The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players

Wheelchair basketball (WB) grants important benefits for people with disabilities but also presents a relevant risk of injury. Wheelchair straps are restraint devices that can improve safety and performance, but limited research has explored their use in WB. This study aims to analyze the use of dif...

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Main Authors: Giacomo Farì, Francesco Quarta, Sara Clelia Longo, Fernando Zappile, Laura Masiero, Giustino Varrassi, Andrea Bernetti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Sports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/7/222
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author Giacomo Farì
Francesco Quarta
Sara Clelia Longo
Fernando Zappile
Laura Masiero
Giustino Varrassi
Andrea Bernetti
author_facet Giacomo Farì
Francesco Quarta
Sara Clelia Longo
Fernando Zappile
Laura Masiero
Giustino Varrassi
Andrea Bernetti
author_sort Giacomo Farì
collection DOAJ
description Wheelchair basketball (WB) grants important benefits for people with disabilities but also presents a relevant risk of injury. Wheelchair straps are restraint devices that can improve safety and performance, but limited research has explored their use in WB. This study aims to analyze the use of different types of straps among professional WB players, according to classification score. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups based on classification score: low-point players (LPPs; 1.0–2.5), who have greater physical impairment, and high-point players (HPPs; 3.0–4.5), who have lower physical impairment. A total of 82 WB players participated (43 LPPs; 39 HPPs). The Chi-squared test was used to compare variables between groups. Significant differences emerged: chest (<i>p</i> = 0.036), abdominal (<i>p</i> = 0.036), and foot (<i>p</i> = 0.016) straps were more frequently used by LPPs, while thigh (<i>p</i> = 0.020) and leg (<i>p</i> = 0.050) straps were more common among HPPs. No significant difference was found for pelvic strap. Straps used in WB vary with classification score, reflecting the influence of functional ability. These findings offer insights into individualized wheelchair setup and classification procedures. Further studies are needed to expand knowledge on this topic.
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spelling doaj-art-ceefed98376641aa84c856d6e381b5692025-08-20T03:56:49ZengMDPI AGSports2075-46632025-07-0113722210.3390/sports13070222The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball PlayersGiacomo Farì0Francesco Quarta1Sara Clelia Longo2Fernando Zappile3Laura Masiero4Giustino Varrassi5Andrea Bernetti6Department of Experimental Medicine (Di.Me.S.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, ItalyDepartment of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, ItalyRehabilitation Unit, M. Paternò Arezzo Hospital, Provincial Health Authority, 97100 Ragusa, ItalyItalian Wheelchair Basketball Federation (Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro in Carrozzina, FIPIC), 00188 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Statistical Science, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, ItalyDepartment of Pain Medicine, Paolo Procacci Foundation, 00193 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Experimental Medicine (Di.Me.S.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, ItalyWheelchair basketball (WB) grants important benefits for people with disabilities but also presents a relevant risk of injury. Wheelchair straps are restraint devices that can improve safety and performance, but limited research has explored their use in WB. This study aims to analyze the use of different types of straps among professional WB players, according to classification score. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups based on classification score: low-point players (LPPs; 1.0–2.5), who have greater physical impairment, and high-point players (HPPs; 3.0–4.5), who have lower physical impairment. A total of 82 WB players participated (43 LPPs; 39 HPPs). The Chi-squared test was used to compare variables between groups. Significant differences emerged: chest (<i>p</i> = 0.036), abdominal (<i>p</i> = 0.036), and foot (<i>p</i> = 0.016) straps were more frequently used by LPPs, while thigh (<i>p</i> = 0.020) and leg (<i>p</i> = 0.050) straps were more common among HPPs. No significant difference was found for pelvic strap. Straps used in WB vary with classification score, reflecting the influence of functional ability. These findings offer insights into individualized wheelchair setup and classification procedures. Further studies are needed to expand knowledge on this topic.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/7/222wheelchair basketballParalympicsclassificationsportinjurydisability
spellingShingle Giacomo Farì
Francesco Quarta
Sara Clelia Longo
Fernando Zappile
Laura Masiero
Giustino Varrassi
Andrea Bernetti
The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
Sports
wheelchair basketball
Paralympics
classification
sport
injury
disability
title The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
title_full The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
title_fullStr The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
title_full_unstemmed The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
title_short The Relationship Between Strap Use and Classification Score in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players
title_sort relationship between strap use and classification score in elite wheelchair basketball players
topic wheelchair basketball
Paralympics
classification
sport
injury
disability
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/7/222
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