Paralympic Athletes Research Articles

Asymmetry of the Trunk and Lower Extremity Joint Frontal Plane Kinematics During Single-Leg Standing and Squat in Paralympic Athletes With Upper Limb Deficiency Compared With Intact Athletes

OBJECTIVES: To compare trunk and lower extremity asymmetries in frontal and sagittal kinematics, between athletes with upper limb deficiency (ULD) and intact athletes, during bilateral-leg standing (BLST), single-leg standing (SLST), and single-leg squat (SLSQ). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study METHODS: Eleven elite Paralympic athletes with ULD, and eleven intact elite athletes performed BLST, SLST, and SLSQ. Angles of the trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle were recorded using fixed cameras in the frontal and sagittal planes. Kinematic asymmetries between groups, and the relationship between loss of mass relative to body mass (LM%) and ipsilateral trunk tilt were analyzed. RESULTS: Paralympic athletes exhibited greater ipsilateral trunk tilt during ULD side SLSQ (∆ = 7.1°, p = .02, d = 1.26) than intact athletes, but not during intact side SLSQ. No significant correlation was found between LM% and bilateral angle differences in the frontal plane among paralympic athletes ( p > .05, .06 ≤ | r| ≤ .27) CONCLUSION: Athletes with ULD compensated for missing body mass by tilting their trunk over their support leg when performing SLSQ only on the ULD side. The amount of trunk tilt did not seem to depend on the amount of missing mass.

ASPECTOS MOTIVACIONAIS E EMPODERAMENTO DE ATLETAS ANÕES: UMA ABORDAGEM QUALITATIVA

The Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the importance of fulfilling three psychological needs: autonomy, positive social relationships, and competence. In sports, addressing these needs depends on the motivational climate created by the coach. This study aimed to investigate how athletes with dwarfism perceive the motivational climate created by their coaches, their satisfaction with basic psychological needs, and their sense of empowerment. Four Paralympic athletes with dwarfism in athletics were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured, individual interviews with thematic questions, and organized using discourse analysis. Athletes reported positive perceptions of autonomy, noting that it enhanced their motivation and voluntary participation in sports. Perception of competence was also positively evaluated, with all athletes confident in their sporting abilities. Positive social relationships were highlighted as important, although athletes faced discrimination outside of sports. Regarding the motivational climate, athletes identified coaching feedback practices as crucial for their motivation. The perception of empowerment was linked to concepts of equality and family support, emphasizing the role of the sporting environment and the coach in promoting athletes' motivation and empowerment. The positive sports context and favorable motivational climate created by coaches significantly contributed to the athletes' sense of autonomy, competence, and empowerment. However, social challenges outside of sports still impact their social relationships. Received on: 01/08/2024Reformulated on: 13/10/2024Accepted on: 14/10/2024

ATUAÇÃO DA ENFERMAGEM EM SAÚDE ESPORTIVA: CUIDADOS ESSENCIAIS PARA ATLETAS PARALÍMPICOS COM LESÃO MEDULAR E PARALISIA CEREBRAL

This article explores the role of nursing in the external sports health of Paralympic athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) and cerebral palsy (CP), emphasizing the importance of specific care for their well-being and performance. Through a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals and athletes, along with a literature review to identify nursing practices that meet the unique needs of these athletes. Findings reveal that nursing plays an essential role in supporting both the physical and emotional health of athletes, with guidelines encompassing medication administration, chronic condition management, and complication prevention. Likewise, nursing professionals face unique challenges, such as monitoring and adapting health practices according to the demands of Paralympic competitions. The study indicates the need for continuous development in training and personalized resources to enable nursing to effectively contribute to comprehensive and humane care for athletes, enhancing interdisciplinary as essential to improving sports care.

