Comparing Developmental Trajectories of Elite Able-Bodied and Wheelchair Basketball Players

Abstract

<jats:p>Little is known about the factors influencing Paralympic athletes’ journey to expertise and whether these athletes have trajectories similar to those of their able-bodied (AB) peers. The purpose of this project was to compare the developmental trajectories of wheelchair and AB basketball players. A total of 150 participants completed the Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire. Results revealed that while AB athletes reached early career milestones at a significantly younger age, athletes with congenital impairments reached midcareer milestones at similar ages to AB athletes. In addition, athletes with acquired impairments were able to reach key late-career performance milestones (i.e., national and international debuts) at a similar age to the other two groups. The findings from this study suggest complex developmental pathways that may not be reflected in current developmental models. Therefore, the authors suggest that scientists and practitioners be cognizant of context-specific needs when providing training recommendations.</jats:p>

Peak age and performance trajectories in Para powerlifters

“…These age-related performance trajectories continue to be frequently investigated across sports for able-bodied athletes, 5–9,12 but equivalent research for para athletes has only recently started to emerge 13–15 . While several generic athlete development models offer support and guidance to coaches, 16–18 these were developed based able-bodied athletes, and it has been cautioned that they may reflect performance trajectories of para athletes poorly 14 .…”

“…While several generic athlete development models offer support and guidance to coaches, 16–18 these were developed based able-bodied athletes, and it has been cautioned that they may reflect performance trajectories of para athletes poorly 14 . The para-specific reports on age and performance have shown that wheelchair basketball players, 14 para track-and-field athletes, 15 and para swimmers, 13 peak later than what is typically reported for able-bodied equivalents. Previous research has reported that para athletes often start to participate in sports at an older age, which may partially explain these discrepancies 14 .…”

“…In addition, studies have reported that the performance standard of the athlete also may affect the age at which they reach peak performance, with high-performing athletes (those medaling or ranking in the 90th percentile) peaking at younger ages than lower performing peers 7,8 . Based on the earlier reports on para athletes, 13–15 one can assume that para powerlifters can be expected to reach their peak performance at older ages than those reported for able-bodied powerlifters. Nevertheless, information on the age-related performance trajectories, annual performance improvements, and performance standards (above or below 90th percentile) in para powerlifters throughout their career is currently lacking.…”

“…These age-related performance trajectories continue to be frequently investigated across sports for able-bodied athletes, 5–9,12 but equivalent research for para athletes has only recently started to emerge 13–15 . While several generic athlete development models offer support and guidance to coaches, 16–18 these were developed based able-bodied athletes, and it has been cautioned that they may reflect performance trajectories of para athletes poorly 14 . The para-specific reports on age and performance have shown that wheelchair basketball players, 14 para track-and-field athletes, 15 and para swimmers, 13 peak later than what is typically reported for able-bodied equivalents.…”

Challenges and stresses experienced by athletes and coaches leading up to the Paralympic Games

“…Arguably, there are similarities between the two sporting Games (i.e., Quadrennial format and peak event for most competing athletes and their coaches, intense environments, increased media exposure, and prestigious accolades [21][22][23]; however, it is important to consider that there may be challenges that are unique to Paralympic sport contexts. For example, there are similarities between able-bodied and Para sport coaching (i.e., the value of using autonomy-supportive strategies), but there are also aspects when coaching elite athletes with disabilities that require a more adaptive approach (i.e., tailoring training to athletes' unique abilities or dealing with social stigmas in public settings; [20,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. In addition, there is considerable literature noting how Paralympic coaches need to adapt and utilize different methods of learning (i.e., formal, nonformal, informal) to combat the lack of resources and support available to them [31][32][33][34].…”