A longitudinal examination of changes in mental health among elite Canadian athletes.

This study explored how athletes' symptoms of mental disorders changed over the course of pandemic year. Predictors of baseline levels and changes in symptoms of mental disorders were also examined. Surveys were completed four times throughout a year by Canadian athletes training for the 2020 Olympics/Paralympics (ntime1 = 186, ntime2 = 142, ntime3 = 123, ntime4 = 108). Surveys included demographics questions, measures of perceived stress, training load, social support, coping, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and disordered eating. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and latent growth modelling. The prevalence of mental disorder symptoms was high at baseline and there was no significant change over time. Scores for the three disorders were significantly correlated. Female athletes had higher scores for disordered eating at baseline. Higher levels of perceived stress predicted higher scores on mental disorder measures. Longitudinal tracking of symptoms of mental disorders among elite athletes is important because it allows researchers to explore whether disorder symptomologies change; rates of mental disorder symptoms were high at baseline and stayed high over the course of a year. More research is needed to explore possible gender differences in rates of disorder symptoms, and to understand how those symptoms change over time.

Low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health: A survey of elite para athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is a syndrome describing three interrelated conditions: low energy availability (LEA), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD). Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) expands the Triad to include multiple physiologic consequences of LEA in both sexes. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of factors associated with the Triad/RED-S in an elite para athlete population. METHODS: Athletes were U.S. elite para athletes training to qualify for the 2016 or the 2018 Paralympic Games. Participants completed an online questionnaire characterizing nutrition, menstrual status (in females), bone health, and awareness of the Triad/RED-S. RESULTS: The athletes were 260 elite para athletes (150 male, 110 female). While few reported prior eating disorder (3.1%), 32.4% had elevated Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) pathologic behavior subscale scores. Most athletes (95 male, 65 female) were attempting to change their body composition or weight to improve performance. Forty-four percent of premenopausal females had oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea. Bone stress injury was reported in 9.2% of athletes; of these, 54.5% (n = 12) had low BMD. Less than 10% of athletes reported awareness of the Triad/RED-S. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with the Triad/RED-S are present in an elite para athlete population, regardless of sex or sport type. Awareness of the Triad/RED-S in para athletes is low. The consequences of LEA in para athlete populations are poorly understood. However, the high prevalence of factors observed suggests value in advancing screening tools and education efforts to optimize health in this population.

High prevalence of low bone mineral density but normal trabecular bone score in Norwegian elite Para athletes.

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) increases the risk of bone stress injuries (BSI) and is one of several clinical concerns in Para athlete sports medicine. However, whether bone microarchitecture is altered in Para athletes is not known. Objective: We aimed to investigate BMD, bone microarchitecture and incidence of bone stress injuries in Norwegian elite Para athletes. Design: In this cross-sectional study in Para athletes, Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (iDXA, Lunar, GE Health Care) derived areal BMD, trabecular bone score (TBS), a surrogate marker for bone microarchitecture, and body composition (body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), fat percentage) were investigated and compared between ambulant and non-ambulant athletes. Also, the association between BMD, TBS and body composition variables was investigated. Incidence of BSI was assessed with a questionnaire and confirmed by a sports physician in a clinical interview. BMD Z-score <-1 was defined as low and ≤-2 as osteoporotic. TBS ≥ 1.31 was normal, 1.23-1.31 intermediate and <1.23 low. Results: Among 38 athletes (26 ± 6 yrs, 14 females), BMD Z-score was low in 19 athletes, and osteoporotic in 11 athletes' lumbar spine (LS) or femoral neck (FN). BMD was lower in non-ambulant vs. ambulant athletes both in LS (1.13 ± 0.19 vs. 1.25 ± 0.14 g/cm2, p = 0.030) and FN (0.90 ± 0.15 vs. 1.07 ± 0.16 g/cm2, p = 0.003). TBS was normal for all athletes. BMD Z-score in LS was positively associated with TBS (r = 0.408, p = 0.013), body weight (r = 0.326, p = 0.046) and lean body mass (r = 0.414, p = 0.010), but not with fat mass or fat percentage. None of the athletes reported any BSI. Conclusions: Half of the Norwegian elite Para athletes had low BMD, and 29% had BMD Z-score <-2 suggesting osteoporosis. Non-ambulant athletes were more prone to low BMD than ambulant athletes. However, despite high prevalence of low BMD, TBS was normal in all athletes, and BSI was absent in this young population.

Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial.

Throughout history a variety of therapeutic tools have been studied as possible enhancers of sports activities. This study proposes the use of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) as a performance booster to paralympic athletes, specifically those belonging to the Spanish Paralympic swimming committee. The study was a randomized, single-blind, and observer-blind, crossover clinical trial. Six athletes were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with CRET (A); a placebo group (B) and a control group (C). The CRET group attended a twenty-minute session before being subjected to pool trials at distances of 50 and 100 m at maximum performance. Measurements were in two dimensions: time in seconds and the Borg scale for perceived exertion. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to distance and the main variables. In the case of perceived exertion, no significant changes were observed in any of the distances; however, in the case of the time variable, a significant difference was observed between Group A vs. Personal Record at 100 m distance (76.3 ± 6.8 vs. 68.4 ± 3.3). The proposed protocol and level of hyperthermia applied suggest refusal of CRET use for the 100-m distance a few minutes before sports practice. Our analysis suggests the need to modify the presented protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier under NCT number: NCT04336007.

Evaluation of Dietary Supplement Use in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes.

Wheelchair rugby is a rapidly growing Paralympic sport; however, research remains predominantly in the realms of physiology and biomechanics. Currently, there is little investigation into nutrition and dietary supplement use among wheelchair rugby athletes (WRA). The aim of this study was to assess the types of dietary supplements (DS) used, the prevalence of usage, and the reasons for use among WRA. The secondary aim was to report utilized and preferred sources of nutritional information among this population. A valid, reliable Dietary Supplement Questionnaire was used to report supplement use and reasons for use. Male (n = 33) and female (n = 9) WRA were recruited at a national tournament and through emailing coaches of various Canadian teams. Dietary supplement usage was prevalent as 90.9% of males and 77.8% of females reported usage within the past three months with the most regularly used supplements being vitamin D (26.2%), electrolytes (19.5%), and protein powder (19.5%). The most common reason for usage was performance. The top sources of nutrition information were dietitian/nutritionist and the internet. Further investigation into DS use is needed to help create nutritional guidelines that are accessible to WRA and athletes with disabilities in general.

How do Para swimmers respond physiologically and cognitively when watching their performance at the Paralympic Games? A Case Study / ¿Cómo los nadadores paralímpicos responden fisiológicamente y cognitivamente cuando ven seu desempenho nos Jogos Paralímpicos? Um estudio de caso / Como nadadores paralímpicos respondem fisiologicamente e cognitivamente ao assistirem seu desempenho nos Jogos Paralímpicos? Um estudo de caso

