Paralympic Research Articles

Estimating the snow density using collocated Parsivel and Micro-Rain Radar measurements: a preliminary study from ICE-POP 2017/2018

Abstract. A new method is developed to derive the bulk density and bulk water fraction of a population of particles from collocated measurements from the Micro-Rain Radar (MRR) and Particle Size and Velocity disdrometer (Parsivel). A rigorous particle-scattering simulation, namely the T-matrix method, is applied to Parsivel's particle size distribution data to calculate the reflectivity (ZHH). The possible combinations of the particle's ice, air, and water are derived to compare them with the MRR-measured ZHH. The combination of the minimum water fraction and maximum ice fraction subsequently determines the bulk density (ρbulk). The proposed method is applied to the data collected from the International Collaborative Experiments for Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic winter games (ICE-POP 2018) projects and its pre-campaign. The estimated ρbulk was examined independently by a comparison of the liquid-equivalent snowfall rate (SR) of collocated Pluvio devices. The bias values are adequately low (SR: −0.25–0.06 mm h−1). The retrieved bulk density also shows good consistency with collocated Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP) retrievals. The results indicate the capability of the proposed algorithm to derive reliable ρbulk, leveraging the compact and easily deployable designs of MRR and Parsivel. The derived bulk density of the two warm–low cases (28 February and 7 March 2018) shares a similar transition as the systems were decaying. The higher bulk density and bulk water fraction were found in the coastal sites (BKC and GWU have a median value of ρbulk and are 0.05 to 0.12 g cm−3), typically accompanied by higher liquid-water constituents (mean values of the top 5 % bulk water fraction are 0.07 to 0.45) than the inland sites (YPO and MHS have a median value of ρbulk and are 0.06 to 0.10, and mean values of the top 5 % bulk water fraction are 0.001 to 0.008) during such synoptic conditions.

Sacred Games: nietzsche and huizinga in dialogue – an inquiry into the olympic and paralympic games

ABSTRACT This article examines the sacredness of modern sports games by comparing the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the ancient Greek Olympics and analysing the evolution of ethos between ancient and modern games. Drawing on the theories of Johan Huizinga and Friedrich Nietzsche, it identifies an originary structure of sacred play that contributes to the formation of social and cultural identity. Concepts of sacredness, rituality, and agonism in ancient games are explored to understand their influence on modern games. Through a hermeneutic investigation of Huizinga and Nietzsche’s works, the article identifies six fundamental elements of sacred play: inviolable rules, space separated from daily reality, symbolic and cultural meaning, experience of transcendence, reflection of myths and meanings, and self-affirmation, self-overcoming and creativity. These elements are applied to the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games, highlighting their presence in shared rituals and symbols. The discussion focuses on the tension between the traditional Olympic Ethos and the current Efficiency Ethos, highlighting the possible implications on the elements of Olympic sacredness. Finally, it calls for critical reflection on the values and practices of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to preserve their sacredness over time.

Parasport medicine and its challenges

Introduction: The field of Paralympic medicine examines the healthcare issues that are specific to athletes with disabilities. This article presents a historical phenomenon in which the introduction of further activities for patients with neurological conditions led to the hosting of the Paralympic Games. The article describes the complexity of inclusivity in disability health research and outlines the historical context of the emergence of this field of sports medicine. It also presents the main challenges posed by the developing parasport. One of the most significant issues is to guarantee that competition is conducted with the greatest degree of equity possible. This entails ensuring the precision of classification, preventing the over-medicalisation of athletes. It is also imperative that athletes with special requirements are provided with the appropriate support and equipment. The creation of adequate care pathways requires a challenging process, largely due to the inconclusive nature of research findings over the years. Further investigation is necessary to gain a more nuanced understanding of this relatively new area of study. Purpose of work: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the broader challenges that paramedicine is facing in relation to the rapid development of this branch of sports medicine. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in Pubmed database and other scientific databases. References were researched using following keywords: paralympic games, persons with disabilities, paramedicine, para-athletes, Conclusions: The advancement of Paralympic medicine is markedly expedited by a synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The integration of these two approaches yields invaluable insights into the personal perspectives of athletes on their health, while also facilitating statistically significant, evidence-based results on the analysis of large groups of athletes.

Leveraging para-sport events for accessible tourism development in non-host cities: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Leveraging para-sport events for accessible tourism development in non-host cities: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Investigating the relationship between impairment and performance in goalball: A level playing field?

