (healthy controls). Research methodology included an interview and a medical examination, anthropometric measurements and stabilometric tests on platforms with stable and unstable surfaces.In the group of female study participants with HI, significant correlations were only noted between body height and the Fall Risk Index (FRI). In the group of male subjects with HI, the study revealed significant correlations between FRI and body mass, BMI, % MM (muscle mass percentage) and % FAT (fat percentage). Moreover, moderate correlation was found between COP path with eyes open and body mass, while high correlation was observed between COP path with eyes open and BMI, % MM and % FAT. No significant correlation was noted between FRI and body height in men with HI.The examination of correlations between postural stability and body build of persons with HI did not confirm the effects of body height on postural stability in the examined group of individuals with HI, but revealed a greater influence of somatic parameters (body mass, BMI, % MM, % FAT) on postural stability in hearing-impaired men.

Introduction: Postural stability is the ability to recover the balance which was lost as a result of destabilizing factors. The balance is considered to be a key component of motor skills. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the parameters of postural stability and motor performance of people with hearing impairment. Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 42 people with hearing impairment from the earliest moments of life. Their degree of hearing impairment was significant or profound. The research methods included: medical history and examination to exclude damage to the vestibule, anthropometric measurements, stabilometric measurements on AccuSway AMTI platform under stable conditions, Biodex BBS platform under stable and unstable conditions and Eurofit Test. Results: No significant correlation between the parameters of postural stability and the majority of motor skill tests results was observed in the group of people with hearing impairment. The study revealed statistically significant correlations in both groups (women and men) between index of Fall Risk Test and the results of Flamingo test and also between the path COP with eyes open and the test results Flamingo. There were positive high correlations. Conclusions: Balance parameters showed no association with other motor skills assessed with Eurofit test except the Flamingo test, which is used to the evaluation of the functional stability. The study indicated the need to look for other relationships between postural stability and motor performance in larger groups.

The aims of the current study were (a) to analyze the differences in game performances of sitting volleyball athletes representing the different types of disabilities and (b) to assess whether the seated position vertical reach is one of the crucial factors in the game performance level of sitting volleyball athletes. One hundred male athletes from various national teams participating in the European Championships in Sitting Volleyball (2009) took part in this study. The athletes were categorized according to type of disability and the results of the vertical reach in a seated position. Thirtysix games were analyzed using the Game Performance Sheet for Sitting Volleyball. Twenty-three game performance parameters were studied. In addition, the sum and effectiveness of attacks, blocks, block services, services, ball receiving, and defensive actions were calculated. The main results indicated significant differences between athletes with minimal disability and athletes with single amputations from above the knee in the level of defensive performances and the summation of defensive actions. There was also a significant difference between athletes in relation to their vertical reach during activity and attacking actions, blocks, and ball receiving. In addition, there were strong relationships between the players’ vertical reach scores and their activity and effectiveness in sitting volleyball. In conclusion, the accuracy of the World Organization Volleyball for Disabled classification systems for sitting volleyball players was confirmed. There is a strong relationship between players’ vertical reach and their effectiveness in sitting volleyball.

Summary Introduction. The aim of the present research study was to compare the evaluation of peak anaerobic power generated by the lower and upper limbs muscles in wrestlers and boxers from the Polish national team, based on maximum and average power obtained in the Wingate test. Material and methods. Classical style wrestlers (n=30) and boxers (n=34), representatives of the Polish national team in these sports, took part in the study. All experimental subjects performed 30-seconds Wingate test for the lower limbs and then upper limbs. The load was individually selected in proportion to the body weight and was 0.075 kp/kg for the lower limbs test and 0.055 kp/kg for the upper limbs test. During the two tests, maximum power (Pmax) and mean power (Pmean) were recorded and expressed in relative terms (per unit body weight or kg of FFM). Blood samples were taken from the ear lobe after each test, for determination of lactate concentration (LA). Results. Maximum power and average power of the lower and upper limbs muscles, per kg of body mass (BM), was statistically significantly higher in wrestlers when compared with the boxers. Calculation of maximum and average power registered by the experimental contestants in both power tests per kg of FFM confirmed existence of differences between the anaerobic capaci ty of the lower and upper limbs muscles of wrestlers and boxers. Lactate threshold level (LApeak), upon completion of power tests was similar, regardless of the sport and the type of test. Conclusions. In summary, from the obtained data it can be concluded that wrestlers, compared with boxers, are characte rized by higher relative maximum power and relative average power (W/kg BW) generated by both the upper and lower limbs in the Wingate test. These differences remained after conversion of maximum and average power into kg of Fat Free Mass (W/kg FFM), despite significant difference in body fat in athletes of these two sports. The highest concentration of lactate in the blood after both power tests in wrestlers and boxers was similar, which indicates that the upper limb muscles produce more lactate per unit of work done during maximum power.