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la respuesta de activación cognitiva y fisiológica de nadadores paralímpicos (n= 12) al ver la grabación de su prueba en los Juegos Paralímpicos. El diseño metodológico del estudio fue transversal y se llevó a cabo en dos etapas. El video contenía tres momentos: línea de base (LB), video neutral (VN) y video de los Juegos Paralímpicos (VJUEGOS). Durante las pruebas, se analizaron la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC) y la actividad electrodérmica (EDA) para evaluar la activación fisiológica. También se recolectaron datos de activación cognitiva (Inventario de Ansiedad Estado). Se observó una reducción significativa en el tiempo medio de ritmo cardiaco y un aumento en los datos de conductancia con relación a VNxVJOGOS. No hubo diferencias significativas en las activaciones cognitivas. Si bien se puede explorar el uso de videos, debe tenerse en cuenta que el contenido puede causar respuestas positivas o negativas al rendimiento. (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyse the cognitive and physiological activation response of Paralympic swimmers (n= 12) when watching the recording of their events at the 2016 Paralympic games. The methodological design of the study was cross-sectional and carried out in two stages. The video contained three moments: baseline (BL), neutral video (NV) and Paralympic Games video (GAMESV). During the tests, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) were analysed as a way to evaluate physiological activation. Before and after the video, cognitive activation data (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) was collected. It was observed a significant reduction in the meantime of heartbeats and an increased conductance data in relation to NV×GAMESV, demonstrating physiological activation. However, no significant differences in cognitive activations were observed. While the use of videos in the psychological and sporting scope may be explored, certain weightings should be considered, knowing that their content may elicit positive or negative responses to performance. (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a resposta de ativação cognitiva e fisiológica de nadadores paralímpicos (n= 12) ao assistirem à gravação da sua prova nos Jogos Paralímpicos. O desenho metodológico do estudo foi caracterizado como transversal e realizado em duas etapas. O vídeo conteve três momentos: linha de base (LB), vídeo neutro (VN) e vídeo dos Jogos Paralímpicos (VJOGOS). Durante os testes foram analisados a Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca (VFC) e Atividade Eletrodérmica (EDA) como forma de avaliar a ativação fisiológica. Também foram coletados os dados de ativação cognitiva (Inventário de Ansiedade-Estado). Foi observada redução significativa da média detempo dos batimentos cardíacos e aumento dos dados de condutância em relação a VNxVJOGOS. No entanto, não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas ativações cognitivas. Ao mesmo tempo que o uso de vídeos pode ser explorado, devidas ponderações devemser consideradas sabendo que seu conteúdo pode eliciar repostas positivas ou negativas ao desempenho. (AU)

Evaluation of Dietary Intakes and Supplement Use in Paralympic Athletes.

Dietary intakes and supplement use in Paralympic athletes remains largely unexplored, and specialized recommendations are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate nutrient intakes and supplement use in high-performance athletes with physical disabilities using three-day food records and a validated dietary supplement use questionnaire. A secondary aim examined gender differences in nutrient and supplement intakes. Male (n = 18) and female (n = 22) athletes were recruited from nine Paralympic sports through sporting organizations, coaches, and social media. Athletes generally met able-bodied recommendations for macronutrients. Male and female athletes often failed to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin D, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. On average, females did not meet the RDA for iron and calcium, whereas males did not meet the RDA for vitamin A and folate. Commonly consumed supplements were vitamin D, protein powder, sport bars, and sport drinks. Analysis of diet and supplement use within this population shows several micronutrient deficiencies and irregular use of specific supplements. Athlete support and education is required to optimize nutrition in Paralympic athletes.

Políticas públicas para o paradesporto: programa bolsa-atleta paralímpico no Mato Grosso do Sul/Brasil / Parasport public policy: paralympic athlete scholarship program in Mato Grosso do Sul/Brazil / Políticas públicas para el paradeporte: programa beca-atleta paralímpico en Mato Grosso do Sul/Brasil

O objetivo foi analisar o Programa Bolsa-Atleta paralímpico no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, a partir do número de bolsas, modalidades e categorias. Configurou-se como um estudo descritivo-exploratório, com análise de dados na Plataforma de Dados do Inteligência Esportiva, entre os anos 2004-2020. Foram identificados 114 atletas paralímpicos, 77 do gênero masculino e 37 do feminino, contemplados em 12 modalidades paralímpicas, com destaque para o atletismo. Somaram-se 484 bolsas distribuídas entre as categorias do programa, com o predomínio da categoria nacional (61,98%) e estudantil (12,39%). Do total, houve modificação dos atletas entre as categorias, 45,61% mantiveram a bolsa por quatro ou mais anos e 54,39% só tiveram a bolsa entre um e três anos. Conclui-se que o Programa Bolsa-Atleta paralímpico acompanhou os investimentos do governo federal, com o pico de bolsas durante o Plano Brasil Medalhas 2016 e baixa em 2020, em decorrência da pandemia e prioridade governamental. (AU)

