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Resumo A paracanoagem é uma das modalidades que foram incluídas nos Jogos Paralímpicos de Verão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento financeiro da paracanoagem no Brasil, por meio de uma pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa, de cunho exploratório, descritiva por meio de levantamento bibliográfico e documental. Como resultado foi observado aporte financeiro a atletas e às entidades esportivas durante o ciclo 2012 e 2016, havendo redução nestes incentivos no ciclo 2016 e 2018. Concluímos que houve aumento de recursos após sua inclusão nos Jogos Paralímpicos, porém sem investimentos de recursos privados. Ainda que os resultados demonstram evolução é fundamental entender como foi aplicado o recurso para avaliar a eficiência do investimento.

Abstract Paracanoeing is one of the sports included in the Paralympic Games. The present study aimed to analyze the financial development of paracanoeing in Brazil, through a qualitative research approach, exploratory in nature, descriptive through literature and documentary research. As a result, it was observed a significant financial contribution to athletes and sports entities during the 2012 and 2016 cycles, with a small reduction in these incentives in the 2016 and 2018 cycles. We conclude that there was a significant increase in resources after its inclusion in the Paralympic Games but without private resource investments. Although the results demonstrate evolution, it is essential to understand how the resource was applied to evaluate the efficiency of the investment.

Resumen La paracanotaje es una de las modalidades incluidas en los Juegos Paralímpicos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el desarrollo financiero de la paracanotaje en Brasil, a través de una investigación con enfoque cualitativo, de carácter exploratorio, descriptivo a través de una investigación bibliográfica y documental. Como resultado, se observó un gran aporte financiero a los atletas y a las entidades deportivas durante los ciclos 2012 y 2016, habiendo una pequeña reducción en estos incentivos en los ciclos 2016 y 2018. Concluimos que hubo un aumento significativo de recursos después de su inclusión en los Juegos Paralímpicos, pero sin inversiones de recursos privados. Aunque los resultados demuestran evolución, es fundamental entender cómo se aplicó el recurso para evaluar la eficiencia de la inversión.

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BACKGROUND: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report high levels of neuropathic pain. Current treatment options are primarily pharmaceutical, despite their limited effectiveness. Exercise may reduce neuropathic pain among persons with SCI; however, the optimal dose of exercise required to elicit analgesic effects remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare neuropathic pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, use of coping strategies, and positive affect and well-being among Paralympic versus recreational athletes with SCI who experience chronic neuropathic pain. Forty-seven athletes with SCI (25 Paralympic, 27 recreational) completed the International SCI Pain Basic Data Set, Douleur Neuropathique-4, coping strategies questionnaire, pain catastrophizing scale, and SCI-quality of life assessment. RESULTS: Paralympic athletes reported significantly greater neuropathic pain (p = 0.032) and positive affect and well-being (p = 0.047) than recreational athletes. No other comparisons were significant (ps > 0.09). Significant, medium-sized positive correlations were observed between neuropathic pain and total minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (r = 0.335, p = 0.023) and average minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise (r = 0.375, p = 0.010) over the past week. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that frequent moderate- to high-intensity exercise may exacerbate neuropathic pain sensations for persons with SCI. Research should investigate psychosocial and physiological mechanisms by which exercise may influence neuropathic pain to explain how Paralympic athletes with SCI are able to continue exercising while maintaining positive affect despite neuropathic pain.

