Author(s): WU, S.K., SHEU, Y.H., Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SPORT, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 286

INTRODUCTION:
In the Paralympic Games, classification plays an important role in ensuring the fairness and credibility of competition. To provide an evidence-based classification in wheelchair table tennis, the objective measurement of wheelchair players with physical impairments is essential. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current issues related to the classification of wheelchair classes in para table tennis through performance analysis. In theory, higher wheelchair classes should correlate with superior abilities and performance.
METHODS:
We conducted an analysis of the world rankings of the top 50 wheelchair players, comparing them with the total number of world rankings for male players (N=310) and female players (N=115). Additionally, we used an intelligent racket to measure swing speed and efficiency in the maximal forehand swing stroke of 10 male players in the top 20 rankings (5 players in class 4 and 5 players in class 5), following the testing method outlined in the study by Sheu and Wu (2023).
RESULTS:
The world top 50 ranking in wheelchair male players from classes 1 to 5 was 0 (0%), 2 (4%), 13 (26%), 23 (46%), and 11 (22%), respectively. For wheelchair female players, the rankings were 1 (2%), 6 (12%), 17 (34%), 15 (30%), and 11 (22%). Notably, players in classes 1 to 3 performed much weaker than classes 4 and 5. Using the intelligent racket to conduct 27 maximal strokes and maximal topspin swings, no significant differences in swing speed and efficiency were found between classes 4 and 5.
CONCLUSION:
Contrary to the anticipated advantage of better trunk functions in class 5 players, our analysis of performance rankings and intelligent racket tests in wheelchair classes 4 and 5 did not reveal a significant performance difference. We propose the consolidation of classes 4 and 5 into a new category, thereby reducing the current five classes in wheelchair table tennis to four. Ensuring fairness in competition for wheelchair table tennis players requires careful consideration of new minimal impairment criteria for this proposed combined class.