title: Biomechanics in Paralympics: Implications for Performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of biomechanical studies in Paralympic research and their relevance for performance in Paralympic sports.
  
  
  METHODS
  The search terms paralympic biomechanics, paralympic sport performance, paralympic athlete performance, and paralympic athlete were entered into the electronic database PubMed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-four studies were found. Biomechanical studies in Paralympics mainly contributed to performance enhancement by technical optimization (n = 32) and/or injury prevention (n = 6). In addition, biomechanics was found to be important in understanding activity limitation caused by various impairments, which is relevant for evidence-based classification in Paralympic sports (n = 6). Distinctions were made between biomechanical studies in sitting (41%), standing (38%), and swimming athletes (21%). In sitting athletes, mostly kinematics and kinetics in wheelchair propulsion were studied, mainly in athletes with spinal-cord injuries. In addition, kinetics and/or kinematics in wheelchair basketball, seated discus throwing, stationary shot-putting, hand-cycling, sit-skiing, and ice sledge hockey received attention. In standing sports, primarily kinematics of athletes with amputations performing jump sports and running and the optimization of prosthetic devices were investigated. No studies were reported on other standing sports. In swimming, mainly kick rate and resistance training were studied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biomechanical research is important for performance by gaining insight into technical optimization, injury prevention, and evidence-based classification in Paralympic sports. In future studies it is advised to also include physiological and biomechanical measures, allowing the assessment of the capability of the human body, as well as the resulting movement.
authors.forename: Floor
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Morriën
authors.forename: Matthew J D
authors.initials: MJD
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Florentina J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hettinga
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research
keywords: adapted sports; athletes; performance enhancement; physical disability; sports performance