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Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación es triple: 1) comprender las percepciones de los paratletas sobre la accesibilidad respecto a las futuras sedes de los Juegos Parapanamericanos Santiago 2023; 2) establecer diferencias en la percepción debidas al origen de la discapacidad y 3) documentar la percepción de paratletas con grandes necesidades de apoyo (AHSN, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta investigación es cuantitativa transversal que, en su primera etapa, desarrolló el instrumento denominado Encuesta de Percepción de Accesibilidad de Para-atletas (PPA-D, por sus siglas en inglés) y, en una segunda etapa, se aplicó a 96 paratletas chilenos (77.8% hombres, edad promedio = 31.0 ± 11.6 años). Para la prueba, se obtuvo un coeficiente de validación = .96. Respecto a las características de la muestra, 16.6% correspondió a participantes con discapacidad visual; un 35.1% era AHSN; el 51.5% estaba vinculado a la alta competencia y el 59.3% se trasladaba por su cuenta a sus entrenamientos. Se identificó una percepción negativa de la accesibilidad, principalmente en cuanto al transporte en microbús, en los elevadores y en los espacios de baños, afectando principalmente a AHSN con discapacidad visual (F1,101 = 14.01, p = .0003). Se concluye que es importante abordar las brechas de género, origen de discapacidad y AHSN para garantizar una participación equitativa bajo un marco de derecho.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa é triplo: 1) compreender as percepções dos paratletas sobre acessibilidade com relação às futuras sedes dos Jogos Parapan-Americanos de Santiago 2023; 2) estabelecer diferenças de percepção devido à origem da deficiência portada e 3) documentar a percepção de paratletas com altas necessidades de apoio (AHSN, por suas siglas em inglês). Esta pesquisa é quantitativa transversal que, em sua primeira etapa, desenvolveu o instrumento denominado Enquete de Percepção de Acessibilidade de Paratletas (PPA-D, por suas siglas em inglês) e, em uma segunda etapa, foi aplicada a 96 paratletas chilenos (77,8% homens, idade média = 31,0 ± 11,6 anos). Para o teste, obteve-se um coeficiente de validação = 0,96. Em relação às características da amostra, 16,6% corresponderam a participantes com deficiência visual; 35,1% eram AHSN; 51,5% estavam ligados à alta competência e 59,3% se deslocaram por conta própria para o treinamento. Identificou-se uma percepção negativa de acessibilidade, principalmente com relação ao transporte por micro-ônibus, elevadores e banheiros, afetando principalmente os AHSN com deficiência visual (F1.101 = 14,01, p = 0,0003). Conclui-se que é importante abordar as lacunas de gênero, origem da deficiência e AHSN para garantir uma participação equitativa ao abrigo de um quadro jurídico.

Abstract Accessibility perception of chilean para-athletes, road to Santiago 2023. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20(2), 1-18. The objective of this research is three-fold: 1) to understand Para-athletes' perceptions on accessibility regarding Santiago 2023 Parapan American games' future venues, 2) to establish differences in perception due to the origin of the disability, and 3) document alignment, if any, with athletes with high support needs (AHSN). This research is a two-phased quantitative cross-sectional study, which at the first stage developed the "Para-athletes Perception on Accessibility Survey" (PPA-D) and, at the second stage, the survey was applied to 96 Chilean Para-athletes (77.8% men, mean age = 31.0 ± 11.6 years old). The test obtained a validation coefficient of = 0.96. Regarding the sample characteristics, 16.6% corresponded to participants with visual impairment, 35.1% were AHSN, 51.5% were linked to high-level competition, and 59.3% travelled on their own to their training sessions. A negative perception of accessibility was found, mainly concerning minibuses, elevators, and restroom spaces, affecting mostly AHSN with visual impairment (F1.101 = 14.01, p = .0003). We conclude that it is important to address gender, disability, and AHSN gaps to guarantee equitable participation under a framework of the law and social rights.

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Introduction: Performance analysis through game-related statistics in wheelchair basketball (WB) has focused mainly on the study of the individual efficiency of players according to their functional classification. However, there is little evidence focusing on lineup performances (five players on court) and their composition. Thus, the objective of present study was to analyze the efficiency of the women's WB lineups used during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (PG) and to determine the variables that best discriminated the lineup performances according to the final point differential. Methods: The sample comprised 507 lineups used in the 31 games by the 10 national teams during the competition. Fifty-one different lineup types (LTs) were categorized. A discriminant analysis was carried out to compare the lineups with a positive and negative point difference according to the game type (balanced and unbalanced games). Results: It was found that LTs 16 (1-1.5-2.5-4-4.5), 47 (1-2-2.5-4-4.5) and 14 (1-1.5-2.5-4.5-4.5) had the best means of efficiency in field goals (LT 16 = 52%; LT 47 = 44% and LT = 40%), while LT 50 (1-2-3-4-4) obtained the highest mean difference in points (3.67 ± 10.67). The variables that best discriminated winner teams in balanced games were field goal efficiency (SC = 0.55), assists (SC = 0.50) and turnovers (SC = -0.41). Discussion: Field goal efficiency, assists, turnovers and steals are the game-related statistics most associated with the success of a lineup used in balanced games in WB in PG competition; this could be taken into account by coaches when deciding how to compose a given lineup in a moment of the game, to adequately select players from different functional classifications for the final squad and to choose training content related to the indicated game-related statistics, as they explain success at this competition level.

