Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Study Design
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional exploratory analysis involving 30 wheelchair para-athletes aged 18 to 40, including 27 men and three women. Participants competed in powerlifting, wheelchair rugby, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, boccia or wheelchair handball. Muscle strength and range of motion were assessed across seven upper-limb movements using a validated portable dynamometer and inclinometer.
Different Patterns by Discipline
Asymmetry was calculated as the percentage difference between dominant and non-dominant limbs, with differences of at least 15% classified as asymmetric. The reported profiles were predominantly symmetric in wheelchair handball, basketball and powerlifting, where recorded levels were 10%, 12% and 10%, respectively. Higher levels appeared in table tennis at 17%, wheelchair rugby at 26% and boccia at 30%.
Strength, Motion and Interpretation
The study reported significant differences between symmetric and asymmetric groups in several shoulder-strength measures, including abduction, flexion, extension and internal rotation. Differences also appeared in shoulder abduction, adduction and flexion range of motion, with higher values in the asymmetric group. The authors associated variation across disciplines with unilateral technical demands and impairment level, while the research record describes the findings as exploratory rather than treatment guidance.
