Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures.
Abstract: This study follows a previously defined framework to investigate the impact of impairment on performance in Para dressage athletes. Twenty-one elite Para dressage athletes (grades I to V) and eleven non-disabled dressage athletes (competing at Prix St. Georges or Grand Prix) participated. Data were collected in two phases: performing a two minute custom dressage test on a riding simulator while kinematic data were synchronously collected using inertial measurement units (2000 Hz) and optical motion capture (100 Hz), and clinically assessed using a battery of impairment assessment tools administered by qualified therapists. Impairment and performance measures were compared between Para and non-disabled athletes. Significant differences between athlete groups were found for all impairment measures and two performance measures: simulator trunk harmonics (p = 0.027) and athlete trunk dynamic symmetry (p < 0.001). Impairment assessments of sitting function and muscle tone could predict 19 to 35% of the impact of impairment on performance in Para athletes but not in non-disabled athletes. These findings provide the basis for a robust, scientific evidence base, which can be used to aid in the refinement of the current classification system for Para dressage, to ensure that it is in line with the International Paralympic Committee's mandate for evidence-based systems of classification.
Publication Date: 2023-08-31 PubMed ID: 37685049PubMed Central: PMC10487214DOI: 10.3390/ani13172785Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research paper is about understanding the correlations between different types of physical impairments and the performance of Para dressage athletes, aiming for a more evidence-based system for classification within the sport.
Research Methodology
- In this study, the researchers utilized a two-part methodological approach to gather data. The participants of the study were made up of twenty-one elite Para dressage athletes, each classified in one of grades I to V. In addition, eleven non-disabled dressage athletes participated, each competing at either Prix St. Georges or Grand Prix levels.
- The data collection process consisted of two key phases. In the first phase, each participant executed a custom dressage routine lasting two minutes on a riding simulator. As this occurred, reflective markers consisting of inertial measurement units were used to gather high-speed kinematic data at a rate of 2000 Hz, alongside an optical motion capture system documenting the movement at a rate of 100 Hz.
- In the second phase, a team of qualified therapists conducted a series of clinical impairment assessments. This battery of impairment assessment tools were used to collect additional data from each athlete.
Research Findings
- A comparative analysis was carried out between Para athletes and their non-disabled contemporaries, focusing on both their performance and their impairment measures.
- Statistically significant disparities were observed both for all measures of impairment and two specific measures of performance, namely simulator trunk harmonics and athlete trunk dynamic symmetry. Respectively, these had p-values of 0.027 and less than 0.001. This indicates that the differences are unlikely to be due to chance.
- Interestingly, the researchers found that assessments of seated function and muscle tone had a capacity to predict between 19 to 35% of how impairment would negatively affect performance within the group of Para athletes. This predictive ability was not present among the non-disabled athletes.
Implications of the Research
- This study’s findings help lay the groundwork for a solid, scientifically driven evidence base. This can be used moving forward to fine-tune the existing classification system associated with Para dressage.
- This will assist in ensuring that the classification system falls into line with the requirements set out by the International Paralympic Committee, which state that their classification systems should be based upon verifiable evidence.
Cite This Article
APA
Hobbs SJ, Alexander J, Wilkins C, St George L, Nankervis K, Sinclair J, Penhorwood G, Williams J, Clayton HM.
(2023).
Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures.
Animals (Basel), 13(17).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172785 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
- Sport and Exercise Department, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
- Department of Animal and Agriculture, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
Grant Funding
- FEI Para-Equestrian Sport: 2018-2021 / Fédération Equestre Internationale
- CASPAP 2022-4 / Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.
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