Evaluation of a new basketball wheelchair design.

A new basketball wheelchair has been designed, which permits a wide variety of adjustments, reducing the need for expensive customization. In the present study this new prototype basketball wheelchair was evaluated. Seventeen participants were administered in a test battery using their personal and the prototype wheelchair. Maximal aerobic power, metabolic economy, stability, maneuverability, and scores on field performance tests were assessed. Following all tests, a questionnaire was administered to all participants. No significant differences were found between the personal and prototype wheelchair on any of the tests. Questionnaire results revealed that the prototype chair was rated significantly superior concerning weight, maneuverability, rolling resistance and footrest stability but significantly inferior concerning height of the chair and backrest. It can be concluded that the new basketball wheelchair is a highly adaptable, and maneuverable wheelchair. It is remarkable that, given the focus on wheelchair design and perceived need for special fitting, the new wheelchair was so adaptable across a variety of users and that performance did not differ between the personal and prototype chair. This is particularly important for countries or beginning wheelchair basketball players who can not afford customized wheelchairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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