Classification in para sport for athletes following cervical spine trauma

Abstract

Classification of athletes for para sport is a complex process, and provides the necessary structure for competition. Classification systems aim to ensure that para athletes achieve sporting excellence. By minimizing the effect of the impairment on sports performance, classification systems ensure para sport is not dominated by those athletes with the least impairment, but rather athletic excellence is the key determinant of success. For athletes with cervical spinal cord injuries, assessment of manual muscle power is most commonly used as the starting point for athlete evaluation. However, each individual para sport describes how the results of this evaluation contribute to the allocation of a sports class, based on evidence developed for each sport, or sporting activity. Classification systems will continue to develop and evolve, driven by evidence-based approaches which are promoted by the International Paralympic Committee Classification Code.

Keywords: classification; para sport; paralympic; spinal cord injury; tetraplegia; wheelchair sport.