ABSTRACT Currently, all eligible goalball players compete together irrespective of their level of vision impairment, yet it remains unclear whether those with more impairment are disadvantaged during competition. Following the International Paralympic Committee’s requirement for evidence-based, sport-specific classification, this study assessed whether individual goalball performance relates to the level of visual impairment. Using results from the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games, players’ sport classes and in-competition key performance statistics (minutes played, throws per minute, goals per minute, penalties conceded per minute, blocks per minute, and goals per throw) were extracted. Players’ visual acuity and visual field results were obtained through the IBSA Sport Administration System. Results showed no statistically significant differences in performance between classes. Further, there were no significant relationships between vision and performance for all six variables for female players. A small but significant positive correlation was found between visual acuity and the number of penalties conceded for male players. Collectively, the results suggest that currently eligible players compete fairly against one another during competitive goalball matches. Results provide support for the existing system of classification whereby all eligible athletes compete against each other irrespective of their level of impairment.

Variations in Personality Traits Among Top Judo Referees from 2018 to 2022 Based on Gender Differences

The personality traits of top judo referees are crucial for fair decision-making in elite competitions, shaping the experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators. This study examines potential differences in personality traits among 63 referees from the World Judo Tour between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. Factors analyzed include completing the IJF Academy course Level 1, elite athlete status, number of officiated events, performance ratings, and participation in the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Our research shows that older referees tend to exhibit greater extraversion, whereas less experienced officials show lower levels of this trait. Referees with limited experience generally demonstrate higher agreeableness than their more experienced counterparts. Female referees and those with top performance ratings display greater conscientiousness than male referees. Completing the IJF Academy course is associated with lower neuroticism, while lower performance ratings are linked to higher neuroticism. Openness tends to decrease with increased officiating experience, with less experienced referees showing higher levels of this trait. In conclusion, competitive experience, training completion, and officiating tenure are associated with specific personality traits among judo referees, highlighting the importance of continuous training for effective officiating. The analysis of personality traits revealed no statistically significant differences between male and female referees in the dimensions measured by the BFI (Big Five Inventory). This indicates that the levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were similar for both genders, with no significant variation in how these traits were expressed.

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.

Peaking for the Olympic Games. An Integrated Approach Developed With the French National Swimming Team for Paris 2024.

Bosquet, L, Bretonneau, Q, Pla, R, Vachon, A, and Morales-Artacho, A. Peaking for the Olympic games: an integrated approach developed with the French national swimming team for Paris 2024. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-In energy-dominant disciplines, such as swimming, performance depends largely on the difference between the levels of fatigue and physical fitness: the greater this difference, the higher the probability of reaching a peak performance. The main challenge before major events such as the Olympic games is therefore in identifying the most efficient strategies to reduce the fatigue accumulated during previous mesocycles, while maintaining, or even improving the level of physical fitness. The most widespread strategy relies in the manipulation of training load parameters. This is the taper period, which has been shown to improve performance by ≈2% in elite athletes. However, tapering may not be sufficient for the most tired athletes. In this case, the strategy commonly used consists in combining the manipulation of training load with the implementation of recovery methods. Regardless of the strategy, we perceive that the challenge for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists is to estimate the level of cumulative fatigue as precisely as possible to individualize the recommendations. This relies not only on the identification of valid markers but also on the ability to interpret their variations over time. The objective of this article is to present the method initially developed in a European champion professional rugby team and now implemented with the French swimming team as part of its preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. More specifically, this article provides some details about the conception of the monitoring dashboard, and the method used to interpret changes over time to categorize the level of fatigue.

Brazilian Women in Paralympic Sports: Uncovering Historical Milestones in the Summer Paralympic Games.

The journey of Brazilian female Paralympians transcends mere statistical increases in women's participation. Behind the modest athlete growth lies the reality of women who are doubly marginalized by the intersection of gender and disability in an arena tailored for able-bodied men. Our study aimed to catalyze critical discourses surrounding the historical trajectory of Paralympic women's sports. Through a comprehensive documentary analysis based on the Brazilian Paralympic Committee's official documents from 1976 to 2021, we sought to shed light on this complex scenario. Numerically, Brazil's representation comprised 229 women who, predominantly, had physical impairments and engaged in individual sports. In addition to a sporting legacy deeply entrenched in physical rehabilitation with limited opportunities for team-based sports, we observed negative influences stemming from ableist and sexist narratives. A thorough investigation into Paralympic milestones revealed a multitude of social barriers and highlighted the significant impact of societal changes in reshaping athletic opportunities and challenging traditional stereotypes.

