Multidimensional field-based performance profiling in the Latvian national wheelchair basketball team: an exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Wheelchair basketball performance depends on multiple factors, including classification, training experience, and sport-specific movement proficiency. This study aimed to evaluate selected physical performance characteristics in wheelchair basketball players of the Latvian national team. METHODS: Nine athletes completed a multidimensional field-based assessments, including the 6-minute push test (6MPT), T-test, and upper-body strength assessments and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) following the 6MPT. Descriptive analyses and correlation analyses were performed to examine relationships among performance variables and International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classification points. RESULTS: The mean distance covered during the 6MPT was 892.6 ± 70.4 m, and the mean T-test completion time was 15.17 ± 1.45 s. Dominant handgrip strength averaged 60.0 ± 4.4 kg, while mean RPE following the 6MPT was 5.7 ± 0.7. No significant associations were found between IWBF classification and field-based performance outcomes and considerable inter-individual variability in performance outcomes was observed across functional classes. A significant negative correlation was observed between T-test time and 6MPT distance (r = -0.781, p = 0.013), indicating that athletes with better agility performance tended to cover greater distances during the 6MPT. CONCLUSION: Multicomponent field-based testing in this small cohort of Latvian national team wheelchair basketball players demonstrated substantial inter-individual variability in physical performance outcomes. Within the limitations of this heterogeneous sample, no significant associations were observed between IWBF classification and the measured field-based performance variables. Further research involving larger cohorts and broader wheelchair basketball-specific testing protocols is required.