Wheelchair basketball athletes are classified using the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) functional classification system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between upper extremity anaerobic performance (AnP) and all functional classification levels in wheelchair basketball. Ninety-seven male athletes from the Polish and Lithuanian national wheelchair basketball leagues took part in this study. The Wingate Anaerobic Test was used to assess four AnP indexes with an arm crank ergometer The level of AnP in wheelchair basketball athletes depends to some degree on classification level. No significant differences were found for the AnP indexes across levels 1.0-2.5 and 3.0-4.5. However the AnP level for those in classes 1.0-2.5 was significantly lower than those in classes 3. 0-4.5. The findings from this study provided some evidence that the IWBF functional classification system should be reexamined and that a consolidation of the current eight levels might be in order.

The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to describe of game efficiency in relation to teams ranking in Gold Cup 2006, and (2) to explore the relationship between the functional classification levels of female elite wheelchair basketball athletes and their basketball performance. All 72 athletes representing the eight teams participating in the World Championships for Wheelchair Basketball in 2006 (3-16 July, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) were evaluated in this study. All twenty-four scheduled games were videotaped. Female athletes were divided according to their functional classification level (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5) and Gold Cup’s team ranking (teams from 1st to 4th place, teams from 5th and 6th place, teams from 7th and 8th place). Nineteen variables of game efficiency were evaluated. To determine quality of an athlete’s contribution to the game, modification of the Comprehensive Basketball Grading System (CBGSmodified) was used. Analyses of the results demonstrated that game efficiency in women’s wheelchair basketball is dependent on the athlete’s functional level and team ranking. The results support the notion that athletes from the “best” teams demonstrate higher shooting efficiency and significantly better CBSG values in comparison to female players from the “weakest” teams. In addition the data shows many similarities in game efficiency between those athletes from adjacent classifications levels.

Anaerobic capacity of upper extremity muscles of male and female swimmers Study aim: To assess the anaerobic capacity of upper extremity muscles of male and female swimmers by applying two exercise tests. Material and methods: Male and female swimmers (n = 9 and 6, respectively), aged 19 - 23 years and having training experience of over 10 years, were subjected to two tests: 30-s Wingate for upper extremities and semitethered swimming test. The following variables were determined: body fat content (from 4 skinfolds), maximum power output, heart rate (HR) and lactate (LA) concentration in blood. Results: Relative power outputs in the Wingate test and swimming force in semi-tethered swimming test (maximum and mean) were significantly (p Conclusions: Both tests may be interchangeably applied to determine the anaerobic capacity of upper extremity muscles in swimmers.

Goalball is a Paralympic sport exclusively for athletes who are visually impaired and blind. The aims of this study were twofold: to describe game performance of elite male goalball players based upon the degree of visual impairment, and to determine if game performance was related to anthropometric characteristics of elite male goalball players. The study sample consisted of 44 male goalball athletes. A total of 38 games were recorded during the Summer Paralympic Games in London 2012. Observations were reported using the Game Efficiency Sheet for Goalball. Additional anthropometric measurements included body mass (kg), body height (cm), the arm span (cm) and length of the body in the defensive position (cm). The results differentiating both groups showed that the players with total blindness obtained higher means than the players with visual impairment for game indicators such as the sum of defense (p = 0.03) and the sum of good defense (p = 0.04). The players with visual impairment obtained higher results than those with total blindness for attack efficiency (p = 0.04), the sum of penalty defenses (p = 0.01), and fouls (p = 0.01). The study showed that athletes with blindness demonstrated higher game performance in defence. However, athletes with visual impairment presented higher efficiency in offensive actions. The analyses confirmed that body mass, body height, the arm span and length of the body in the defensive position did not differentiate players’ performance at the elite level.

The purposes of this study were to compare the anaerobic performance of 19 active and 12 sedentary individuals with quadriplegia on the Wingate arm ergometric test and to investigate the relationship between participants’ demographic information (lesion level, time since injury, age, body mass) and their anaerobic performance variables. The following parameters were measured: peak power (PP), mean power (MP), lowest power (LP), time to achieve PP (t), fatigue index (FI), relative values of PP and MP with respect to body mass, and postexercise blood lactate accumulation (LA). Lowest power, MP, relative values of MP (rMP), FI and LApeak in the active group were significantly higher than in the sedentary group. There was a significant correlation between rMP and injury lesion level (p = .016). It was concluded that for active individuals with quadriplegia, muscle endurance (MP) and fatigability (FI) are higher than for sedentary individuals with quadriplegia.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of ecological momentary assessment in evaluating physical activity among children, adolescents, and adults. It also determines whether ecological momentary assessment fulfills the criteria of validity, reliability, objectivity, norms, and standardization applied to the tools used for the evaluation of physical activity.Methods. The EBSCO-CINHAL, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SPORTDiscuss databases were reviewed in December 2012 for articles associated with EMA.Results. Of the 20 articles examined, half (10) used electronic methods for data collection, although various methods were used, ranging from pen and paper to smartphone applications. Ten studies used objective monitoring equipment. Nineteen studies were performed over 4 days. While the validity of the EMA method was discussed in 18 studies, only four found it to be objective. In all cases, the EMA procedures were precisely documented and confirmed to be feasible.Conclusions. Ecological momentary assessment is a valid, reliable, and feasible approach to evaluate activity and sedentary behavior. Researchers should be aware that while ecological momentary assessment offers many benefits, it simultaneously imposes many limitations which should be considered when studying physical activity.

