Training produces substantial improvements in muscle strength, grip strength and range of motion (ROM) of the dominant arm in wheelchair basketball (WCB) players

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The movement dynamics related to wheelchair handling are crucial to WCB performance (Vanlandewijck et al 2001). Researchers stated that WCB shooting requires shoulder flexion, strong and full forearm extension to get the ball to the basket (Owen et al 1982). Krause et al. (1999) pointed out that when players rebound the ball, their first move should be to bring the ball in under the chin, gripping it tightly. Thus, grip strength seems to be very important factor on WCB performance. A greater wrist extension in the preparation phase increases the angular excursion (flexion and extension) of the wrist in WCB shooting (Wang et al 2005) thus, ROM of wrist joint in flexion/extension are definitely important to WCB (Nyland et al 1997, Nunome et al 2002). Generally, muscle strengthening exercises are important not only for a better performance but also for a great dynamic stabilization of the joints and injury prevention (Myer et al 2006, Niederbracht et al 2008, Smith et al 2008). The possibility that strength training alone might inhibit flexibility gains should be considered when prescribing exercise programs. Poor flexibility is typically thought to limit athletic performance by limiting the range of motion, and can result in torn muscle or connective tissue.Therefore the specific research questions for this study were: 1. Does strength training enhances muscle strength and grip strength of WCB players? 2. Do strength adaptations affect flexibility (ROM) of shoulder, elbow and wrist joints of the dominant arm on WCB?

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