The Potential Impact of Heat on Athletes' Sleep at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games

AbstractIn 2024, Paris will host the Olympic (during July and August) and Paralympic (during September) Summer Games. Despite temperatures often exceeding 40°C in Paris in July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has indicated that there will be no installation of air conditioning in the athletes' rooms. High ambient temperatures can impair the quantity and quality of sleep and, consequently, impair athletic performance. In this overview, we present the rationale behind and explain the process of how a warm environment is unfavorable to the sleep of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as offer practical recommendations on how to mitigate the effects of environment heat for a restful and effective night's sleep during the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Triple Jump Performance Parameters and Inter-Limb Asymmetry in the Kinematic Parameters of the Approach Run in International and Paralympic-Level Class T46/T47 Male Athletes

Background/Objectives: The triple jump is included in the Paralympic Athletics competition. The aim of the research was to examine the relationship of the phase ratios and the inter-limb asymmetry in the spatiotemporal parameters of the approach run in Paralympic and international-level Class T46/T47 triple jumpers. Methods: Eleven Class T46/T47 male athletes were recorded during the examined competitions. Step length (SL), frequency (SF), and average velocity (ASV) for the late approach run as well as the length and the percentage distribution of each jumping phase (hop, step, jump) were measured using a panning video analysis method. The inter-limb asymmetry was estimated using the symmetry angle. Results: No significant inter-limb asymmetry was found (p > 0.05). In addition, SL, SF, and ASV were not different (p > 0.05) between the steps initiated from the ipsilateral and the contralateral leg regarding the impaired arm. However, the direction of asymmetry for SF was towards the ipsilateral leg to the impaired arm in the majority of the examined athletes. The maximum speed of the approach was correlated with the triple jump distance and the magnitude of asymmetry for AVS was correlated with the vertical take-off velocity and angle for the step. Conclusions: Since the distance of the triple jump related with the peak approach speed added the negative correlation of peak approach speed with the magnitude of the symmetry angle for SL, it is suggested to minimize the asymmetries in the step characteristics during the approach run to improve triple jump performance in Class T46/T47 jumpers.

Diaphragmatic Ultrasonography in Sports Performance: A Systematic Review

This paper aims to investigate and analyze the correlation between diaphragmatic parameters through ultrasonography and sports performance in various sports disciplines. This systematic review followed the PRISMA methodology. The search strategy was applied in the Medline database through Ovid, EMBASE, LILACS, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Open Gray. Clinical trials, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies were included, and animal experiments were excluded. A total of 388 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, sixteen studies were selected for full review, and six were included in the qualitative analysis. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between diaphragm excursion and thickness during inspiration with the anaerobic power, highlighting their importance in high-intensity performance. Additionally, one study reported a positive correlation between diaphragm thickness and aerobic power, suggesting the need for further research. The impact of inspiratory muscle training in Paralympic athletes was also evaluated, providing valuable insights into diaphragmatic adaptation in disabled populations. Ultrasonography is a feasible tool for evaluating the structure and function of the diaphragm, the main element of the respiratory process during sports practice. Its use could contribute to the evaluation and planning of sports training and be a possible indicator of performance improvement.

Amputation Level and Prolactin: Features of the Hormonal Profile of Paralympic Athletes

Amputation Level and Prolactin: Features of the Hormonal Profile of Paralympic Athletes

Amputation Level and Prolactin: Features of the Hormonal Profile of Paralympic Athletes

Amputation Level and Prolactin: Features of the Hormonal Profile of Paralympic Athletes

Major clinical outcomes of nutrology management and the endocannabinoid system in the performance of paralympic athletes: a systematic review

Major clinical outcomes of nutrology management and the endocannabinoid system in the performance of paralympic athletes: a systematic review

Body Composition, Nutrition and Hydration Profile of Paralympic Athletes

Paralympic athletes are separated from healthy athletes by having various diseases/disabilities and using auxiliary equipment. This study was planned to compare paralympic athletes' hydration, body composition, and nutritional status. For this purpose, a comparison of branches, sex, and nutritional habits on training day and non-training day were examined by 66 professional athletes from the Turkish Physically Disabled Sports Federation included in the research. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, and physical activity data of individuals were collected. Dietary, physical activity, and water balance scale records were determined to evaluate the nutritional, physical activity, and hydration status of these athletes, respectively. Food consumption data were analyzed with the Nutrition Information System (BeBis) in detail; energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, water, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and iron were examined. Measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a good indicator of skeletal muscle protein mass. While women’s MUAC was 28.9±3.8 cm and men’s MUAC was 30.7±7.0 cm, respectively. When the reference values recommended for healthy athletes are met, it has been observed that protein, carbohydrate, iron, and calcium didn’t meet the recommendations. Carbohydrate, dietary vitamin D, calcium and magnesium values were found to be higher on the training day than on the non-training day (p0.05). The hydration status of the athletes was found to be inadequate in all conditions of gender, branch and the presence or absence of training.

