ABSTRACT
Wheelchair Rugby is the only full contact sport for wheelchair athletes, and is played by individuals with more severe impairments than most Paralympic sports. Combining elements of rugby, ice hockey and basketball it provides a fast paced spectacle of technical and tactical action and a unique challenge to the sports science practitioner. This chapter outlines the fundamental principles of increasing physical performance for the specific population associated with the sport of wheelchair rugby and the relevant demands of the game. The author draws on research in the wider Paralympic field as well as personal experience with the Great Britain squad during the 2016 Rio Paralympic cycle. This chapter is useful for anyone working with, competing in or otherwise involved with disability sports and in particular those interested in wheelchair sports, spinal cord injury and physical activity, and strength and conditioning for disability athletes.
