Comparison of Upper Extremity Reaction Time, Body Awareness, Grip Strength, Agility and Functionality Between Wheelchair Para-Armwrestling and Para-Archery Athletes

Health Institutes of Turkey50 enrolled

Overview

Aim of the study is to evaluate upper extremity performance between wheelchair para-armwrestling and para-archery athletes in a multidimensional way and to compare upper extremity reaction time, body awareness, grip strength, agility, and functionality parameters.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the upper extremity reaction time, body awareness, grip strength, agility, and functionality levels of the upper extremity between wheelchair para-armwrestling and para-archery athletes using scientific and objective measurement methods, and to comparatively examine the differences between these disciplines in terms of these parameters. In addition, it aims to reveal the effects of different physical and motor requirements on the neuromuscular performance, functional capacity, and body awareness levels of wheelchair athletes in various sports disciplines. This research study is designed as an observational and cross-sectional evaluation study.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Para-Athletes

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18 and 45 years of age. * Being a licensed wheelchair para-armwrestling athlete (n=25). * Being a licensed wheelchair para-archery athlete (n=25). * Having been regularly and actively participating in the relevant sport for at least one year. * Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Having undergone surgery on the upper extremity within the last six months. * Having a diagnosed neurological, rheumatological, or systemic disease that may affect upper extremity function. * Having a diagnosed cognitive, mental, or communication disability that may negatively impact the assessment process. * Having a diagnosed psychological disorder that may impair communication.

Locations (1)

Haliç Üniversitesi

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Nelson Hand Reaction Time Test

The Nelson Hand Reaction Time Test measures upper extremity reaction time and visual-motor response speed by requiring participants to catch a dropped ruler between the thumb and index finger. The distance the ruler falls, measured upon catching, is converted to reflect reaction time, with shorter distances indicating faster neuromuscular responses.

Time frame: Baseline

Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)

BAQ is an 18-item self-report scale designed to measure how attentive you are to normal, non-emotional internal bodily processes. It evaluates your sensitivity to everyday bodily cycles (like sleep and hunger), ability to detect subtle changes, and capacity to anticipate physical reactions. Typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Items are generally rated on a 1 to 7 scale, with higher total scores indicating greater perceived conKdence and accuracy in monitoring your physical state over time.

Time frame: Baseline

Grip Strength Test with Hand Dynamometer

A hydraulic Jamar hand dynamometer will be used to measure grip strength. This device allows the measurement of hand grip strength in Kilogram (kg) or Newton (N). During the assessment, the participant will be seated upright in a chair. The participant will be asked to squeeze the dynamometer with maximum force.

Time frame: Baseline

Agility with Wheelchair Change of Direction Ability Test-WCODA

The test is conducted on a flat surface. The participant waits at the starting line in a ready position in their wheelchair. Upon the starting signal, the participant moves forward at maximum speed along the 8-meter course. At the designated point at the 4-meter mark, they make a 180° turn and return. The test ends when the participant reaches the finish line. The test duration is recorded with a stopwatch.

Time frame: Baseline

Modified Functional Reach Test

Participant sits upright on a bench or wheelchair with feet flat on the floor, positioned near a wall or a mounted yardstick. The reaching arm is raised to a 90-degree forward flexion with extended fingers. The test is administered in three different directions: 1. Reaching forward with the unaffected side close to the wall, 2. Reaching to the right with the back to the wall, 3. Reaching to the left with the back to the wall. Participant is instructed to "reach as far as you can forward without losing balance or rotating the trunk". Participant is instructed to reach as far as possible in each direction without rotating their torso or touching the wall. The distance covered is recorded in centimeters (cm).

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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