Together with investment from UK-based Loughborough University, the PHC was tasked to provide clear evidence about which game format should be employed by the IWBF to complement its World Championship programme and to provide an option for the inclusion of wheelchair basketball at world major events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

At the quadrennial IWBF Forum in August, the PHC will present their findings to representatives of national organisations governing wheelchair basketball from across the world.

The IWBF says it was essential to select a format that would support development across the world, and provide a sporting spectacle and a competitive opportunity that will push athletes to excel.

The PHC developed a testing protocol to provide an evidence base of physical and technical demands on players as well as qualitative research that took stakeholder perceptions of various formats into account.

"We had identified 3x3 as a format of competition that has had an incredible impact on the running game with FIBA (International Basketball Federation)," Charlie Bethel, chairman of the IWBF’s Competition Commission, said.

"In wheelchair basketball, however, 3x3 was being played in a variety of formats, all with strong advocates. 

"We wanted to make sure that we selected a system that worked logistically, would market wheelchair basketball and most importantly be true to the sport in how it is played.

"We are confident that we have selected the best format for the sport and it will help to drive our sport forward."

IWBF’s Executive Council approved the half-court version of 3x3, mirroring the system used by FIBA

The new regulations and rules to support this format will be presented at the IWBF Forum, with a period for review.

The findings of the PHC provided detailed information on both perceptions, technical and physical attributes of the different formats considered.

The information was complemented with further research and discussion around delivery and development opportunities.

This was a global piece of work with a collaboration between Loughborough University, the University of British Columbia and students from The Netherlands.

British Wheelchair Basketball provided athletes for the testing at the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, Stoke Mandeville.

The IWBF welcomed the decision to award the 2022 Commonwealth Games to Birmingham in December, with the sport set to make its debut at the event.

A 3x3 competition was included in the English city's bid proposal so the IWBF was a keen observer as the Commonwealth Games Federation made its verdict.

Birmingham was selected to host in 2022 after South African city Durban was stripped of the rights after missing a series of financial deadlines.

The wheelchair basketball competition is tipped to take place in Victoria Square.

Able-bodied 3x3 basketball is also set to make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.