Initial steps towards an evidence-based classification system for golfers with a physical impairment

Purpose: The present narrative review aims to make a first step towards an evidence-based classification system in handigolf following the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). It intends to create a conceptual framework of classification for handigolf and an agenda for future research. Method: Pubmed was searched on three themes: “Classification in Paralympic sports”, “Performance determining factors in golf” and “Impact of impairments on golf performance”. IPC-regulations were gathered on the IPC-website and their official publications. Results: In developing a classification system conform IPC-regulations, the main challenge is to identify the activity limitation caused by the impairment, not influenced by training, talent or motivation. Timing, accuracy and control, work per joint, range of motion, balance and flexibility are important performance determining factors in abled-bodied golf and should be considered when determining activity limitations in handigolf. Only five articles on handigolf were found, mainly addressing the asymmetric golf movement. Based on the present review, a conceptual framework for classification was developed, while a future research agenda was designated. The conceptual framework presents factors that are essential for sports performance categorized under “technology”, “interface” and “athlete characteristics”. It also includes impairment related factors essential for determining eligibility and classification. Ideally, measures to be used during classification need to be resistant against training, natural development of the athlete’s talent and motivational changes. Conclusions: The conceptual framework and a multidimensional scientific research agenda will support further development of the knowledge base required for an evidence-based classification in handigolf, including multi-level analysis of player statistics, experimental analyses of biomechanics and modeling studies.Implications for Rehabilitation The main challenge in developing an evidence-based classification system conform IPC-regulations is defining eligibility criteria and sport classes based on activity limitation caused by only the impairment and not affected by training, talent and motivation. It is expected that a transparent classification system, a lively competition and admission to the Paralympic program will further promote participation in disabled golf. Timing, accuracy and control, work per joint, range of motion, balance and flexibility are of greater importance for golf performance in able-bodied golfers and expected to be of interest to incorporate in classification for handigolf. Side and level of amputation influence activity limitation in the asymmetric golf movement, and should be incorporated in classification. The proposed conceptual framework is fundamental to the research agenda that must further generate the knowledge-base to determine activity limitations caused by different impairments in handigolf and may serve as a guideline for other Paralympic sports in the development of evidence-based classification

Paralympic VR: an immersive experience

Paralympic VR: an immersive experience is based on exploratory research and consists in the production of a 360 video-prototype that aims to give special access to the wheelchair basketball training universe, bringing the users close to Paralympic athletes without the need to hide the impairment or hyper focus on the stories behind the disability. Media coverage of Paralympic sports and the representation of disabled athletes have been changing, but still present a medicalised framing, a narrative where the athletes are commonly portrayed as heroes due to the overcoming of difficulties related to the impairment and not to the sports results. This present project work considers immersive journalism and the use of virtual reality technologies as the means by which an alternative approach and a better representation of Paralympians are possible. The project presents the description of the workflow process, detailing conceptualization decisions, technical aspects and, mainly, the challenges and lessons learned. A user study combining focus groups and online survey was also conducted in order to have insights about the experience of watching the video with the headset Samsung Gear VR. Feedback provided by participants indicated that the prototype accomplished its aim. Recommendations to improve future work were also gathered.Paralympic VR: an immersive experience baseia-se em investigação exploratória e consiste na produção de um vídeo 360 graus que visa dar acesso especial ao universo de treino do basquete em cadeira de rodas, aproximando os utilizadores dos atletas paralímpicos sem a necessidade de ocultar a deficiência ou dar grande enfoque às histórias por detrás da deficiência. A cobertura do desporto paralímpico nos media e a representação dos atletas com deficiência está a transformar-se, mas ainda apresenta uma abordagem medicalizada, uma narrativa em que os atletas são comumente retratados como heróis devido à superação de dificuldades relacionadas à deficiência e não em virtude aos resultados desportivos. O jornalismo imersivo e o uso de tecnologias de realidade virtual são considerados no presente trabalho de projeto os meios pelos quais é possível uma abordagem alternativa e uma melhor representação dos atletas paralímpicos. O projeto apresenta a descrição de todo o processo de produção do vídeo-protótipo, detalhando decisões de conceito, aspectos técnicos e, principalmente, os desafios e lições aprendidas. Um estudo com utilizadores combinando grupos de foco e questionário on-line também foi conduzido para a recolha de perceções sobre a experiência de assistir ao vídeo com o headset Samsung Gear VR. Os comentários fornecidos pelos participantes indicaram que o protótipo atingiu seu objetivo. Importantes recomendações para a melhoria de futuras experiências também foram reunidas

