Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH

BACKGROUND: Functional assessment in wheelchair basketball (WB) has three evaluation stages: analysis of isolated functions, combined functional measures, and the observation of volume of action (VoA) in a sporting context. Sport class allocation relies on VoA assessed in controlled conditions (VoA-capacity), which corresponds to combined functional measures, and during game observation (VoA-performance). However, the contribution of each assessment phase to sport class allocation remains insufficiently understood. This study examines how trunk and hip muscle strength influences VoA-capacity and evaluates the extent to which VoA-capacity is associated with sport class. Additionally, it compares trunk muscle strength and VoA-capacity across sport classes to characterize functional differences between groups.

METHODS: tests were applied.

RESULTS: comparisons showing the largest contrasts between lower (1.0-2.0) and higher (4.0-4.5) sport classes.

CONCLUSION: Trunk and hip muscle strength showed associations with VoA capacity, suggesting their relevance for understanding players' ability to perform dynamic seated movements. VoA-capacity, was also associated with sport class allocation. Although muscle strength is not a classification criterion in WB, profiling players' muscular strength may offer complementary insights in complex classification scenarios. These findings provide preliminary functional evidence of WB classification and support future investigations integrating VoA-performance to refine assessment models.

PURPOSE: This study examined whether upper and mid trunk kinematics, measured by inertial measurement units at seventh cervical (C7) and eighth thoracic (T8) vertebral levels, distinguishes between clinically defined levels of trunk function to support classifiers' decisions in Paralympic sports.

METHODS: Sixty-three wheelchair athletes with neuromusculoskeletal impairment (54 wheelchair basketball players, 7 fencers, and 2 others) were classified into four trunk-hip function groups (Very Low, Low, Moderate, and High) using hierarchical cluster analysis based on the composite score of standardised Manual Muscle Testing of trunk and hip muscles. Participants performed maximum active range of motion (Volume of Action) tasks while sitting in four conditions with progressively reduced external support (Full, Partial, No Support, and Sport Wheelchair). Two Inertial Measurement Units recorded trunk kinematics at 100 Hz. Inter-segmental peak angular differences between sensors were compared across groups using Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS: Active range of motion from individual C7 and T8 sensors differentiated most trunk-hip function group pairs (88% of comparisons). Peak trunk angle differed between sensors in 66% of comparisons, particularly for rotation (8-20°) and lateral tilt (4-14°). These inter-segmental C7-T8 differences separated groups in 23% of comparisons (mean difference: 10°; range: 4-20°).

CONCLUSIONS: Active range of motion from a single upper trunk (C7) sensor discriminated between most trunk function group pairs and appears sufficient for classification. Inter-segmental C7-T8 trunk peak angle differences provided limited additional classification value beyond single-sensor measurements, supporting the use of simplified field assessment protocols.

The current classification system in para-cycling needs to be investigated in order to comply with requirements of the International Paralympic Committee of providing evidence-based classification in all Paralympic sports. The aim was to investigate consensus on issues within the current para-cycling classification system and identify future research priorities within para-cycling classification.

Design:Three rounds of online questionnaires were sent to an international expert-panel (n=51, representing six continents) consisting of para-cyclists (n=27, 52.9%), para-cycling coaches and team managers (n=5, 9.8%), classifiers (n=8, 15.7%), para-sport researchers (n=5, 9.8%), and other roles in para-cycling (n=6, 11.7%). Each new round was based on the responses of the previous round.

Results:Consensus was reached on the following main issues: adjust current muscle strength assessment in classification (76%), redefine the minimum impairment criteria for the lower (97%) and upper (76%) body, athletes cycling with one leg should compete separately from athletes cycling with two legs (81%), athletes with musculoskeletal impairments should compete separately from athletes with coordination impairments (77%).

Conclusions:The panel’s views revealed directions to revise the para-cycling classification system, and that future para-cycling research should focus on leg muscle strength assessments, upper-body impairments, and the cut-off between bicycling and tricycling (C and T-divisions).

AIM: Evidence on physical activity (PA), sedentary time, and fitness in adolescents with impairments has been limited. We aimed to compare outcomes in Swedish adolescents with and without impairments and between impairment types.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study, from September to December 2019, comprised of adolescents from 34 mainstream schools within 3 h' drive of Stockholm, Sweden. Parents reported impairment status. PA and sedentary time were measured with accelerometers during school and leisure time on weekdays and weekends. Fitness was estimated using the Ekblom-Bak submaximal cycle test, sports participation was self-reported and multilevel mixed models were used for analyses.

