20M Sprint Capacity Test, a component of the Wheelchair Sports Performance Test : A Smartwheel ® Technology Field Validation Pilot Study

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the relationships between the 20M Sprint Capacity Test utilizing SmartWheel® technology and other speed evaluation techniques. The goal of the 20M Sprint Capacity Test is to provide an objective protocol for coaches and players to measure speed, training, and performance growth. All participants (N = 17) performed two trials of the 20M Sprint Capacity test with the SmartWheel® placed on each side of a wheelchair, provided by the researcher. Results of this research focus on the potential relationships existing between the variables of push length (r = .650), push frequency (r = .594), peak force (r = .540), and speed performance as measured in meters/second by the SmartWheel®. The relationships between classification level of the athletes and speed in meters/second suggested a significant relationship (r = . 859). Due to the highly correlated relationship between classification level and speed, athlete classification (i.e., class) was partialed out to control for this relationship. When partial correlations were analyzed, push length and speed were no longer significantly correlated (r = .175, p = .532). Push frequency and speed (m/s) remained significantly correlated (r = .573, p = .026); however, peak force and speed (m/s) also were no longer significantly correlated (r = .464, p = .081). Additional research is needed to further validate these results and develop speed training assessment protocols for athletes with disabilities.