Development of sport policy and practice recommendations for pregnant, postpartum and parenting Canadian high-performance athletes

Our objective is to describe the development of evidence-based policy and practice recommendations for pregnant, postpartum and parenting Canadian high-performance athletes. A community-based participatory research approach was employed as the...

Motivational determinants of athletes’ self-realisation depending on their professional qualification

BackgroundIn the contemporary era, there is a growing emphasis on understanding the self-realization of personality, encompassing individual-psychological traits, abilities, knowledge, skills, and motivation, extensively studied in psychology. Notably, limited attention has been given to exploring motivational determinants influencing athlete self-realization based on their professional qualifications. This gap is particularly pertinent in Kazakhstan, where significant efforts are directed towards athlete preparation.MethodsEmploying a systemic approach by Bagadirova and Kudinov, the study views athlete self-realization as a multi-level phenomenon with interconnected components. A total of 180 athletes participated, including 60 professionals (average age 23.9), 60 amateurs (average age 31.1), and 60 Paralympians (average age 24.4). The methodological toolkit comprises four diagnostic techniques: E.A. Kalinin’s “Motives of Sports Activities” (MSA) questionnaire, S. Maddi’s resilience test adapted by D.A. Leontiev and E.I. Rasskazova, and S.I. Kudinov’s multidimensional questionnaire on self-realization.ResultsSignificant differences in motivational determinants and self-realization attitudes emerge across athlete groups based on their sports qualifications. Noteworthy aspects include declining in motivation among professional athletes of masters of sports and masters of sports of international class, and rigidity in life resilience among Paralympic athletes. Overall, self-realization levels are not high, with extremely low levels of professional self-realization in all three athlete categories.ConclusionsThe study’s scientific novelty lies in systematically organizing knowledge on fundamental motivational determinants impacting athlete self-realization according to professional qualifications. This research addresses the acute shortage of psychological studies in sports psychology for Kazakhstan, which is still in its early stages. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions by coaches and sports psychologists to enhance motivation levels, especially among elite athletes, and foster resilience, particularly in Paralympic athletes, ultimately advancing the field in the country.

Comprehensive periodic health evaluations of 454 Norwegian Paralympic and Olympic athletes over 8 years: what did we learn?

ObjectiveA periodic health evaluation (PHE) is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary investigation of athlete health widely used in elite sport, but its contents and benefits can be questioned. This study aimed...

Training load, sleep, reaction time, sports performance, and mood in paralympic swimmers before a competition.

Coaches usually reduce the training load (tapering) before competition to improve performance; however, in paralympic athletes this strategy had not yet been tested and we did not know which variables are associated with improved performance. Therefore, the objective was to compare the sleep, mood, sports performance, and reaction time (RT) of paralympic swimmers (PS) during tapering and to investigate whether there is a relationship between the variables during this training phase. Eight PS were monitored for 17 days before the main competition, with an actigraphy to record sleep in 16 days. Evaluations were performed on Mondays (Evaluation 1 = E1) and Fridays (E2) during the first and second weeks (E3 and E4), and on Tuesday (E5) of the third week, the day traveling to the competition. Brunel Mood Scale, RT (Psychomotor Vigilance Test), and sports performance (50 m in the pool) were assessed before training on each assessment day. Internal training load (ITL) was evaluated using ratings of perceived exertion. ITL decreased gradually between assessments. Performance and RT were better on E5 than on E1. Fatigue was higher on E1 and E2 than on E4 and E5. Sleep parameters (total sleep time [TST], awakenings after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency) improved in the second week compared with the first week. Furthermore, TST from the previous night was correlated with RT, and RT and fatigue correlated with sports performance. The increase in TST and the reduction in fatigue just before competition achieved by tapering correlated with the improvement in RT and sports performance. In addition, the tapering improved sports performance, RT, sleep parameters, and decreased fatigue.

