Performance of elite seated discus throwers in F30s classes: part I: does whole body positioning matter?

Relationships between take-off speed and performance in F-44 and F-46 paralympic discus throwers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze discus throwing in Paralympic athletes from two functional classes (FCs). Seven athletes from two classes F-44 (N=4) and F-46 (N=3) performed three throws each during a regional competition and were evaluated through 3D kinemetry. The assessed athletes presented a similar throwing technique, with a preparation movement opposite to the throw preceding the shot. Class F-44 showed a weak correlation between take-off speed and range (r= 0.15; p>0.05). F-46 showed a strong correlation between take-off speed and range (r=0.77; p=0.014). We conclude that athletes from the assessed FCs present important differences in terms of performance.

Sprinting with an amputation: Some race-based lower-limb step observations

BACKGROUND

T44 sprinting with an amputation is still in a state of relative infancy. Future scope for athletic training and prosthetic limb development may be assisted with a better understanding of information derived from T44 athletes when under race-based conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the behaviour of step count and step frequency when under competitive conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

The study comprises two elements: (1) a video-based analysis of race-based limb-to-limb symmetry and (2) a video-based analysis of race-based step count.

METHODS

Video analysis of several major events from 1996-2012 are assessed for step count and step limb-to-limb symmetry characteristics.

RESULTS

The video analysis highlights limb-to-limb imbalances greater than those indicated in the previous literature. A low step count is determined to be desirable for success in the 100-m event.

CONCLUSION

Future analysis of athletes with a lower-limb amputation would be worthwhile when placed under race-based conditions as the limb-to-limb behaviour is more exaggerated than those seen in typical studies held within a laboratory setting. The within-event behaviour of step counts requires further investigation to establish where these take place or whether it is a cumulative step length issue.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This article increases the understanding of the race-based behaviour of amputee athletes and provides more information to contribute to any discussions on the performance of lower-limb prostheses.