The future of classification in wheelchair sports

Can data science and technological advancement offer an alternative point of view?

Journal article (2017)

Authors

R.M.A. van der Slikke The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
D.J.J. Bregman Research Funding National
Monique A.M. Berger The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Annemarie M.H. De Witte Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
H.E.J. Veeger Biomechanical Engineering , Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Research Group
Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Big data Classification Paralympic sports Inertial sensors Wheelchair basketball
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Biomechanical Engineering

Research Group

Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control

Abstract

Purpose:
Classification is a defining factor for competition in wheelchair sports, but it is a delicate and time-consuming process with often questionable validity.1 New inertial sensor based measurement methods applied in match play and field tests, allow for more precise and objective estimates of the impairment effect on wheelchair mobility performance. It was evaluated if these measures could offer an alternative point of view for classification.

Methods:
Six standard wheelchair mobility performance outcomes of different classification groups were measured in match play (n=29), as well as best possible performance in a field test (n=47).

Results:
In match-results a clear relationship between classification and performance level is shown, with increased performance outcomes in each adjacent higher classification group. Three outcomes differed significantly between the low and mid-class groups, and one between the mid and high-class groups. In best performance (field test), a split between the low and mid-class groups shows (5 out of 6 outcomes differed significantly) but hardly any difference between the mid and high-class groups. This observed split was confirmed by cluster analysis, revealing the existence of only two performance based clusters.

Conclusion:
The use of inertial sensor technology to get objective measures of wheelchair mobility performance, combined with a standardized field-test, brought alternative views for evidence based classification. The results of this approach provided arguments for a reduced number of classes in wheelchair basketball. Future use of inertial sensors in match play and in field testing could enhance evaluation of classification guidelines as well as individual athlete performance.