Training for Optimal Sports Performance and Health

In this book, the emphasis is on various training interventions. Types of exercises that can help improve performance in athletes and health in people facing poor movement diseases.Also, we have presented a variety of strength training interventions in the form of various types of research. On the other hand, we continue to monitor internal and external loads related to non-contact injuries and performance analysis

20M Sprint Capacity Test, a component of the Wheelchair Sports Performance Test : A Smartwheel ® Technology Field Validation Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the relationships between the 20M Sprint Capacity Test utilizing SmartWheel® technology and other speed evaluation techniques. The goal of the 20M Sprint Capacity Test is to provide an objective protocol for coaches and players to measure speed, training, and performance growth. All participants (N = 17) performed two trials of the 20M Sprint Capacity test with the SmartWheel® placed on each side of a wheelchair, provided by the researcher. Results of this research focus on the potential relationships existing between the variables of push length (r = .650), push frequency (r = .594), peak force (r = .540), and speed performance as measured in meters/second by the SmartWheel®. The relationships between classification level of the athletes and speed in meters/second suggested a significant relationship (r = . 859). Due to the highly correlated relationship between classification level and speed, athlete classification (i.e., class) was partialed out to control for this relationship. When partial correlations were analyzed, push length and speed were no longer significantly correlated (r = .175, p = .532). Push frequency and speed (m/s) remained significantly correlated (r = .573, p = .026); however, peak force and speed (m/s) also were no longer significantly correlated (r = .464, p = .081). Additional research is needed to further validate these results and develop speed training assessment protocols for athletes with disabilities.  M.S

Effect of sledge hockey configuration on sledge hockey performance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the position of a sledge hockey player in their sledge using measurements of knee angle, seat height, and stability. Prior to this study, sledge hockey coaches and athletes used trivial methods to position a player in their seat. Proper positioning can enhance performance and function of the athlete. Nine different positions were evaluated using two on-ice sledge hockey specific tests. Four experienced male sledge hockey players from the London Blizzard who compete in the Ontario Sledge Hockey Association participated in this study. The results suggest a knee angle of 140º with a medium knuckle height produced on average the fastest times (

Evaluation of efficiency of repulsion in speed-and-strength types of athletics

Efficiency of repulsion in speed-and-strength types of athletics is an integral measure of skill, since the performance of repulsive movements involves interaction of almost all organs and body systems. Dynamic repulsion lays the foundation for high sports results and the conditions of effective interaction of internal and external forces. With the special test exercises, one can determine the level of functioning of individual systems, on which the result of an exercise depends, which during training sessions provides focused opportunity to influence the stimulation of individual systems, increasing their level of activity. The article presents an electromyographic evaluation of the effectiveness of repulsion during the high jump at a run. The implementation of this method will make it possible to objectively evaluate the level of technical skills of athletes and purposefully influence the improvement of basic biomechanical characteristics of sports exercises

