Postural control in quiet sitting position in wheelchair rugby athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Wheelchair rugby (RCR) is a Paralympic modality practiced by athletes with physical-motor impairment characterized by a clinical condition of tetraplegia or tetraequivalence. Trunk control in the sitting position is an important factor that affects the functional classification and performance of athletes. However, we do not know
how postural control, in terms of displacement of the center of pressure (CP), is affected by physical-motor impairments and the level of competitiveness of athletes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate postural control in the sitting position in RCR athletes, compared with control individuals and between athletes of different competitive levels. Methods: 28 male RCR athletes (international level, N=19; national level, N=9) participated in the study. The control group was composed of 17 individuals (7 males). Participants were instructed to remain seated, quiet, on a force platform positioned on top of a rigid wooden block, with their feet unsupported. CP displacement was recorded and measurements of area (AREA), velocity (VEL) and anterior-posterior (DPAP) and medial-lateral (DPML) standard deviation were computed. A one-way ANOVA was applied for comparison between groups. Results: Significant differences were observed between the control group and the international level athletes, for AREA and DPML (P<0.033, h2>0.150), with the international level athletes presenting greater CP displacements. Conclusion: Postural control in the sitting position in RCR athletes is influenced by their competitive level, potentially reflecting the effects of physical training, functional classification or another aspect not verified in the present study.