Introduction to Neuromuscular and coordination impairments
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Sport Classes T/F 31-38 – Athletes with a physical impairment – Neuromuscular and coordination impairments
Athletes in these classes are affected by hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis all of which typically affect co-ordination of movement. They compete in the following classes:
WHEELCHAIR TRACK: T32-34 - Classes for wheelchair racing
RUNNING TRACK AND JUMPS: T35-38 - Athletes in the sport classes T35-38 have sufficient function to run:
SEATED THROWS: F31-34
STANDING THROWS: F35-38 - Athletes in the sport classes F35-38 have sufficient function in throwing ability from
Rules & Regulations
As with most Para Athletics events, the rules are very similar to their Athletics counter parts. Modifications are made in consideration of an athlete’s functional impairment. Special considerations are applied to wheelchair racing and seated throws events. Some of there include the following, this is not an exhaustive list. A full guide of the rules and regulations of World Para Athletics can be found here.
Helmets
- The wearing of helmets is compulsory in all track and road wheelchair races.
- The helmet shall be a hard protective shell that has a recognized international safety standard; e.g., Snell b-84/90/95, BSI 6863, EN 1078.
- Helmets should be worn any time the wheelchair athlete is on the track, even during warm-ups
T35-T38: are NOT required to use blocks - this modification helps to account for spasticity caused by their impairment
- May crouch, stand, or do a three-point stance with or without blocks
- If they do use blocks, they are not required to use both foot plates
- Seated throws chairs must meet specific requirements and criteria. These can be custom throws chairs or day chairs that meet those requirements
- Some seated throws athletes are granted assistance on the field to transfer and adjust their positioning in the seated throws chair.
- Para Athletics includes the seated club throw, a unique event to Para athletics for athletes with lower upper body function
Athlete Interview: Jenn Brown
In Para Athletics, for the most part, athlete’s disabilities or impairments are visible, what has your experience been like as an athlete with what may seem like an “invisible” impairment?
I find as an athlete with an invisible disability, you often have to be willing to explain more about your situation and impairment because people won't see and understand it off the bat. Since I have made the choice to be more brave and share more about myself and my experiences with MS and how it affects my sport, I have seen a significant increase in understanding and willingness to help and support from people in whatever way they can!
What tip would you offer a coach starting with an athlete with a neuromuscular or coordination impairment?
Be creative and flexible! Things won’t work or connect in the way you think they will for athletes, but with a little creativity it is amazing the gains you will make and the things you will learn!
Athlete Interview: Harrison Orpe
How did you discover Para Athletics?
I have been involved in various different para sports my entire life. I was born prematurely, and I have Cerebral Palsy. I am affected in three limbs and use a wheelchair. I have enjoyed sledge hockey and wheelchair rugby, both team sports. I wanted to find a sport where I could excel as an individual. After some research, I connected with the amazing coach, Kim Cousins. Kim told me that my strong, athletic build is perfect for shot put and javelin throw. From there, I began learning how to throw from a seated position. I picked it up quickly and made Team Canada for the 2019 Para Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. I love the aggressiveness required for shot put combined with being technically sound.
I am classified as an F33 athlete which is a category for athletes with cerebral palsy who compete while seated on a special throwing chair. As a F33 I have one side that is stronger than the other and I require assistance to transfer to the chair and strap myself in.
What tip would you offer a coach starting with an athlete with a neuromuscular or coordination impairment?
Neuromuscular impairments cause a wide range of effects on the body. Many of these impairments are caused close to birth. In my case, I have had to deal with the lack of coordination, spastic muscles, and other challenges for my entire life. It is important for a coach to listen to an athlete and to ask questions about how the impairment is affecting the action required. I have had many years of physiotherapy and understand mechanics of my arms and shoulders. I find that having my coach manipulate my arm helps me to learn how to change my technique. A person with spastic cerebral palsy is always working against a very tight group of muscles in legs, arms or both. Muscle memory supports a good technique and takes a long time to develop. Visual motor impairments can also make things more challenging. The best coaches can adapt a perfect technique to account for body differences caused by the Cerebral Palsy.
What considerations does a coach or official need to have when working with seated throwers?
Generally, athletes with Cerebral Palsy, have very unique ways of moving and often have a system to accomplish tasks. For me, I have a very specific way to transfer from my wheelchair to the throwing chair and strapping in- it looks odd but it works for me. Always ask an athlete HOW you can help rather than IF you can help. Sometimes learning new things and adapting movement for the CP athlete can be frustrating and require repetition. Support and positive encouragement can help athlete’s breakthrough and get results.