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Background: Information about non-elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players across national competitive seasons are still missing. This study aimed at identifying which situational-related variables were associated with shooting effectiveness in non-elite WB players. Methods: All the matches played by one WB team across one national competitive season were video-recorded and analysed; 333 shooting attempts from high-point players and several situational-related variables were considered. Results: Pearson's Chi-square test showed that increased shooting effectiveness under the following conditions: playing on home ground, during won matches, while taking shots with the wheelchair in motion, and when no opposing player raised their arm in defence. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant influence of match location (p-value = 0.001), shot-clock remaining (p-value = 0.015) and modality of press (p-value < 0.001). The highest attack effectiveness was achieved when teams played at home (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49), while the shooting effectiveness decreased when the shot occurred during the last seconds of the action (OR = 0.36), or the opponents defended with the arm raised (OR = 0.19). These results suggest that coaches should include exercises aimed at shooting under conditions of increased pressure in their programmes in order to create specific situations during the training sessions to prepare their high-point athletes for shots under specific match constraints.

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BACKGROUND: Elite swimmers may be predisposed to disturbances in the range of motion (ROM) of hip joints and spinal curvatures, which are a factor that induces body's compensatory mechanisms that may have an impact on sports training, athletic performance and health. This study aimed to identify compensatory mechanisms in body posture of elite Para and able-bodied swimmers (spinal curvatures, ROM), to indicate the dominant locations of the compensatory mechanisms in the groups of Para and able-bodied athletes, and to identify and compare the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal pain from the last week and the last six months in the context of compensatory mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty-five (nF = 8; nM = 27; age = 20.51 ± 4.24) elite Para and able-bodied swimmers from the Polish national team took part in the study and were divided into: study group (SG) of Para swimmers and control group (CG) of able-bodied swimmers. Depth of the anteroposterior spinal curvatures and sagittal spinal mobility testing were evaluated with a Medi Mouse device. The prevalence and locations of musculoskeletal pain were assessed with a Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for the last seven days (NMQ-7) and the last six months (NMQ-6). RESULTS: In both groups lumbar hypolordosis, anterior pelvic tilt and pain in the shoulders, lower back and hips/thighs (NMQ-7) were reported the most frequent. In SG several significant relationships were found between duration of sport-specific training experience (years) and depth of angle the lumbar lordosis, the depth of the angle of pelvic inclination the ROM in the lumbar spine and thoracic spine, what was not reported in CG. CONCLUSIONS: Extrinsic compensatory mechanism was identified in both study groups, however only in SG it occurred as structural (depth of the angle of lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination) and functional changes (ROM in the thoracic and lumbar spine) in the body posture. Internal compensatory mechanism was identified in SG, however external compensation showed only partially suppressive character regarding to internal compensation. The locations of the musculoskeletal complaints seems to result from both internal compensatory mechanism (SG) and continuous overload of the anatomy trains as a result of swimming training (SG, CG).

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Introduction: Limited effort has been invested in understanding doping in Paralympic sport. The limited evidence that exists suggests that factors influencing doping in parasport are similar to Olympic sport. However, based on the design and nature of the previous studies, where methods have been mostly limited to qualitative data and prevalence numbers, further research is warranted to extend previous findings. Methods: Informed by current evidence from Paralympic and Olympic sport, we aimed to investigate (1) para-athletes' perceptions of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) and responsibility for them, (2) descriptive norms for doping in parasport (3) perceptions of anti-doping education and legitimacy of anti-doping authorities, and (4) coach engagement in doping prevention and levels of doping confrontation efficacy using a quantitative survey approach. Results: In total, valid survey responses from 126 Paralympic athletes and 35 coaches from four countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, UK) were analysed for experience with anti-doping, descriptive norms, anti-doping education, perceived legitimacy, knowledge, and doping confrontation efficacy (coaches only). Across both athletes and coaches, the level of education was generally good and doping willingness was low. Classification cheating was considered a form of doping and seems to be an important issue for athletes and coaches, especially within the UK sample. For 33.3% of the athletes, doping control was their first experience with anti-doping. Coaches' engagement with doping prevention activities and their perceived efficacy to confront doping-related matters appears to be higher compared to Olympic coaches' samples. Discussion: Sport organisations/NADOs in Paralympic sport could use synergies with those organisations in Olympic sport, adopting similar approaches to anti-doping education, also focusing on a balanced communication of doping prevalence numbers and testing figures. Efforts to ensure athletes are educated about anti-doping before they are tested should be upheld. It seems that in para sport, different compared to able-bodied coaches, anti-doping organizations do not have to convince the coaches about their roles (i.e., being responsible for anti-doping education) anymore but can directly build on these resources. Overall, it seems that there are few differences between parasport and able-bodied sports and thus responsible organisations could use the existing programmes in Olympic sport and only adapt special content (e.g., boosting) which is unique to Paralympic athletes.

