Wheelchair Badminton: A Narrative Review of Its Specificities

This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature on wheelchair badminton and its distinctive aspects, encompassing abilities and disabilities, propulsion technique, and the use of a racket. The relatively young history of wheelchair badminton is reflected in the scarcity of scientific studies within this domain, highlighting the need for further investigation. The review systematically covers existing articles on wheelchair badminton, offering a nearly exhaustive compilation of knowledge in this area. Findings suggest that WH2 athletes engage in more intense matches with a higher frequency of offensive shots compared to WH1 athletes. Moreover, backward propulsion induces distinct physiological responses and alterations in propulsion kinematics, potentially leading to performance decrements. The use of a badminton racket further influences propulsion kinetics and kinematics, potentially impacting performance and injury risk. Further research is imperative to explore additional perspectives, address existing gaps, and expand the scope of study within the wheelchair badminton domain. This narrative review serves as a foundation for future investigations, emphasizing the necessity of continued research to enhance our understanding of wheelchair badminton.