The poster highlighted key biomechanical parameters associated with sprinting performance in wheelchair rugby players, most notably highlighting the prevalence of kinetic asymmetries and sprinting performance between elite and sub-elite players.
The results are important for coaches and S&C practitioners who are developing wheelchair rugby players.
Thomas’ advanced para-sport knowledge allowed his presentation of recent findings at the UKSCA conference, creating an opportunity to collaborate and network, as well as broadening the conference content to include para-sport.
The Peter Harrison Centre has played a pivotal role in conducting this research, in association with the partnerships developed with national governing bodies by Prof Vicky Tolfrey, most notably for this project, GB wheelchair rugby.
Thomas explained: “I am fortunate enough to have spent 6 years within the PHC research group, which has enabled me to complete my PhD in the area, as well as to become an applied practitioner for GB wheelchair rugby.
“Being an internationally renowned centre for disability sport research and collaboration, PHC provides practitioners and researchers the opportunity to enhance knowledge of para-sport.
“Given this field of research is largely unexplored, I believe our research holds immense potential for enhancing training methodologies within wheeled para-sports, whilst providing foundations for future research in the area of talent ID within wheelchair rugby.
“This In turn will likely enhance the potential of current and aspiring elite level players and their performance outcomes.”