It was analyzed the athletic performance in basketball players using wheelchairs prescribed (specific) and not prescribed (non-specific) according to the particularity of each player. Six wheelchair basketball players performed the 20 meters speed test (with and without dribbling a ball), and the agility test without dribbling a ball. Scales of effort and comfort were used after each test. It was verified better performance (P<0,05) and comfort (P<0,05) in the tests performed with the use of the prescribed wheelchair. Therefore, it was suggested that the use of prescribed wheelchair specially designed for each athlete, for the optimization of their performance and comfort in the basketball wheelchair sport.
Prescription of wheelchairs; basketball wheelchair; sports performance; ergonomics