The main goal was to analyze the Paralympic Athletes Scholarship Program at Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, based on the number of scholarships, sports modalities and categories. The research was descriptive exploratory, with data from website Sport Intelligence, between the years 2004-2020. We identified 114 Paralympic athletes, 77 male and 37 female, contemplated in 12 Paralympic modalities, with emphasis on athletics. There were 484 scholarships distributed among the categories, predominance the national category (61.98%) and student category (12.39%). From these athletes, there were modifications from categories, 45.61% kept the scholarship for four years or more and 54.39% had the scholarship between one and three years. We concluded that the Paralympic Athletes Scholarship Program followed the Federal Government budget, with high investment with the Brazilian Medal Plan 2016, and the lower investment in 2020, due to the pandemic and government priority. (AU)

El objetivo fue analizar el Programa Beca-Atleta paralímpico en el Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul/Brasil, con base en el número de becas, modalidades y categorías. Se configuró como un estudio descriptivo-exploratorio, con análisis de datos en la Plataforma de Datos de Inteligencia Deportiva, entre los años 2004 y 2020. Se identificaron 114 atletas paralímpicos, 77 del género masculino y 37 del femenino, contemplados en 12 modalidades paralímpicas, donde destaca el atletismo. Se encontraron 484 becas distribuidas entre las categorías del programa, con predominio de la categoría nacional (61,98%) y estudiantil (12,39%). El el total, hubo modificación de los atletas entre las categorías, 45,61% mantuvieron la beca por cuatro o más años y 54,39% solo tuvieron la beca por entre uno y tres años. Se concluyó que el Programa Beca-Atleta paralímpico siguió la inversión del Gobierno Federal, con un pico de becas durante el Plan Brasil Medallas 2016 y el menor número de becas en 2020, como consecuencia del período pandémico y de la prioridad gubernamental. (AU)

Entry of brazilian paralympic athletes in high performance sport / Ingresso de atletas paralímpicos brasileiros no esporte de alto rendimento

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to describe the reasons for the entry of Paralympic athletes in high performance sport in Brazil. It is characterized as descriptive and qualitative approach. Information gathering was conducted through semi-structured interview. The study included 20 Paralympic athletes from Brazilian Team of Athletics and Swimming. Results revealed that the main reasons why the athletes begin in Paralympic sport are: 1) the opportunity to practice access (n = 10; 50%); 2) the pleasure in the sports practice (n = 9, 45%); 3) Inspiration in Paralympic idols (n = 6, 30%); and 4) Rehabilitation (n = 5; 25%). So, knowledge of the main reasons for entry in Paralympic sport, can provide the appearance of new generations of Paralympic athletes and consolidate Brazil as one of the major world paralympic power.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo é descrever as razões para o ingresso de atletas paralímpicos no esporte de alto rendimento no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem descritiva e qualitativa. A coleta de informações foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Participaram do estudo 20 atletas das seleções brasileiras paralímpicas de Atletismo e Natação. Os resultados revelaram que os principais motivos pelos quais os atletas iniciam no esporte paralímpico são: 1) Oportunidade de Acesso à prática (n=10; 50%); 2) Prazer pela prática (n=9; 45%); 3) Inspiração em ídolos paralímpicos (n=6; 30%); e ainda, 4) Reabilitação (n=5; 25%). Dessa forma, conhecer os motivos para o ingresso no esporte paralímpico, pode proporcionar o surgimento de novas gerações de atletas e também consolidar o país como uma das principais potências paralímpicas mundiais.