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This study investigated the effect of increased rolling resistance on wheelchair sprint performance and the concomitant force-velocity characteristics. Thirteen wheelchair rugby (WCR) athletes completed five 15 s wheelchair sprints in their own rugby wheelchair on an instrumented dual-roller wheelchair ergometer. The first sprint was performed against a close to overground resistance and in each of the following sprints, the resistance increased with 80% of that resistance. A repeated-measures ANOVA examined differences between sprints. Subsequently, linear regression analyses examined the individual force-velocity relations and then, individual parabolic power output curves were modeled. Increased rolling resistance led to significantly lower velocities (-36%), higher propulsion forces (+150%) and higher power outputs (+83%). These differences were accompanied by a lower push frequency, higher push time, yet a constant recovery time and contact angle. The modeled linear regressions (R2 = 0.71 ± 0.10) between force and velocity differed a lot in slope and intercept among individual athletes. The peak of the power output parabola (i.e., the optimal velocity) occurred on average at 3.1 ± 0.6 ms-1 . These individual force-velocity profiles can be used for training recommendations or technological changes to better exploit power generation capabilities of the WCR athletes' musculoskeletal system.

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A medida adotada de isolamento físico durante pandemia afetou a rotina diária de todo o mundo, inclusive no meio esportivo. Sendo assim, o estudo buscou comparar as estratégias de coping utilizadas por atletas de bocha paralímpica no período da pandemia. A amostra foi composta por 43 atletas (30 homens e 13 mulheres) com 29.9511,76 anos. Para identificar e mensurar as estratégias de coping, foi recorrido o questionário ACSI-28 (athletic coping skills inventory) em sua versão adaptada para o português incrementado em um formulário eletrônico. Na análise dos dados,a normalidade foi verificada pelo teste de shapiro-wilk. Após isto, todas análises inferenciais de comparação foram mensuradas por via de testes estatísticos não paramétricos com testes post-hoc DSCF pareados. Assim, os resultados apontaram que houve diferenças significativas entre comparações no tempo de experiência, “+10 anos”, “5 a 10 anos” e “1 a 3 anos” sobre as subescalas “metas e preparação mental” (6.00±1.75 vs 5±1.50 vs 5±1.50; p<0,05; TE: 0,26) e “treinabilidade” (9.00±3.25 vs 6.00±0.500 vs 8.00±3.00; p<0,05; TE: 0,19). Atletas mais e menos experientes na modalidade da bocha demonstraram superioridade no enfrentamento ao período da pandemia, pois, conseguiram obter melhores índices nas dimensões “metas e preparação mental” e “treinabilidade”, das estratégias de coping quando comparados aos seus pares com menor tempo de experiência. (AU)

La medida de aislamiento físico adoptada durante una pandemia afectó la rutina diaria de todo el mundo, incluso en el ámbito deportivo. Por lo tanto, el estudio buscó comparar las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por los atletas de bocha paralímpico durante el período de pandemia. La muestra estuvo conformada por 43 deportistas (30 hombres y 13 mujeres) con edad 29.95±11,76 años. Para identificar y medir las estrategias de afrontamiento, se utilizó el cuestionario ACSI-28 (inventario de habilidades de afrontamiento atlético) en su versión adaptada al portugués y agregado a un formulario electrónico. En el análisis de datos, la normalidad fue verificada por la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk. Después de eso, todos los análisis de comparación inferencial se midieron mediante pruebas estadísticas no paramétricas con pruebas DSCF post-hoc emparejadas. Así, los resultados mostraron que hubo diferencias significativas entre las comparaciones en términos de experiencia, “+10 años”, “5 a 10 años” y “1 a 3 años” en las subescalas “metas y preparación mental” (6.00±1.75 vs 5±1.50 vs 5±1.50; p<0,05; TE: 0,26) y “entrenabilidad” (9.00±3.25 vs 6.00±0.500 vs 8.00±3.00; p<0,05; TE: 0,19). Los atletas más e menos experimentados en la modalidad de bocha mostraron superioridad para enfrentar el período de la pandemia, ya que pudieron obtener mejores índices en las dimensiones “metas y preparación mental y entrenabilidad” de las estrategias de afrontamiento en comparación con sus pares con menos experiencia. (AU)