Change in Walking Parameters of Paralympic Athletes Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Using WALKBOT Training System at Recovery Stage of Rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION: The publication is devoted to studying the rehabilitative effect of the Walkbot innovative training system on restoring the walking function in Paralympic athletes diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). The novelty of the developed Walkbot robot-assisted training system (TS) and insufficient experience of its use in rehabilitation practice require investigations on contingents of patients with musculoskeletal disorders in CP to develop protocols and programs of the rehabilitation use of the Walkbot TS. AIM: Study of effectiveness of rehabilitation use of the Walkbot robotic TS to restore the walking function in Paralympic athletes with spastic cerebral palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Medical Rehabilitation Center ‘Sergievskie Mineral Waters’ in 2023. Forty Paralympic athletes (all men) aged 30-35 years were examined. The experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) included 20 Paralympic athletes each with standardization of the groups by the main parameters. The classes were conducted for 60 minutes according to the rehabilitation program. In the experimental group, besides exercise therapy (ET), the participants also exercised on the robotic Walkbot TS to restore the walking function, namely, they used Go world game with the known tasks symbolizing counties of the world, Go palace game that permits to take a walk around the palace, when patients move to the right or left as they choose; Go undersea game occurring against the background of a fairy sea world where they must go through the route controlling the direction of movement. The Paralympians of the control group used the standard rehabilitation program including ET with no training and gaming technologies. RESULTS: The obtained results showed a pronounced improvement in the parameters of motor actions in Paralympians of the EG, while in the CG, positive rehabilitation changes were 2–3 times less expressed. At the initial and final rehabilitation stages, an increase of the tolerated duration of classes was recorded: by 5 times in the EG and 3 times in the CG, post-rehabilitation increase in the EG was 23.4% compared to that in CG. After training on the Walkbot TS, the volume of the performed load increased 5.9 times in the EG and 2.1 times in the CG. The increase in the EG made 64.5% compared to the CG, which indicated an increase in speed-strength qualities and endurance of para-athletes. At the end of rehabilitation, the amount of steps on the Walkbot TS in the EG increased 5.9 times (in the CG — 2.9 times), increase in the EG made 48.3% compared to the CG. CONCLUSION: The experiment established a complex multisided positive effect of training sessions on the Walkbot TS in the EG versus the effect of only exercise therapy in the CG. The obtained data suggest that training on the Walkbot TS confer a significant restorative and normalizing effect on the neurophysiological mechanisms of functioning of the central parts of the motor cortex.

Sports legacies of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: a study from the perspective of Brazilian athletes

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigated the sports legacies of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games (PG) from the perspective of Brazilian Paralympic athletes. Methodology We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty athletes, examining the following categories of sports legacies: sports facilities, material resources and equipment, sponsorships, encouragement of sports participation, and athletes’ motivation/experiences. Findings According to the interviewees, the main legacies were the establishment of the Brazilian Paralympic Training Centre, located in São Paulo, coupled with the experience, personal pride, and motivation gained from participating in the PG. They believe that inadequate management by the public authorities and sports entity leaders hindered the realization of positive legacies in the other investigated categories. Implications This study recommends the need for advance planning to maximize the legacies of the PG for the sports community. In addition to the usual involvement of politicians and sports leaders, we suggest the inclusion of athlete representation in this process. Research contributions This study emphasizes the importance of proactive management in sports entities and highlights how it can enhance or impede potential positive sports legacies. Originality While other studies have evaluated PG legacies from various perspectives, such as social or infrastructural, few have specifically assessed sports legacies.

Effects of dry needling on spasticity and motor function in paralympic athletes: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

No study has evaluated the effects of dry needling on Paralympic athletes. Therefore, in this study, we will evaluate the effect of dry needling on lower limb spasticity and motor...

