Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
sample of persons with disability was found, implying the potential utility of these tests
in developing classification systems among Paralympic athletes. Although it appears that
the current status of disabled sports classification systems is in the early stages of develop-
ment toward an evidence-based system, this evolution stands to push sports participation
among persons with disability to greater heights.
19.3.3 Sports Participation among Persons With Disabilities
Sports among persons with disabilities affect not only the participating individual, but also
society. Through sports, persons with disabilities are seen to accomplish things that per-
sons without disabilities may have previously thought impossible (Parnes and Hashemi
2007), which breaks down assumptions and stereotypes of disability (Gold and Gold
2007). Sports participation has been shown to improve health among individuals with dis-
abilities (Taylor et al. 2004). Moreover, sports performance allows them to learn skills for
social interaction, develop particular amounts of independence, and become empowered
to lead (Fukuchi 2007). In particular, children with disabilities who participate in sports
are exposed to opportunities to form friendships, express creativity, and develop a self-
identity that leads to enhanced psychological well-being (Dykens et al. 1998).
Although sports participation among persons with disabilities is becoming more
prevalent these days, it is still less pervasive than the sports involvement of the general
population (Vanderstraeten and Oomen 2010). Relatively less financial support and spon-
sorship, media attention, and spectator attendance tend to result in limited opportunities
for people with disabilities to participate in sports (Schell et al. 1999; Thomas and Smith
2003). Nevertheless, the continued growth of adapted sports at the Olympic level appears
to influence the design of barrier-free physical facilities and the overall accessibility of the
built environment (Gold and Gold 2007).
Participating in sports carries with it risks of injuries that are experienced by able-bodied
athletes and persons with disabilities alike (Vanderstraeten and Oomen 2010). Currently,
research is still inadequate to adequately characterize injury patterns and risk factors for
injury among athletes with disabilities (Vanlandewijck 2006). It has yet to be confirmed
whether the risks of injuries are relatively greater and more complicated among persons
with disabilities. This issue is further made complex by the use of adaptive equipment
and particular concerns associated with athletes' impairments such as thermoregulation,
spasticity, or heterotopic ossification (Vanderstraeten and Oomen 2010). Although further
research is warranted to characterize sports injuries in disability sports, preparticipation
evaluation procedures have been designed to identify potential contraindications and
precautions related to an athlete's sports activities (Jacob and Hutzler 1998; Klenck and
Gebke 2007).
The Sports Medical Assessment Protocol (SMAP) is a widely used preparticipation eval-
uation and includes an interview, cardiorespiratory assessment, and physical-functional
tests (Jacob and Hutzler 1998). In addition to the identification of essential precautions,
SMAP also aids the design of an athlete's training program. Another basis for prepar-
ticipation considerations is the “participation possibility chart” that was developed by the
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (Wind et al. 2004). This guide identifies sports
options for individuals with particular physical disabilities. For instance, children with
Down syndrome who have atlanto-axial instability are encouraged to take part in sports
that do not have contact or collision (American Academy of Pediatrics 2001). Strategies to
minimize the risks of injuries during sports activities are also implemented before partici-
pation. For instance, when athletes include children with spina bifida, the environment