The purpose of the study was to examine the sport-specific performance of wheelchair rugby players with regard to their classification. A group of 30 male athletes from the Polish Wheelchair Rugby League participated in the study. The seven International Wheelchair Rugby Federation classes were collapsed into four groups. Standardized measures of aerobic, anaerobic, and skill performance were examined to identify performance differences among the four groups. Major findings were that most differences were between Group I players and all others and that anaerobic performance was the most sensitive to classification differences. Another important finding was that for all other groups, with one exception, adjacent groups did not differ in anaerobic, aerobic, and sport-specific skill performance. The results of this study demonstrate the need to investigate other performance measures that will help in evaluating the current wheelchair rugby classification system.

The aims of this study were to describe match actions in ice sledge hockey on a team level and identify the differences between successful and less successful teams. Eight ice sledge hockey matches in the Winter Paralympics 2010 were recorded and analyzed using the Dartfish TeamPro 5.5 analysis program. The variables for the analysis were chosen based on the performance indicators commonly used in invasion games and nine variables with sufficient reliability were reported. The number of different match actions and the percentages of successful actions were compared between the winning and losing teams, teams in different categories (teams position in the final ranking 1-4 or 5-8), and between different player roles (forwards and defensemen). Also a scoring analysis for 23 goals was executed. The average number of actions per team in a single match was 507 (±54). The most frequent actions were passes (36 percent of the analyzed actions), dribbles (18 percent), and received passes (16 percent). The success percentages for passes, received passes, dribbles and face-offs were 65±4, 82±4, 74±8 and 50±12. The scoring analysis showed that 96 percent of the goals were shot from a close distance. The most common attack types leading to a goal were possession in the attacking zone and attacks after conquered puck and the most common shot types dribbling+shot and receiving+shot. The average scoring efficacy was 6.2±4.7 percent. The match analysis revealed only slight differences between the winning and losing teams and teams in different categories. Thus, it seems evident that individual skills and mistakes most often determined the final outcomes of the matches.

Game Efficiency of Wheelchair Rugby Athletes at the 2008 Paralympic Games with Regard to Player ClassificationPurpose. The purpose of the study was to examine game efficiency of elite wheelchair rugby players in consideration of International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) classification during the 2008 Paralympic Games played according to the old wheelchair rugby rules.Basic procedures. A group of 77 athletes representing 8 national teams participated in the study. Each team played 5 games for 32 min each. Athletes who played for more than 8 min in total at the 2008 Paralympics qualified for the study. The seven IWRF player point classes were collapsed into four groups. The game efficiency analysis was based on the IWRF Statistical Reports. The following six game efficiency parameters were analyzed: played time (T), sum of all points scored (PT), assist passes (AS), assist blocks (AB), turnovers (TO) and steals (ST).Main findings. The major finding of the study was that most differences in PT, AS, AB, TO and ST were found among all the examined groups (I-IV), except groups I and II. The played time (T) was not sensitive enough to identify significant differences among all the groups. This indicates that played time in the context of substitutions limited by classification point requirements does not reflect the differences between player classes.Conclusions. Generally, there was a tendency for highpoint class players to perform better. The study findings point to the importance of analysis of game efficiency of elite wheelchair rugby players with regard to their IWRF classification during tournaments played according to the new wheelchair rugby rules.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate opinions of elite athletes, coaches and classifiers regarding the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation’s (IWBF) functional classification system. We were also interested in the athletes’ perspective regarding potential changes to the classification system. In addition, we compared the generalized opinions reported by the athletes to those of coaches and classification officers. This survey was administered during the Wheelchair Basketball Gold Cup (Amsterdam, 2006). Seventy-nine athletes, 50 men and 29 women, as well as 12 coaches and 14 classifiers completed the survey. The first part of the survey addressed demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part focused on their opinions regarding the current classification system. Based on the survey responses, athletes reported that the IWBF classification system is generally satisfactory. However, athletes as well as coaches and classification officers did report some specific concerns about this classification system. These concerns included changes in an athlete classification, athlete cheating and communication between classifiers and athletes. Athletes, coaches and classifiers, as the wheelchair basketball’s primary constituent groups, have a vested interest in the evolution of the game and should be included in the evaluation and modifications to the functional classification system. This study has demonstrated that a classification specific survey could provide useful information and insight into the perspectives of these constituent groups. Key words: survey, disabled sports, athletes, disabilities