title: The profile of upper extremity muscular strength in female wheelchair basketball players: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the profile of upper extremity muscle strength in female wheelchair basketball players with that of sex-matched non-disabled controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen female subjects were enrolled in this study. These were divided into two groups. Group 1 (N.=10) consisted of wheelchair basketball players and Group 2 (N.=9) of non-disabled individuals. Muscular strength in the shoulder was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Isometric and isotonic muscular endurance in the shoulder joint was evaluated in terms of the length of time subjects could hold a 5-kg dumbbell at 45° and the number of abduction repetitions to 45° with a 5-kg dumbbell in 30 seconds, respectively. Pinch strength and hand grip strength were measured using a Pinch gauge and hand dynamometer, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of all parameters of muscular strength in the shoulder joint, hand grip and pinch strength. Upper extremity muscular strength in female wheelchair basketball players was greater than in the non-disabled controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that the difference in muscle strength between the groups mostly derived from using wheelchairs due to players' intense training and busy match schedules. Additionally, the profile of upper extremity muscle strength in female wheelchair basketball players in our study can be used as basic data for the introduction of exercise rehabilitation programs and as a guide for future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey - banaforoglu@ybu.edu.tr.
authors.forename: Bahar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Külünkoğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Yasemin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Akkubak
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Institute of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nevin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ergun
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001490:Basketball / Q000502:physiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007551:Isotonic Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D014910:Wheelchairs