Development of a classification model in disability sport

The principal aim of this study was to develop a classification model in disability sports. Using disability swimming as an example, methods of participant observation, interview, survey and document analysis were undertaken in three empirical studies to develop and clarify the classification model and three elements in swimming classification- (a) the classification process, (b) classifiers and (c) the classification system. First, the swimming classification process was identified as a social process. Members in the classification process socially interacted. The detailed classification process was described, interpreted and discussed. Several features in the classification process were identified. They included interaction among social actors, routinization, rules in the process, resources used by classifiers, power relations among social actors, allocation of rewards and sanctions in the classification process, and conflicts among social actors. Second, the role of classifiers as an agent of social control in disability swimming was examined. Resources used by medical and technical classifiers in the classification process to maintain their role and social order, and the socialization of classifiers in swimming were specifically explored. In addition, the important characteristics of swimming classifiers were identified in the study. Third, classification outcomes in disability swimming were monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the classification system. Performance and impairment approaches were used in the study. Data of performances and types of impairment of Paralympic swimmers were analysed. The results revealed that the swimming classification system was generally fair but some classes needed to be fine-tuned. In this study elements of the classification model were clarified by integration of the results of the three empirical studies and the classification literature. It is suggested that researchers may use the concepts of the classification model for further investigationin disability sportc lassificationa nd disability sport committees may apply the model to systematicallye valuatet heir own classification systems, processes and classifiers

The Longitudinal Application of Biomechanical Biofeedback on Whole Limb Complex Motor Skill Development

The provision of augmented feedback using biomechanical measures, termed biofeedback (BFb), both guides and reinforces skill development. Previous BFb research has; mostly used simple skills that do not transfer to complex skills, focused on single joints thus missing BFb influence on other variables within the kinematic chain, and omitted long-term retention testing so learning is not assessed. Therefore, using 3 themes, the aim of this thesis was to identify the effectiveness of knowledge of performance (KP) BFb on influencing a whole limb complex motor skill, and assess longitudinal retention. Theme 1 identified biomechanically relevant task dynamics, using the fencing attacking lunge as a vehicle for analysis. Differences between skilled (n=7) and novice (n=8) fencers in the rear leg kinematic chain identified skilled displayed greater proximal-to-distal extension angular velocity (skilled, 1.9±0.7, 6.0±2.4, 9.1±2.1 for hip, knee and ankle; novice, 2.4±0.9, 4.6±1.3, 5.4±2.9 rad·s-1; p<0.05) and greater normalised horizontal impulse (skilled 2.51±0.25; novice 1.92±0.36 Ns·kg¯¹); p<0.05), and that ankle plantarflexion correlated with peak horizontal force (r=0.81; p<0.05). Findings from Theme 1 informed a visual, KP intervention for Theme 2 to assess the effectiveness of an intervention applied to a whole limb technique. Novice participants randomized to BFb (n=16) and Control groups (n=16) visited the laboratory on three occasions over one week, and returned for retention testing at 4-6weeks. Findings indicated that KP on whole limb kinematic extension angular velocities, and sequential patterning of joints, was effective in manipulating the whole limb kinematic chain in a novel lunge task. Angular velocities significantly increased at post testing by 34±38%, 25±24% and 33±47% for the hip, knee and ankle in the BFb group versus no significant change of 9±29%, 6±20% and 8±28% in Controls. There were no changes in any external kinetics, and no correlation between ankle plantarflexion and any external kinetic measures for the 4416 lunges. Theme 3 examined learning through a dynamical systems framework, exploring coordination during a longitudinal, 26-week KP intervention using a fading schedule (i.e. increasing time between visits). Kinematic changes occurred within just two visits, and were retained throughout the intervention for the BFb group. Coordination coupling of both the hip-knee and knee-ankle angular-velocities, quantified using a modified vector coding (VC) method, did not change in both groups (p>0.05). Given known limitations of VC, a new coupling-area based method was developed (CI2Area) to quantify longitudinal coordination-variability. BFb participants demonstrated a continual increase in coordination-variability, shown by the positive gradient of CI2Area over the 26-weeks for the BFb versus negative gradient for Controls (hip-knee BFb 0.7, Control -0.9; knee-ankle BFb 3.14, Control -0.24). In addition to the group effect, 9 individuals who had a CI2Area greater than the upper 95%CI of the Control group’s gradient were considered to have responded to the BFb. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the body of knowledge, using the developed CI2Area as a new method to explore learning in whole-limb complex tasks. This research demonstrated that a fading BFb KP intervention is effective for long-term learning and changes are achieved quickly in targeted variables