PARALÍMPIADAS NA MÍDIA: UM ESTUDO SOBRE A RIO 2016 NO PORTAL “LANCE”

The Paralympic Games are the premier adaptive sports competition, held every four years since 1960. In 2016, the event was hosted in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first time Brazil hosted the Games. This study analyzed 200 news articles published on the "Lance!" website during the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, focusing on the distribution of news by sport and type of disability. Track and Field and Swimming were the most highlighted sports, reflecting the number of medals and records achieved by Brazilian athletes. The study also noted that, in addition to the number of achievements, factors such as athlete popularity and historical tradition influenced media coverage. Sports such as Goalball and Five-a-Side Football, despite having fewer medals, also received extensive coverage due to their impact on the national sports scene. The analysis concludes that the visibility given to sports is closely linked to athletic performance, athlete prominence, and the competition calendar. The study suggests that future investigations should consider not only coverage by major portals but also the growing role of social media in disseminating information about the Paralympic Games. Received: 2024/06/08 Reformulated: 2024/08/29 Accepted: 2024/08/29

Vers un ‘Breaking fédéral et olympique’ : genèse d’une discipline sportivo-artistique engagée dans une nouvelle étape de sportification controversée face à l’enjeu de préservation culturelle

The inclusion of Breaking in the Olympic and Paralympic Games has generated internal reactions: How do the actors of French Breaking position themselves faced with the sudden and additional phase of sportification of their practice? The authors propose a recontextualization of the national and political registration of this practice, which is marked by three forms of institutionalization: first, socio-cultural, then cultural, and finally sporting. The field investigation (2019–2023) shows hip-hop actors, transmitters of a conventional sporting-artistic heritage, not fully adhering to the new “Olympic Breaking.” Some are trying to support federalization, which is favorable to the existence of cultural permanence at the organizational level of this new format. Changes have also been brought about. To understand them, particular interest is focused on the organizational specificities of “underground” Break battles, and on the “committed” positions of “recognized” hip-hop actors faced with the uncontrolled introduction of their culture into the Games.

Retraction Note: Lessons from the Winter Paralympic Games disclosing the epidemiology of winter sports injury in paralytic athletes: a meta-analysis

Retraction Note: Lessons from the Winter Paralympic Games disclosing the epidemiology of winter sports injury in paralytic athletes: a meta-analysis

Gender (in)equity in the Paralympic Movement? Analyzing the institutional policies of the International Paralympic Committee

ABSTRACT Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate if – and how – the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) addressed gender issues over the past two completed Paralympic cycles (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020). Methodology It involved documentary research, including a content analysis of the institution’s Handbook, statutes, strategic plans, and reports valid between 2013 and 2021. Findings There is a progressive effort by the IPC to address gender equality in sports participation and leadership. However, besides the establishment of policies towards this end, there is a lack of alignment between these policies and their implementation. Gender inequity persists within the Paralympic Games program and in women’s participation in the Paralympic Games as well as in decision-making roles. Practical Implications Considering that men and women depart from unequal conditions, advocacy for gender equality is not enough. There is a need for equity, which involves affirmative policies and actions to foster women’s participation. Research Contribution This research fills a gap in the literature by delving into the IPC’s documents to analyze gender issues. It also provides practical insights on what needs to be done for gender equity within the Paralympic Movement. Originality/Value Some of our findings are of application not only to Paralympic institutions, but also to other sport institutions outside the Paralympic Movement.

Individuals’ Motivations and Engagement With Paralympic Content on Social Media: A Longitudinal Analysis Across Six Summer and Winter Games

Despite the recent growth in Paralympic sport programming and viewership on social media, there remains a limited understanding of social media users’ motivations for consuming and engaging with Paralympic content. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the motivations of social media users for consuming Paralympic content and the relationship between different types of motivations and social media engagement. Our data collection spanned six Paralympic Games, both Summer and Winter, from 2012 to 2022, resulting in the analysis of 1,297 tweets from unique X (formerly known as Twitter) users. Findings suggest that the prevalent motives for consuming Paralympics content on X include information, integration and interaction, political stance, empowerment, inspiration, and entertainment. Regarding engagement, inspirational content is most likely to be liked, while integration and interaction, and entertainment are more likely to be retweeted.

Relationship between screen-play scenarios' effectiveness and player classification in elite wheelchair basketball based on match results of Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

