Physical fitness and motor performance for players who belong to the Japanese National Wheelchair Rugby Team

Abstract

The aim of this study was to clarify characteristics of physical fitness and motor performance of male members who belong to the Japanese National Wheelchair Rugby (WR) Team (n=13) by comparing them with a selected group of 13 players registered to the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation (JWRF). All the subjects participated in theexamination were classified according to the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation classification system, and further categorized from the results of this system into low and high pointers, enabling for cross examination between individuals. The categorized scales were as follows; low pointers were from 0.5 to 1.5, high pointers were from 2.0 to 3.5. The conditions of individual’s employment and training environments were analyzed, and physical fitness testing was carried out. Comparisons of the results were made between the classified groups. From these results, it was shown that the physical fitness levels of the members of the Japanese National WR Team are the ideal target levels for JWRF players, furthermore it is necessary that training is carried out in each group as it is evident that the ability of wheelchair driving skills can be improved comprehensively.