Evolution of the internal load and physical condition of wheelchair basketball players during the competitive season

Ander Romarate; Javier Yanci; Aitor Iturricastillo

doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1106584

Evolution of the internal load and physical condition of wheelchair basketball players during the competitive season

Front Physiol. 2023 Mar 15:14:1106584. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1106584. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Ander Romarate¹, Javier Yanci², Aitor Iturricastillo²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
² Society, Sports and Physical Exercise Research Group (GIKAFIT), Physical Education and Sport Department, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to describe differentiated perceived training and match load (dRPE-L) of wheelchair basketball (WB) players during the whole season, to analyze the evolution of players' physical condition changes during a full season and to analyze the association between dRPE-L and changes in physical condition during a full season. Nineteen Spanish Second Division WB players participated in this study. For a full season (10 months, 26 weeks), dRPE-L was assessed with the session-RPE method, separating respiratory (RPEres-L) and muscular (RPEmus-L) perceived load. The physical condition of the players was also assessed at four different times during the season (T1, T2, T3 and T4). The results showed a significantly higher total and average accumulated muscular RPE load (RPEmusTOT-L and RPEmusAVG-L) than total and average respiratory load (RPEresTOT-L and RPEresAVG-L) (p < 0.01; ES = 0.52-0.55). No significant changes were observed in the physical condition of the players at the different moments of the season. Moreover, a significant association was observed only between RPEresTOT-L and Repeated Sprint Ability standard deviation of 3 m (RSAsdec3m) (r = 0.90, p < 0.05). The results suggest that the competitive season represented considerable neuromuscular involvement in these players.

Keywords: disability; fitness; perceived load; physical condition; training; wheelchair basketball.

Grants and funding

This research has been funded through the University-Company-Society 2020 Project convened by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) entitled “MUÉVETE, TU TAMBIÉN PUEDES! ANÁLISIS DE LA INCLUSIÓN DE PERSONAS CON DIVERSIDAD FUNCIONAL EN CONTEXTOS DE ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA (code US20/14)” and requested in collaboration with Fundación GaituzSport Fundazioa.