Characteristics of Wheelchair Basketball Falls During the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by Sex and Physical Impairment Classification

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the fall characteristics of wheelchair basketball players by sex and impairment classification using the official videos of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games. Design This was a video-based observational study. In total, 42 men’s and 31 women’s wheelchair basketball game videos were obtained from the official International Paralympic Committee. The videos were analyzed to assess the number of falls, playing time of the fall, playing phase, contact, foul judgment, fall location/direction, and the body part that first impacted the floor. Results A total of 1269 falls (men, n = 944; and women, n = 325) occurred. The analysis of men demonstrated significant differences in rounds, playing phase, location of fall, and body part first impacted. Women demonstrated significant differences in all categories except in rounds. Comparisons by functional impairment showed different trends for men and women. Conclusions The detailed observation of videos suggested that men are more likely to have dangerous falls. There is a necessity for discuss the prevention measures based on sex and impairment classification.