Loneliness and Coping Styles Among Athletes With Disabilities During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to assess loneliness experiences among athletes with disabilities (AWD) during the different phases of the pandemic and to understand its relationship with coping styles. Ninety‐one AWD participated in a longitudinal study spanning 10 months, covering three time points: April (A), June (Time B), and November (Time C) 2021. The study used the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and the revised University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale–Revised (UCLA‐R) to measure coping mechanisms and feelings of loneliness, respectively. Loneliness levels peaked during the most intense phase of the pandemic, showing significant differences between consecutive time points (χ2 = 20.29, p < 0.001, d = 0.24). The most robust regression models were built in Time B, using the “intimate contacts” dimension of loneliness as the dependent variable and “emotion‐oriented coping”, “avoidance‐oriented coping”, and “impairment” as independent variables, explaining 44% of the variance (p < 0.001). Loneliness among Paralympic athletes fluctuated during various phases of the pandemic. The findings highlight the significant influence of coping styles, particularly emotional styles which heightened perceived loneliness, and task‐oriented styles which reduced it, on athletes' experiences of loneliness. These results underscore the need for longitudinal studies to delve deeper into the relationship between loneliness and mental health. Moreover, they stress the importance of developing tailored interventions that promote effective coping mechanisms in AWD during challenging times amid to COIVID‐19.

‘Baby Ban’ and ‘we are not the same’: creative non-fiction dialogue exploring pregnancy and motherhood for a funded Paralympic and unfunded Olympic athlete

ABSTRACT Elite athlete mothers are an under researched population. This is remiss given their increasing prevalence, sporting successes, and importance as role models that challenge dominant and traditional views of pregnancy and women in sport. Indeed, sporting organisations are gradually adopting policies to support elite athlete mothers. That said, elite sport is part of a complex social and economic environment that is likely to shape support available to elite athlete mothers. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to explore the shared and different experiences of elite athlete mothers in and out of UK national funding programmes. Longitudinal semi-structured individual interviews with two elite athlete mothers, one Paralympian receiving funding and one Olympian not in receipt of funding, were conducted. Bengtsson’s 4-stage process was adopted to analyse data through the bioecological model. Data were merged and reorganised into two creative non-fiction dialogues; ‘Baby Ban’ and ‘We are not the same’. These reveal that national funding bodies’ pregnancy and motherhood guidelines, and funding policy were found to conflict, causing confusion and unsupportive experiences. Inconsistencies appeared in the exosystem guidelines and policy, and resulted in differences in communication, pressure, and support that prompted more positive interpersonal experiences for funded athletes than unfunded. Effective communication appeared as crucial for understanding athletes’ needs and to foster a supportive environment, irrespective of funding status. This study was the first to apply a creative non-fiction approach and a bioecological lens to elite athlete mothers’ postpartum experiences and explore the inequalities between those who are funded and unfunded.

Doping Prevalence among U.S. Elite Athletes Subject to Drug Testing under the World Anti-Doping Code.

Determining the prevalence of doping within an elite athlete population is challenging due to the extreme sensitivity of the topic; however, understanding true doping prevalence is important when designing anti-doping programs and measuring their effectiveness. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of doping among Olympic, Paralympic, World, and National-level competitive athletes in the United States subject to the World Anti-Doping Code. All athletes who were subject to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, a World Anti-Doping Code ("Code")-compliant anti-doping program, were invited to complete a web-delivered survey. Using a direct questioning approach, the survey items asked athletes whether they had used each specific category of banned substance / method on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List. Multiple strategies to encourage honest reporting (e.g., protecting anonymity by collecting minimal demographic information; using an outside organization to administer the survey) and to detect inconsistent responses were used. Depending on the method of calculation, 6.5-9.2% of the 1,398 respondents reported using one or more prohibited substances or methods in the 12 months prior to survey administration. Specific doping prevalence rates for each individual substance / method categories ranged from 0.1% (for both diuretics / masking agents and stem cell / gene editing) to 4.2% for in-competition use of cannabinoids. Determining the prevalence of doping within different athlete populations is critical so that sport governing bodies can evaluate their anti-doping efforts and better tailor their programming. By measuring doping prevalence of specific categories of substances and methods, rather than just the overall prevalence of doping, this study also highlights where sport governing bodies should focus their future educational and detection efforts.