Chapter 29 Enhancing Wheelchair Sport Performance 29 Enhancing Wheelchair Sport Performance Abu B. Yilla C H A P T E R

Athlete and Wheelchair: A Systems Approach The systems approach –The athlete + –the wheelchair + –strapping (and other stabilization techniques) + –skills and techniques = –a performance system. Selection of the appropriate sport, as well as wheelchair, is essential for success. (continued)

Athlete and Wheelchair: A Systems Approach (continued) Training—establish a sound cardiorespiratory base: –Training rollers –Arm-crank ergometers –Upper-body exercise (UBE) systems

Performance-related fitness: movement, coordination, agility, power, speed, and balance Weight training to develop strength and indirectly power –Remediating asymmetry associated with pushing by focusing on back and extensor muscles –Appropriate stretching (continued) Training

Medical concerns –Temperature regulation –Autonomic dysreflexia: boosting Training (continued)

The Wheelchair Frame: as light and as rigid as possible Wheels –Number varies by sport and athlete preference. –Size of main wheels varies by sport and position or function in the sport. (continued)

The Wheelchair (continued) Camber is common to all sport chairs that have wheels. It is created to –allow maximum force application to push rims, –increase chair stability, and –improve chair turning characteristics. Camber

Racing Chair T-frame –Light and rigid Bucket seat –Can be adjusted for height Mainwheel –Alignment Avoid toe in and toe out –Size depends on event Push rim –Size depends on the following: Event Power and size of the athlete Front castor –Single and larger than court chairs Compensator and steering mechanism for control

Court Chair Frame –Light and rigid Main wheels –Number varies by sport –Extra wheel at back for stability

System Considerations: Racing Chairs

Propulsion Technique—Racing

Retarding Forces and Overcoming Them Rolling resistance –Reduced by inflating tires to highest safe pressure –Track (use wider tires) –On the road (use thinner tires) Aerodynamic drag –Surface and form drag –Reduced by making front silhouette as small as possible Drafting –Very efficient; has contributed to the speeds seen in road races.

System Considerations: Court Chairs

Horizontal and Vertical Main-Wheel Adjustments

Tennis Chair Note the fifth wheel (in this case it is actually the fourth).

Other System Considerations Strapping –Improves the stability of the athlete. Orthotics and prosthetics can also help. –Increases volumes of action. –Aids in tipping up or standing the chair. Skill development –Many resources are available that aid both skill development and strategic understanding in the sport.

Sir Ludwig Guttmann and the Systems Approach "It is no exaggeration to say that the paraplegic and his chair have become one, in the same way as a first-class horseman and his mount” (Weisman & Godfrey, 1976). This is the essence of the systems approach to enhancing wheelchair sport performance.