Organised by the Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science and Paralympic Science Support NL
Monday June 17 2024
We warmly invite you to the “Classification and Performance in Paralympic Sports” knowledge session at the Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science on June 17th, 2024. This significant gathering coincides with Rafael Muchaxo’s doctoral defense and explored groundbreaking topics in Paralympic sport classification. Featuring expert presentations from global leaders in the field, this session offerd a unique opportunity for dialogue on advancing evidence-based classification systems to enhance athlete fairness and performance in Paralympic sports.
Programme
Emma Beckman: systems of classification that are invalid – the Paralympic Movement’s greatest threat?
Click here for the presentation of Emma Beckman
Evidence-based classification has become crucial in international sports over the past 15 years. Despite being the gold standard, these systems are complex and resource-heavy to develop and implement globally. This presentation emphasized the importance of balancing best practices with evidence-based approaches. It outlined the challenges of current classification systems and propose actionable recommendations for future improvements.
13.45-14.15 David Mann: implementing evidence-based changes in classification for Para Sports
Click here for the presentation of David Mann
We are now at the point where research is leading to the development of new evidence-based systems of classification for Para sports. But how should they be implemented in practice? In this presentation David spoke about the steps and challenges in implementing a new evidence-based system of classification.
14.15-14.45 Thomas Rietvelds: evaluating the current classification points addition in female wheelchair rugby players
Click here for the presentation of Thomas Rietvelds
Wheelchair rugby is a unique mixed-gender Paralympic sport that utilizes a point-based classification system to rank players with varying levels of upper-extremity and trunk impairments. Thomas Rietvelds investigated the isometric strength and sprint performance of female players to assess the fairness of granting an additional 0.5-point to female athletes during competition.
15.00-15.30: Rienk van der Slikke: driving Force – unveiling the crucial role of trunk function in wheelchair tennis mobility
The presentation of Rienk examined the impact of upper body muscle strength on wheelchair mobility performance (WMP) in elite wheelchair tennis athletes. Assessing fifty-five athletes for arm strength and push/pull force, they were categorized by trunk function levels. WMP was measured through on-court tests and tournament play. The results showed varying effect sizes, indicating significant differences in WMP related to trunk function, which influences speed, acceleration, and rotational movements in wheelchair tennis.
15.30-16.00 Ingrid Kouwijzer: Para-cycling classification from a practical point of view
Click here for the presentation of Ingrid Kouwijzer
Para-cycling consists of three disciplines: cycling, tricycling and handcycling. We reviewed the general classification guidelines with several practical handcycling examples. In this light we will further discuss the scientific results of the handcycling classification research project.
Timetable
13.00-13.15 Welcome
13.15-13.45 Emma Beckman: Queensland Academy of Sport & Paralympics Australia (online). Systems of classification that are invalid – the Paralympic Movement’s greatest threat?
13.45-14.15 David Mann: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science. Implementing evidence-based changes in classification for Para sports.
14.15-14.45 Thomas Rietveld, Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sports, Loughborough University. Evaluating the current classification points addition in female wheelchair rugby players.
14.45-15.00 Coffee
15.00-15.30 Rienk van der Slikke, The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Driving Force: Unveiling the Crucial Role of Trunk Function in Wheelchair Tennis Mobility.
15.30-16.00 Ingrid Kouwijzer, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science. Para-cycling classification from a practical point of view.
16.00-17.00 Closing and Drinks
Location
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AISS-Hub
