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Active Drag as a Criterion for Evidence-based Classification in Para Swimming
Carl Payton1, Luke Hogarth2, Brendan Burkett2
1Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, UNITED KINGDOM.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|February 8, 2020
Summary
Para swimmers with motor impairments experience higher drag, impacting performance. Classification systems should consider drag measures for these athletes to ensure fair Paralympic competition.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Paralympic Sports
Background:
- Paralympic classification aims for equitable competition by minimizing impairment effects.
- Drag (active and passive) is a key factor in swimming performance.
- Current World Para Swimming classification may not objectively account for drag differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify active and passive drag in Para swimmers.
- Evaluate the association between drag, impairment type, swimming performance, and sport class.
Main Methods:
- Towed 72 Para swimmers (S1-S10) and 14 non-disabled swimmers using a motorized winch.
- Measured passive drag with arms at the side.
- Determined active drag during freestyle swimming with an assisted towing method.
Main Results:
- Para swimmers with central motor/neuromuscular impairments had higher active and passive drag than non-disabled swimmers.
- Higher drag correlated with impairment severity (sport class) and freestyle performance (r = -0.40 to -0.50).
- Para swimmers with anthropometric impairments showed drag similar to non-disabled swimmers.
Conclusions:
- Central motor/neuromuscular impairments increase active drag in Para swimmers, affecting performance.
- Drag measures should be considered for revised classification of swimmers with motor impairments.
- Drag measurement is not recommended for classification of swimmers with anthropometric impairments.
