GSS2117 - Natalie Doman Blog#7
Paralympics Sports Medicine and Science By classifying athletes with physical disabilities according to the severity of their condition and how it affects their ability to compete, Paralympic classification systems aim to guarantee fair competition. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), classification entails evaluating body structure (e.g., limb deficit, short stature), activity limits, and impairments of bodily functions (e.g., muscle strength, coordination). Four steps make up the classification process: evaluating the athlete's health, verifying eligibility, identifying the extent of the impairment, and allocating the right competition class. Although it is still difficult to obtain consistent and trustworthy results, current methods rely on a variety of evaluation techniques, including manual muscle testing, goniometry, and coordination examinations. Combining sport-specific activities, new motor tasks, impairment evaluation,...