Avaliação da autonomia funcional de atletas cadeirantes de basquetebol da ADAU de Erechim/RS

Abstract

Spinal cord injury is characterized as any damage caused to the spinal cord, the sequelae resulting from this type of injury are varied and depend on the type and extent of the damage caused, but generally cause limb paralysis, making it impossible for the individual to return to their daily activities in the usual way. The Ministry of Health estimates that the incidence in Brazil is between 15 and 40 cases per million inhabitants, of which 80% are male. Adapted sport becomes a great option to improve functional autonomy, promoting an improvement in quality of life and respiratory function, in addition to psychological and social aspects, making the individual more independent. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the muscle power of the upper limbs, agility, hand grip, functional performance, respiratory muscle strength and the ventilatory profile of wheelchair basketball athletes from the Disabled People's Association of Alto Uruguai de Erechim-RS, as a composite population. By a group of 3 athletes. The results obtained were satisfactory, since the 3 athletes had a good quality of life, total functional autonomy, muscle power and adequate hand grip, spirometry and respiratory muscle strength within normal limits. As for functional performance, the distance covered was lower than expected. Thus, it is concluded that the regular practice of basketball in a wheelchair brings great benefits to the functionality of these athletes, in addition to avoiding complications related to spinal cord injury.