The measure of physical isolation adopted during a pandemic affected the daily routine of the whole world, including in the sports environment. Therefore, the study sought to compare the coping strategies used by Paralympic boccia athletes during the pandemic period. The sample consisted of 43 athletes (30 men and 13 women) aged 29.9511,76 years. To identify and measure coping strategies, the ACSI-28 (athletic coping skills inventory) questionnaire was used in its version adapted to Portuguese and added to an electronic form. In data analysis, normality was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. After that, all inferential comparison analyzes were measured via nonparametric statistical tests with paired post-hoc DSCF tests. Thus, the results showed that there were significant differencesbetween comparisons in terms of experience, “+10 years”, “5 to 10 years”, and “1 to 3 years” on the subscales “goals and mental preparation” (6.00±1.75 vs 5±1.50 vs 5±1.50; p<0.05; ES: 0.26) and “trainability” (9.00±3.25 vs 6.00±0.500 vs 8.00±3.00; p<0.05; ES: 0.19). More and less experienced athletes in the boccia modality showed superiority in facing the pandemic period, as they obtained better indices in the “goals and mental preparation and trainability” dimensions of coping strategies compared to their peers with less experience (AU)

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Para-rowing is a format of rowing practiced by people with different types of disabilities, thanks to adapted equipment set-ups and regulations. Para-rowing made its debut recently at the 2008 Paralympic Games. According to the mandate of the "International Paralympic Committee", para-rowers should be enabled to pursue sporting excellence. Therefore, rigorous research is needed in terms of well-designed, high-quality studies. To the best of our knowledge, there are no systematic appraisals of the body of scholarly evidence in the field of para-rowing. As such, a scoping review enhanced by bibliometric analyses was carried out to provide a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge related to para-rowing for the perusal of practitioners and athletes. By mining eighteen major databases, 17 studies were retained in the present review. The included studies were found to focus on a range of aspects involving health, the etiology of injuries (n = 5), psychological and physiological responses (n = 5), performance, biomechanical analysis (n = 4), and new analytical approaches for kinematic assessments and predictions of mechanical outputs in para-rowers (n = 3). The scholarly community on para-rowing consists of 78 researchers, 16 (20.51%) of whom are highly interconnected. The most prolific author was Smoljanovic T., from Croatia, with three items/documents. In total, 93.6% of scholars have authored one single document. Topological features indicated a highly fragmented and dispersed, poorly connected community characterized by a high number of clusters and a low strength of connections. In terms of publication years, the first scholarly article dates back to 2008, with four articles (23.5%) published in the current year, showing an increasing interest in this para-sports discipline. Finally, gaps in current research on para-rowing were identified in terms of overlooked topics, including sports nutrition, doping, and psychological aspects in para-rowers other than those with visual impairment.

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The current study explored coach and athlete reactions and challenges leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with a specific focus on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Games' postponement. Nine Australian Paralympic coaches (n = 3) and athletes (n = 6) shared their experiences in semistructured interviews. The thematic analysis highlighted how participants experienced the emergence of the pandemic in different ways, but all were relieved when the late but eventual decision to postpone the Games was made. Regarding lockdown periods (i.e., social-distancing restrictions), some coaches and athletes thrived under the new reality (i.e., training from home, online coaching) while others had more difficulty adjusting. Furthermore, results highlight the many uncertainties still remaining, which continue to influence participants' sport and personal lives. The experiences of coaches and athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on strategies and resources that could support Paralympic coaches and athletes during current and future crises.

