Utilizing spinal cord injury stratification during classification for allocation of para surfing sport classes.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine which stratification (anatomical versus functional) forms a better construct for classification of para surfers with spinal cord injury; to assess the groupings of these para surfers; and to evaluate the strength of association between manual muscle testing and surfing performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Archived data from classification records including demographics, spinal cord injury levels, trunk strength, and limb strength were compared to judged wave scores and competition rankings. RESULTS: Participants (n = 70, male n = 56; female n = 14) met inclusion criteria and were classified into Para Surfing Kneeling (n = 9); Sit (n = 11); Prone 1 (n = 25); and Prone 2 (n = 25) sport classes. Reliability statistics showed that functional grouping (Cronbach's α = 0.759) is better grouped with strength testing and rankings compared to anatomical grouping (Cronbach's α = 0.721). Under exploratory factor analysis with 2 fixed components, based on the factor loadings (rank and strength) functional stratification (0.978) is better aligned compared to anatomical stratification (0.785) for grouping of surfers. Further, the association and impact of strength with functional spinal cord level stratification were confirmed using regression analysis (chi-square of 74.06 with p-value <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Trunk and limb strengths have been shown to influence wave riding performance in surfers with spinal cord injury. Surfers with spinal cord injury can equitably be classified into one of the four para surfing sport classes. The use of functional stratification of spinal cord injury with trunk and limb strengths should be considered as an integral component in para surfing athlete sport classification.

Development of evidence-based classification for para surfers with physical impairments: A narrative review.

The sport of competitive para surfing is growing internationally without established classification procedures. A classification structure is essential for equitable sport competition and worldwide sport progression. This narrative review summarizes the existing knowledge on Paralympic classification and surfing biomechanics. Its primary purpose is to describe the development of an evidence-based para surfing classification structure that follows the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Code. Two databases-PubMed and Google Scholar-were searched for three themes: "Paralympic classification", "performance determining factors in surfing", and "impact of impairments on surf performance". The IPC Classification Code and IPC regulations were obtained from the IPC website and official publications. Seventy-six relevant articles were utilized to guide the design of this preliminary para surfing classification structure. A conceptual framework on athlete characteristics, adaptive sport characteristics, and use of equipment is presented to build the essential knowledge base for continual growth of para surfing. This classification structure and conceptual framework will support para surfing sport expansion and help pave the way for its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.