Biomechanics and Performance Assessment in Paralympic Sports and Adapted Physical Activity

Dear Colleagues,

Since 1940, when Sir Ludwig Guttmann promoted physical activity in the social reintegration of paraplegic war-wounded people, the Paralympic movement has significantly developed. Adapted physical activity is increasingly considered the best gateway to getting well, and today, thanks to the methodologies used for functional classification, it is possible to ensure healthy and fair competition in Paralympic disciplines.

Since the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, sixteen editions of the Summer Games and fourteen editions of the Winter Games have been held, leading in the last edition to, in total, 650 competitions related to 27 different sports disciplines.

This growth makes it necessary to develop research activities in the field of biomechanics and, more generally, in sports sciences to advance our knowledge in this specialized area and support movement with new and more specific classification and training methodologies useful for improving the performance of individual athletes with disabilities and, overall, their well-being.

This Special Issue aims to cover recent advances in studies on applying new measurement systems or scientific approaches dedicated to assessing human movement, exercise, and performance in Paralympic sports and adapted physical activities.

Submissions to this Special Issue may include but are not limited to the following areas:

- Kinematic analyses of movement in adapted physical activities.

- Development of new systems useful for athletes’ classification in Paralympic sports.

- Biomechanical modeling and simulation of Paralympic sports movements.

- Design of prostheses and orthoses and their biomechanical implications.

- Strength and conditioning strategies tailored to athletes with disabilities.

- Injury mechanisms and prevention strategies in adapted sports activities.

- Interdisciplinary approaches combining biomechanics, engineering, physiology, nutrition, and psychology related to adapted physical activity and sports.

Dr. Vincenzo Bonaiuto
Dr. Delphine Chadefaux
Guest Editors

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