Parasport: Effects on Musculoskeletal Function and Injury Patterns.

ABSTRACT

➤ Sports participation can improve gait, muscle strength, and functional abilities in patients with a wide variety of disabilities. Para athletes are also at substantial risk for injury during sports participation. ➤ Ambulant athletes with cerebral palsy are at risk for soft-tissue injuries about the knee as well as foot and ankle injuries. Wheelchair athletes are at risk for osteoporotic fractures and shoulder girdle injuries. Limb-deficient athletes are prone to low back pain and overuse injuries of the contralateral extremity. ➤ Para athletes are vulnerable to abuse during sports participation, and physicians should promptly report any possible abuse or mistreatment. ➤ Orthopaedic surgeons should understand disability and sport-specific risk factors for injury in para athletes in order to initiate early management and injury prevention protocols.