RESULTS: We enrolled 972 adolescents (51% girls), with a mean age of 13.4 ± 0.3 years. Just under a third (31%) had impairments. Adolescents with impairments showed lower PA levels, less adherence to recommendations, lower fitness and less participation in organised sports than those without impairments. Those with learning or visual impairments engaged in less vigorous activity and the former had lower fitness levels.

CONCLUSION: Adolescents with impairments were less physically active, more sedentary and had lower fitness than peers without impairments. This emphasises the need for equitable opportunities for PA, to support long-term health and well-being in adolescents with impairments.

Objectives Para athletes may face unique challenges in the anti-doping system, including issues of privacy, implementation, comprehension and accessibility. While previous studies have examined non-disabled athletes’ views, little is known about how international elite Para athletes perceive anti-doping procedures. The aim of this study was to increase the understanding of elite Para athletes’ experiences and perceptions of anti-doping procedures.

Methods Using a cross-sectional observational study design, data were collected via an online questionnaire distributed during major international Para competitions. A total of 109 elite Para athletes from 25 countries, representing three impairment groups—physical, visual and intellectual impairments—participated in the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric analytical tests.

Results Among elite Para athletes, 27% had never received anti-doping education during their sports careers, while those who had received such education felt more confident in staying updated on the prohibited list. Over half had never undergone doping testing, and over 70% had never submitted whereabouts information. Most athletes who had been tested found the procedure respectful and adapted to their impairment. However, 25% could not provide a urine sample without assistance from a doping control officer or another person. Furthermore, 40% of those who had submitted whereabouts information said updating it reduced their enjoyment of being an elite athlete.

Conclusions This study shows that many Para athletes, even at the elite level, have limited experience with key anti-doping procedures, highlighting a need for more inclusive, prioritised and accessible anti-doping efforts tailored to the needs of Para athletes.

In para-kayak, athletes with unilateral above knee amputation (AK) and athletes with below knee amputation (BK) compete in the same class. This has been questioned since previous research have shown that the legs are important for paddling performance. The purpose was therefore to examine differences in kinematic and kinetic performance variables between AK and BK para-kayak athletes and the amputated (A) and non-amputated (NA) sides. Eleven AK and six BK athletes on international level participated. 3D kinematic and kinetic data were collected for the body, seat, footrest and paddle during kayak ergometer paddling. There were no significant differences between the groups in main performance variables such as power output or paddle force. Differences between the groups were only seen in the hip joint in flexion range of motion, flexion and extension angular velocity and flexion moment where BK demonstrated larger values. The NA side demonstrated greater values compared to the A side in posterior force at the seat and in hip flexion moment. As there were no significant differences between the groups in the majority of the examined key performance variables, the results suggest that athletes with unilateral AK and BK amputation may be able to compete in the same class.

Introduction: A well-functioning anti-doping system relies on being perceived by athletes as effective, fair, and practically feasible to implement. While research has highlighted the views of Olympic athletes on anti-doping over the past decade, the experiences and perceptions of Para athletes have not been extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to examine Swedish elite Para athletes' experiences and perceptions of the policy and practice of the anti-doping system.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional approach was used, with a web survey elaborated from a survey with Olympic athletes adjusted for Para athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. The sample consisted of 66 active Para athletes competing at national or international level (response rate 71%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between subgroups were examined Fisher's exact test. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze open-ended questions.

Results: Most of the respondents expressed a positive outlook on the anti-doping system, advocating for comprehensive efforts. A significant portion (35%) had not received anti-doping education, with those who did reporting increased confidence in avoiding unintentional doping. Despite their elite status, half of the respondents had not undergone doping control. Mistrust regarding the system's effectiveness and fairness was identified, with over half of the participants emphasizing the need for new technical solutions to enhance procedures specifically tailored for Para athletes.

Discussion: The athletes in this study advocate for a Para sports-focused approach in the anti-doping system, emphasizing equal testing opportunities, procedural adjustments for independence and privacy, and increased access to education. The findings illuminate the unique conditions faced by athletes with impairments within the anti-doping system, offering valuable insights for policymaking in the development of anti-doping strategies tailored to Para athletes and their various impairments.