Week 8 - disability

Question 1

Background facts on parasport

Answer 1

15% of the world’s population live with disability
Most common injuries in summer paralympic sport - sprain, strain
Most common injuries in winter Paralympic sport - contusions, fractures, concussion
Higher overal injury rates in winter Paralympic Games than summer eg almost 50% of 5 a side players in Rio (visually impaired)

Question 2

Discuss cerebral palsy

Answer 2

Motor control affected- hypertonia & spasticity
Associated neurological conditions
visual field defects
learning disability
autism spectrum disorder
epilepsy
Increased risk of
muscle spasm due to altered movement patterns
osteoporosis/osteopenia and therefore fractures
altered gait due to reduced calf length
Hypertonia and spasticity can be improved with strength and conditioning
Tonal improvements possible with botulinum toxin or baclofen pump

Question 3

Discuss wheelchair athletes

Answer 3

Potential Injuries:
upper limb injuries relating to wheelchair propulsion
ulnar and medial nerve entrapment
pressure sores
osteoporosis or osteopenia, leading to fractures

Combination with Spinal Injury:
reduced sensation below level of injury
neurogenic bladder problems

Autonomic Dysreflexia:
in cervical or high thoracic spinally injured athletes
due to pain or infection affecting blood pressure and therefore VO2 max
health risk but also potential illegal competition benefit, known as ‘boosting’
The IPC Medical Committee lowered the threshold for systolic blood pressure, tested just before competition, to >160mmHg prior to Rio 2016

Question 4

Discuss amputees:

Answer 4

Musculoskeletal injuries, including spinal injuries, can relate to altered biomechanics & use of aids

Concern re appropriate, fair use of technology:
Unfair performance enhancement
Blauwet 2016, Burkett 2010

Stump pressure can be affected by:
Travel
Altitude
Temperature
Blood flow during exercise
Fit of prosthesis
Changes in muscle bulk
Weight-bearing loading (potential development of sores)

Question 5

Discuss classification in parasport

Answer 5

Purpose: to promote participation in sport by people with disabilities by minimising the impact of eligible types of impairment on the outcome of competition
Tweedy et al 2011

Goals:
Defines who is eligible to compete
Groups athletes into sport classes which aim to ensure that the impact of impairment is minimised and sporting excellence determines which athlete or team is victorious
International Paralympic Committee Athlete Classification Code 2015

Divided into:
Impairment group (10 groups*) eg impaired muscle power, loss of limb, hypertonia, short stature
Impairment level

Criteria are put in place to ensure winning is determined by:
Skill
Fitness
Power
Endurance
Tactical ability
Mental focus