Work

Are technical performance differences in wheelchair fencing linked to disability categories?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine differences in muscle activity and activation timing in wheelchair fencers across disability categories A and B to better understand the neuromuscular dynamics involved in their performance. METHODS: Sixteen right-handed wheelchair fencers from the Polish National Paralympic Team, grouped into categories A and B, participated in the study. Muscle activity and activation timing (reaction time) were recorded during a visual-cue task using a surface electromyography system and a 3D accelerometer. Eight upper body muscles, including the deltoid, triceps, biceps, forearm extensors/flexors, latissimus dorsi, and obliques, were assessed. Data were processed using MyoResearch and MATLAB, and statistical analyses utilized the Wald-Wolfowitz runs test. RESULTS: Intergroup differences in reaction time and muscle activity were found: category A fencers tended to achieve lower reaction times and higher muscle bioelectric tension values than category B fencers. Significant differences between the groups were found in the activity of the left latissimus dorsi and the deltoid muscles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates the important role of the back and abdominal muscles as stabilizing postural muscles in wheelchair fencing. The significant differences in muscle activity for the back and deltoid muscles suggest distinct neuromuscular profiles between disability categories A and B. These findings could enhance classification accuracy and inform training strategies for para-athletes, optimizing performance and targeting specific muscle groups for improvement.

Source: BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.1186/s13102-025-01071-z

Authors: Zbigniew Borysiuk, Monika Błaszczyszyn, Katarzyna Piechota, Anna Akbaş

Institutions: Opole University of Technology, Akademii Wychowania Fizycznego im. Jerzego Kukuczki w Katowicach

Language: English

Topic: Muscle activation and electromyography studies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890