Impairment-Performance Dynamics in Para Surfing Kneel/Upright Sport Class:
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Competitive Outcomes
Keywords:
adaptive surfing, amputations, cerebral palsy, classification, Paralymics, spinal cord injuryAbstract
Adaptive surfers with amputations, spinal cord injury, and neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, are competing against each other in international Paralympic-style competitions. This cross-sectional study is the first to examine the relationship between impairment and performance in the Para Surfing (PS) Kneel/Upright sport class using data from seven international competitions. A total of 39 athletes (31 male, 8 female) were analyzed based on demographics, classification testing results, surf stance, and experience, with performance assessed through judged wave scores and contest rankings. No significant differences were found in performance scores (p = .317) or rankings (p = .635) based on impairment. However, athletes using a sideway kneeling stance performed significantly better than those using a forward kneeling stance (p = .004). Training frequency (p = .039), competition experience (p = .007), and prior surf experience (p = .006) positively correlated with performance, while better rankings were associated with higher performance scores (p < .001). These findings suggest that athletes in the PS Kneel/Upright sport class experience a comparable impact from their varied health conditions, supporting their classification for fair competition. Additionally, training volume, competitive exposure, and surf stance play key roles in performance outcomes, providing insights for athlete development and classification refinement.
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