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The classification systems used in wheelchair sport are based primarily upon sensory and motor ability. We asked whether the classification systems are also related to respiratory function at baseline and during exercise. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between functional class and respiratory function in GB Paralympic wheelchair basketball and rugby players. Methods: 11 wheelchair basketball and 15 wheelchair rugby players were classified using the IWBF (2004) and IWRF (2006) systems, respectively. Pulmonary function (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength (mouth pressures) were assessed at rest. Additionally, for 11 wheelchair rugby players, ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange were assessed during maximal incremental arm-cranking exercise. Results: For wheelchair basketball, there were significant (P < 0.01) correlations for functional class vs. pulmonary function (% predicted FEV1, r = 0.76; % predicted FVC, r = 0.78). For wheelchair rugby, there were also significant (P < 0.05) correlations for functional class vs. pulmonary function (% predicted FEV1, r = 0.63; % predicted FVC, r = 0.64). For the wheelchair rugby players assessed during exercise, there were significant (P < 0.05) correlations for functional class vs. peak exercise responses (VO2/kg, r = 0.66; VE, r = 0.62; VT, r = 0.75). Conclusion: Based on selected measures of respiratory function, IWBF and IWRF classification systems group athletes into the appropriate functional class.
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