BackgroundThe competitiveness of wheelchair basketball has increased over time. However, screen-play, considered a vital offensive tactic in running basketball, is still poorly clarified. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the impact of screen-play on scoring and game results in wheelchair basketball and assess the roles of each player classification (PC).MethodsInformation regarding screen-play, including 13 categories such as shot success, location, and PC, was recorded for 22 wheelchair basketball games in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. This information was analyzed using the chi-square test to evaluate the significant differences in the appearance frequency of variables in each category (categorical variable) between the winning and losing teams and the shot-success rate.ResultsExcept for PC-related categorical variables, comparing the appearance frequency of the winning and losing teams confirmed a significant difference for screen and pass locations (all p < 0.05). Regarding the shot-success rates of the winning and losing teams, a significant difference in five categories was confirmed, including shot and pass locations (all p < 0.05). Regarding the PC, comparing the appearance frequency of the winning and losing teams confirmed a significant difference for PC of the screener (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in the shot-success rates of the winning and losing teams in nine, five, three, and four categories regarding the PCs of the shooter, user, screener, and passer, respectively, such as shot location, pass location, and type of screen (p < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionIn wheelchair basketball offenses, it may be effective to consider the following points in the scenario lead-up to a shot: Using two different spaces, in the paint and the 3-point field goal area, could be crucial in screen-play. Improving the accuracy of on-the-ball screen plays appears vital, and using off-the-ball screens could also contribute to winning. Allocating approximately 50% of screeners to the middle-point classification (Middle) players and the rest to the low-point (Low) and high-point (High) classification players, at approximately 25% each, may be practical. Regarding winning team player roles, using High shooters and users; Low, Middle, and High screeners; and Middle and High passers contributed to play success.

INCLUSÃO DE ESTUDANTES COM DEFICIÊNCIA NOS JOGOS ESCOLARES DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

The Jogos Escolares do Rio Grande do Sul (JERGS) are a school sporting event that has been part of the cultural itinerary of the state of Rio Grande do Sul since 1970, when it was created at the Secretaria da Educação e Cultura do Rio Grande do Sul (SEC). Currently, the event is aimed at students from the state's public network, at the municipal, state and federal levels. For many years, students with disabilities did not have an effective space in this school event, which, at times, greatly valued the participation of students with the “athlete” profile. Therefore, the research aims to understand the process of insertion and participation of students with disabilities in JERGS. To achieve this, we determined Cultural History as a theoretical and methodological matrix for research. To access the past about the historical conformations of JERGS, information was collected through documentary sources and digital sources. The collected sources were subjected to the document analysis technique, based on the recording, classification, analysis and cross-referencing procedures. After analyzing and interpreting the collected materials, we found that the JERGS began to include children and adolescents with disabilities in an effective and duly regulated manner from the 2017 edition onwards, the year following the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The holding of this mega sporting event in brazilian territory may have encouraged the JERGS organizing committee to include sports adapted for students with disabilities in the event's modalities, almost 50 years since its creation in the state. Received: 2024/04/04 Reformulated: 2024/06/03 Accepted: 2024/08/04

Foodservice strategies for reducing athlete illness at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In 2021, infection control guidelines, including those specific to feeding environments, were introduced by the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees to reduce virus transmission at the Tokyo 2020 Summer and Beijing 2022 Winter games. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to investigate caterers' compliance to these guidelines which included measures for personal hygiene, sanitisation, and physical distancing at these events. Expert sport dietitians attending Tokyo (n = 15) and Beijing (n = 7) games were surveyed to rate 11 COVID-19 countermeasures as fully (100%), partially or non-compliant at nine dining locations across both events. Descriptive analysis of each countermeasure based on observed compliance and location was conducted and reported as a proportion of the total responses. To better understand participant perspectives of the factors influencing compliance, open responses were systematically coded into themes and sub-themes by researchers through content analysis. Themes generated from participant comments were categorised based on their relevance to specific countermeasures and locations to identify commonalities and disparities in participant experiences, perceptions, and observations. All main dining halls at both events were observed as 100% compliant to countermeasures on more occasions compared with Tokyo's venues and satellite villages. However, Beijing's three main dining halls, showed a greater compliance compared with Tokyo's main dining hall, likely due to overcrowding in Tokyo. Comments suggested that smaller dining spaces, with overcrowding, may have contributed to reduced compliance to physical distancing measures. Food safety concerns were raised about gastrointestinal distress in Beijing due to food cross-contamination. Findings suggest that the food service environment may influence caterers' abilities to comply with foodservice safety and infection control guidelines. In the post-pandemic era, enhanced quality control and standardised risk mitigation strategies are needed to improve athletes' health at international sporting events.

Prevalence of therapeutic use exemptions at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games: an analysis of data from 2016 to 2022

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to describe the prevalence of therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) among athletes competing in four Olympic and four Paralympic games. The secondary objective was to...

Paris air quality monitoring for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics: focus on air pollutants and pollen

BackgroundExposure to air pollution can affect the health of individuals with respiratory disease, but may also impede the health and performance of athletes. This is potentially relevant for people travelling...

LEGAL BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT OF UZBEK PARASPORT

In this article, a chronological analysis of the normative and legal documents adopted for the development of parasport in Uzbekistan, the tasks and tasks defined in the field, their scope, the state of implementation, as well as such laws, decisions and relevant documents for parasport coaches and athletes, it served as a road map, and the successful participation of our representatives in the international Paralympic and Para-Asian games based on systematic preparation is discussed.