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Our aim in this study was to compare performance adaptations based on tactile or sonorous stimuli in para-judo athletes with congenital or acquired visual impairment. Twenty judo athletes with a type of visual impairment performed both the adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) with tactile and sonorous stimuli and the standard SJFT. We used two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements in the second factor to compare the SJFT performance of athletes with visual impairment between two groups (acquired or congenital) in the two test situations, with the level of significance set at p < .05. Both groups of participants performed better on the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli compared to the standard condition on number of throws (p = .029 and p < .001) and showed lower final and post 1-minute heart rates (HR) (p < .05). There were no group differences in performance on any SJFT adaptations (p > .05). Thus, both SJFT adaptations (tactile and sonorous stimuli) enhanced the judo-specific performance of athletes with both acquired and congenital visual impairments. However, athletes with either origin of impairment showed a better HR in the adaptive tactile stimuli testing compared to the standard SJFT testing condition.

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Contreras-Jofré, N. F., Pinochet-Gilli, J. I., Aguayo-Carrasco, E. A., Binimelis-Hermosilla, M., Pérez-Núñez, S. B., Vergara-Ortúzar, R. C. & Muñoz-Hinrichsen, F. (2022). Accessibility perception of chilean para-athletes, road to Santiago 2023. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20(2), 1-18. The objective of this research is three-fold: 1) to understand Para-athletes' perceptions on accessibility regarding Santiago 2023 Parapan American games' future venues, 2) to establish differences in perception due to the origin of the disability, and 3) document alignment, if any, with athletes with high support needs (AHSN). This research is a two-phased quantitative cross-sectional study, which at the first stage developed the ''Para-athletes Perception on Accessibility Survey" (PPA-D) and, at the second stage, the survey was applied to 96 Chilean Para-athletes (77.8% men, mean age = 31.0 ± 11.6 years old). The test obtained a validation coefficient of = 0.96. Regarding the sample characteristics, 16.6% corresponded to participants with visual impairment, 35.1% were AHSN, 51.5% were linked to high-level competition, and 59.3% travelled on their own to their training sessions. A negative perception of accessibility was found, mainly concerning minibuses, elevators, and restroom spaces, affecting mostly AHSN with visual impairment (F1.101 = 14.01, p = .0003). We conclude that it is important to address gender, disability, and AHSN gaps to guarantee equitable participation under a framework of the law and social rights.

Contreras-Jofré, N. F., Pinochet-Gilli, J. I., Aguayo-Carrasco, E. A., Binimelis-Hermosilla, M., Pérez-Núñez, S. B., Vergara-Ortúzar, R. C. & Muñoz-Hinrichsen, F. (2022). Percepción de para atletas chilenos, rumbo a Santiago 2023, sobre la accesibilidad. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20(2), 1-18. El objetivo de esta investigación es triple: 1) comprender las percepciones de los paratletas sobre la accesibilidad respecto a las futuras sedes de los Juegos Parapanamericanos Santiago 2023; 2) establecer diferencias en la percepción debidas al origen de la discapacidad y 3) documentar la percepción de paratletas con grandes necesidades de apoyo (AHSN, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta investigación es cuantitativa transversal que, en su primera etapa, desarrolló el instrumento denominado Encuesta de Percepción de Accesibilidad de Para-atletas (PPA-D, por sus siglas en inglés) y, en una segunda etapa, se aplicó a 96 paratletas chilenos (77.8% hombres, edad promedio = 31.0 ± 11.6 años). Para la prueba, se obtuvo un coeficiente de validación = .96. Respecto a las características de la muestra, 16.6% correspondió a participantes con discapacidad visual; un 35.1% era AHSN; el 51.5% estaba vinculado a la alta competencia y el 59.3% se trasladaba por su cuenta a sus entrenamientos. Se identificó una percepción negativa de la accesibilidad, principalmente en cuanto al transporte en microbús, en los elevadores y en los espacios de baños, afectando principalmente a AHSN con discapacidad visual (F1,101 = 14.01, p = .0003). Se concluye que es importante abordar las brechas de género, origen de discapacidad y AHSN para garantizar una participación equitativa bajo un marco de derecho.

