Guiding Evidence-Based Classification in Para Sporting Populations: A Systematic Review of Impairment Measures and Activity Limitations

IF 9.3 1区医学 Q1 SPORT SCIENCES Sports Medicine Pub Date : 2024-11-22 DOI:10.1007/s40279-024-02132-y

Taylor M. Wileman, Marnee J. McKay, Daniel A. Hackett, Timothy J. Watson, Jennifer Fleeton, Ché Fornusek

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Abstract

Background

As the focus of classification shifts towards an evidence-based approach, it is crucial to establish a robust system that relies on valid and reliable measures of impairment to ensure legitimate and competitive opportunities for all Para athletes. However, the lack of methods that possess the necessary measurement properties for assessing impairments in Para sporting populations presents significant challenges to developing an evidence-based classification system.

Objective

This review aimed to identify and evaluate measures of impairment and activity limitation measures that have been used to assess eligible impairments in Para sport athletes for potential use in evidence-based classification.

Methods

Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched from their earliest record to December 2023.

Results

Fifty-one articles were identified, with twenty-one studies focusing on physical impairment measures. Isometric and grip strength emerged as effective measures. Coordination measures, such as tapping tasks, showed variations with performance. Additionally, six studies focused on intellectual impairments, revealing differences between impaired and non-impaired athletes through generic cognitive tests. Vision impairment measures, including visual acuity and visual field assessments, displayed varying associations with performance across sports.

Conclusions

Although research on evidence-based classification in Para sport is limited, this review provides valuable insights for sports in developing a testing battery that adheres to evidence-based protocols. Ongoing research efforts by sport governing bodies to prioritise research in this area will improve our understanding of the impairment–performance relationship, leading to better decision making and increased credibility in Para sport classification systems.

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指导残疾人体育运动人群的循证分类：损伤测量和活动限制的系统回顾

背景随着分类的重点转向以证据为基础的方法，建立一个依靠有效可靠的损伤测量方法的强大系统，以确保所有残疾人运动员的合法和竞争机会，是至关重要的。然而，由于缺乏具有必要测量特性的方法来评估残疾人运动人群的损伤，这给建立以证据为基础的分类系统带来了巨大的挑战。本综述旨在确定和评估用于评估残疾人运动运动员合格损伤的损伤测量方法和活动限制测量方法，以便在以证据为基础的分类中使用。方法检索了六个电子数据库（MEDLINE、Embase、SPORTDiscus、CINAHL、Scopus、Web of Science）的最早记录至 2023 年 12 月。等长和握力是有效的测量方法。拍击任务等协调性测量方法显示出不同的表现。此外，有六项研究侧重于智力障碍，通过通用认知测试揭示了有障碍和无障碍运动员之间的差异。结论虽然有关残疾人体育循证分类的研究有限，但本综述为体育界提供了宝贵的见解，有助于开发符合循证协议的测试系统。体育管理机构正在努力将这一领域的研究列为优先事项，这将增进我们对损伤与运动表现之间关系的了解，从而做出更好的决策并提高残疾人运动分类系统的可信度。

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来源期刊

Sports Medicine 医学-运动科学

CiteScore

18.40

自引率

5.10%

发文量

165

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Sports Medicine focuses on providing definitive and comprehensive review articles that interpret and evaluate current literature, aiming to offer insights into research findings in the sports medicine and exercise field. The journal covers major topics such as sports medicine and sports science, medical syndromes associated with sport and exercise, clinical medicine's role in injury prevention and treatment, exercise for rehabilitation and health, and the application of physiological and biomechanical principles to specific sports. Types of Articles: Review Articles: Definitive and comprehensive reviews that interpret and evaluate current literature to provide rationale for and application of research findings. Leading/Current Opinion Articles: Overviews of contentious or emerging issues in the field. Original Research Articles: High-quality research articles. Enhanced Features: Additional features like slide sets, videos, and animations aimed at increasing the visibility, readership, and educational value of the journal's content. Plain Language Summaries: Summaries accompanying articles to assist readers in understanding important medical advances. Peer Review Process: All manuscripts undergo peer review by international experts to ensure quality and rigor. The journal also welcomes Letters to the Editor, which will be considered for publication.