Clinical Perspectives in Research and Product Development
Biomechanical analyses of the performance of Paralympians: From foundation to elite level
Sarah A. Curran1 and Laurent Frossard 2,3
1 2
Wales Centre for Podiatric Studies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK Group of Research on Adapted Physical Activities, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada 3 Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Centre, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada (Article as published in: Curran S, Frossard L. Biomechanical analyses of the performance of Paralympians: From foundation to elite level. 2012. Prosthetics and Orthotics International. 36 (3). p 380-395. http://poi.sagepub.com/content/36/3/380) Summary Biomechanical analysis of sport performance provides an objective method of determining performance of a particular sporting technique. In particular, it aims to add to the understanding of the mechanisms influencing performance, characterization of athletes, and provide insights into injury predisposition. Whilst the performance in sport of able-bodied athletes is well recognised in the literature, less information and understanding is known on the complexity, constraints and demands placed on the body of an individual with a disability. This paper provides a dialogue that outlines scientific issues of performance analysis of multi-level athletes with a disability, including Paralympians. Four integrated themes are explored the first of which focuses on how biomechanics can contribute to the understanding of sport performance in athletes with a disability and how it may be used as an evidence-based tool. This latter point questions the potential for a possible cultural shift led by emergence of user-friendly instruments. The second theme briefly discusses the role of reliability of sport performance and addresses the debate of two-dimensional and three-dimensional analysis. The third theme
References: Curran S, Frossard L. 2012. Prosthetics and Orthotics International Biomechanical analyses of the performance of Paralympians: From foundation to elite level Curran S, Frossard L. 2012. Prosthetics and Orthotics International Page 20 of 22 Curran S, Frossard L. 2012. Prosthetics and Orthotics International Page 21 of 22 Curran S, Frossard L. 2012. Prosthetics and Orthotics International Page 22 of 22