Contreras-Jofré, N. F., Pinochet-Gilli, J. I., Aguayo-Carrasco, E. A., Binimelis-Hermosilla, M., Pérez-Núñez, S. B., Vergara-Ortúzar, R. C. & Muñoz-Hinrichsen, F. (2022). Percepção dos paratletas chilenos, rumo a Santiago 2023, sobre acessibilidade. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20(2), 1-18. O objetivo desta pesquisa é triplo: 1) compreender as percepções dos paratletas sobre acessibilidade com relação às futuras sedes dos Jogos Parapan-Americanos de Santiago 2023; 2) estabelecer diferenças de percepção devido à origem da deficiência portada e 3) documentar a percepção de paratletas com altas necessidades de apoio (AHSN, por suas siglas em inglês). Esta pesquisa é quantitativa transversal que, em sua primeira etapa, desenvolveu o instrumento denominado Enquete de Percepção de Acessibilidade de Paratletas (PPA-D, por suas siglas em inglês) e, em uma segunda etapa, foi aplicada a 96 paratletas chilenos (77,8% homens, idade média = 31,0 ± 11,6 anos). Para o teste, obteve-se um coeficiente de validação = 0,96. Em relação às características da amostra, 16,6% corresponderam a participantes com deficiência visual; 35,1% eram AHSN; 51,5% estavam ligados à alta competência e 59,3% se deslocaram por conta própria para o treinamento. Identificou-se uma percepção negativa de acessibilidade, principalmente com relação ao transporte por micro-ônibus, elevadores e banheiros, afetando principalmente os AHSN com deficiência visual (F1.101 = 14,01, p = 0,0003). Conclui-se que é importante abordar as lacunas de gênero, origem da deficiência e AHSN para garantir uma participação equitativa ao abrigo de um quadro jurídico.

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Objective: To determine the thermoregulatory responses and mobility performance of wheelchair rugby (WCR) players during international competition. Methods: Eleven male National Team WCR players volunteered for the study. Testing occurred during a four game series against international competition (temp 24.7 ± 0.7°C, relative humidity 50.1 ± 3.6%), with movement time (MT) and gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi) recorded continuously. Results: The mean maximal Tgi was 38.6 ± 0.6°C (37.9-39.7) and did not significantly differ among Low-Class, Mid-Class, and High-Class athletes (p > 0.05). Moreover, there was a strong and significant relationship between minutes (min) played per quarter of the game and change in Tgi (r = 0.36, p = 0.01). Athletes moved a total of 27:43 ± 9:40 min:seconds (s), spent a total of 15:02 ± 8.23 min:s in Zone 1 (53.5%), 8:19 ± 3:20 min:s in Zone 2 (31.7%), and 5:59 ± 1:51 min:s in Zone 3 (21.3%). There were no differences among classification in total movement time (p = 0.169) or for speed in Zone 1, Zone 2, or Zone 3 (p > 0.05). The relationship between peak forward speed and total movement time was strong (p = 0.021, r = 0.68). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the time spent in absolute movement zones is not classification dependent, the change in core temperature is related to movement time per quarter. Furthermore, peak speeds obtained on-court were linked to overall movement time which suggests athletes should warm-up before going on court.

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The purpose of the study was to verify the criterion-validity (concurrent) of an existing and reliable, submaximal wheelchair Rugby (WCR) field test by examining the correlations of selected measures of physical performance between the field test and real games. Therefore, ten WCR athletes were observed during two WCR real games and during completing the field test two times. Total distance, mean and peak velocity, playing time, number of sprints, sprints per minute, mean and maximal heart rate, body core temperature (Tc), sweat rate, body weight loss, rate of perceived exertion and thermal sensation were measured. Values were correlated with the data observed by completing the field test two times separated by seven days. The results showed significant correlations between games and field tests for sweat rate (r = 0.740, p < 0.001), body weight loss (r = 0.732, p < 0.001) and the increase of Tc (r = 0.611, p = 0.009). All other correlations were not significant. For perceptual responses Bland−Altman analysis showed data within the limits of agreement. Descriptive statistics showed similarity for mean velocity and total distance between tests and games. In conclusion the study provides the first indications that the submaximal field test seems comparable with the game outcomes in terms of increase in Tc, covered distance, mean velocity and perceptual responses. Nevertheless, more research and additional validation are required.

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This investigation demonstrated a routine of evaluation and training of an athlete of the SL3 class of parabadminton for 2 days continuously monitored by a metabolic analyzer with measurements of oxygen consumption (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production, and heart rate (HR). The results showed HR and V̇O2 responses varying between 50% and 99.54% of HRmax (mean HR 80.92 bpm), and 6% and 104% (mean V̇O2 35.25 mL/kg/min) of V̇O2max, during the simulated game. The exercise test and the simulated training session showed significant changes in HR and V̇O2, reinforcing the need for considerable energy input to training and assessment.

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Altered biomechanics due to amputation can contribute to substantial limitations, influencing sporting activities. Individuals with lower extremity amputations or congenital lower limb deficiency are encouraged to participate in para-sports. However, to compete in Paralympic sports, the candidate must have an impairment that results in lower extremity loss of function and meets or exceeds the sport's minimum impairment criteria (MIC). This review will focus on the MIC for competitive wheelchair tennis. Limb deficiency is known as one of the MIC used to regulate participation in competitive para-sports since it impacts gait, kinematics, and biomechanics of both the upper and lower body. Notwithstanding, it is questionable whether the MIC concerning limb deficiency is set at the correct level for determining eligibility for participating in Paralympic sports. This study aims to provide an overview of the evidence examining the impact of different partial foot amputation (PFA) levels on gait as a proxy for sporting performance. This scoping review will be based on a 6-step methodological framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Studies will be selected from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Two authors will screen the titles/abstracts independently. Selected studies will be scrutinised, and the same authors will extract data. Findings will be relevant to informing the evidence-based development of MIC for lower limb impairment after PFA and may be extrapolated to specific Paralympic sports, including wheelchair tennis. Results will be disseminated through scientific publications and conferences to audiences interested in Paralympic sports.

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Prediction of propulsion kinematics and performance in wheelchair sports has the potential to improve capabilities of individual wheelchair prescription while minimizing testing requirements. While propulsion predictions have been developed for daily propulsion, these have not been extended for maximal effort in wheelchair sports. A two step-approach to predicting the effects of changing set-up in wheelchair rugby was developed, consisting of: (One) predicting propulsion kinematics during a 5 m sprint by adapting an existing linkage model; and (Two) applying partial least-squares regression to wheelchair set-up, propulsion kinematics, and performance. Eight elite wheelchair rugby players completed 5 m sprints in nine wheelchair set-ups while varying seat height, seat depth, seat angle, and tire pressure. Propulsion kinematics (contact and release angles) and performance (sprint time) were measured during each sprint and used for training and assessment for both models. Results were assessed through comparison of predicted and experimental propulsion kinematics (degree differences) for Step One and performance times (seconds differences) for Step Two. Kinematic measures, in particular contact angles, were identified with mean prediction errors less than 5 degrees for 43 of 48 predictions. Performance predictions were found to reflect on-court trends for some players, while others showed weaker prediction accuracy. More detailed modeling approaches that can account for individual athlete activity limitations would likely result in improved accuracy in propulsion and performance predictions across a range of wheelchair sports. Although this would come at an increased cost, developments would provide opportunities for more suitable set-ups earlier in an athlete's career, increasing performance and reducing injury risk.

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In hypertonic muscles of patients with upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS), investigation with surface electromyography (EMG) with the muscle in a shortened position and during passive muscle stretch allows to identify two patterns underlying hypertonia: spasticity and spastic dystonia. We recently observed in Para swimmers that the effect of fatigue on hypertonia can be different from subject to subject. Our goal was, therefore, to understand whether this divergent behavior may depend on the specific EMG pattern underlying hypertonia. We investigated eight UMNS Para swimmers (five men, mean age 23.25 ± 3.28 years), affected by cerebral palsy, who presented muscle hypertonia of knee flexors and extensors. Muscle tone was rated using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). EMG patterns were investigated in rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) before and after two fatiguing motor tasks of increasing intensity. Before the fatiguing tasks, two subjects (#2 and 7) had spasticity and one subject (#5) had spastic dystonia in both RF and BF. Two subjects (#3 and 4) showed spasticity in RF and spastic dystonia in BF, whereas one subject (#1) had spasticity in RF and no EMG activity in BF. The remaining two subjects (#6 and 8) had spastic dystonia in RF and no EMG activity in BF. In all the 16 examined muscles, these EMG patterns persisted after the fatiguing tasks. Spastic dystonia increased (p < 0.05), while spasticity did not change (p > 0.05). MAS scores increased only in the muscles affected by spastic dystonia. Among the phenomena possibly underlying hypertonia, only spastic dystonia is fatigue-dependent. Technical staff and medical classifiers should be aware of this specificity, because, in athletes with spastic dystonia, intense and prolonged motor activity could negatively affect competitive performance, creating a situation of unfairness among Para athletes belonging to the same sports class.