A tecnologia no esporte paralímpico / Technology in paralympic sport / La tecnología en el deporte paralímpico

Atualmente o esporte paralímpico brasileiro cresce aceleradamente em razão de suas recentes e vitoriosas conquistas no cenário internacional. A tecnologia está cada vez mais presente no esporte paralímpico e busca o aprimoramento da performance de atletas de alto rendimento. Neste ensaio, com abordagem qualitativa, procuramos através da análise bibliográfica e reflexão teórica trazer ao leitor um breve conhecimento sobre a tecnologia que vem sendo aplicada no cotidiano de atletas paralímpicos. Consideramos que o conhecimento e o investimento em inovações tecnológicas no esporte paralímpico são fundamentais para um país que busca se manter entre as principais potências paralímpicas mundiais.

Currently the Brazilian Paralympic sport is growing fast due to its recent victories in the international scene. Technology is increasingly present in the Paralympic sport and seeks to improve the performance of high-performance athletes. In this essay, with a qualitative approach, we seek through bibliographical analysis and theoretical reflection to bring to the reader a brief knowledge about the technology being applied in the daily life of Paralympic athletes. We believe that knowledge and investment in technological innovations in Paralympic sport are fundamental to a country that seeks to remain among the main world Paralympic powers.

Actualmente el deporte paralímpico brasileño crece aceleradamente en razón de sus recientes y victoriosas conquistas en el escenario internacional. La tecnologia esta cada vez más presente en el deporte paralímpico y busca el mejoramiento de la performance de atletas de alto rendimento. En este ensayo con enfoque cualitativo, búsqueda de análisis bibliográfico y reflexión teórica, acercar al lector un breve conocimiento sobre la tecnología que se aplica en el cotidiano de atletas paralímpicos. Consideramos que el conocimiento y la inversión en innovaciones tecnológicas en el deporte paralímpico se consideran fundamentales para un país que busca mantenerse entre las principales potencias paralímpicas mundiales.

Financial support for paralympic athletes in brazil / O suporte financeiro para atletas paralímpicos no brasil

ABSTRACT Brazilian Paralympic sport is growing rapidly due to its results and to more people with disabilities desiring to join it. The purpose of this study is to describe the importance of financial support for Brazilian Paralympic athletes' careers. It is characterized as a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Information was collected through a semi-structured interview. Twenty Paralympians, from both Athletics and Swimming modalities, participated of this research, all of them contemplated by Ministry of Sports grant programs - Bolsa Atleta and Bolsa Atleta Pódio. Results show financial support being indicated as fundamental by all interviewed participants (n = 20, 100%). Many are the funding actions, especially from Brazilian Paralympic Committee and Brazilian Ministry of Sports, which provide better conditions for athlete development and can also guarantee the advent of new generations of Paralympic competitors in Brazil.

RESUMO O esporte paralímpico brasileiro cresce aceleradamente em razão de seus resultados e mais pessoas com deficiência buscam ingressar no esporte. O objetivo do estudo é descrever a importância do suporte financeiro para a carreira esportiva dos atletas paralímpicos brasileiros. Caracteriza-se como descritivo e abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de informações foi realizada através de entrevista semiestruturada. Participaram 20 atletas paralímpicos das modalidades Atletismo e Natação, contemplados pela Bolsa-Pódio do Programa Bolsa-Atleta do Ministério do Esporte - Brasil. Os resultados demonstram que o Suporte Financeiro é apontado como fundamental por todos os atletas investigados (n=20; 100%). Muitas são as ações de suporte financeiro que têm favorecido os atletas brasileiros, partindo principalmente do Comitê Paralímpico Brasileiro e Ministério do Esporte, essas ações proporcionam melhores condições para o desenvolvimento dos atletas e também podem garantir o surgimento de novas gerações de atletas paralímpicos no país.

Evaluando variables psicosociales y la identidad social de atletas paralímpicos brasileños / Evaluating psychosocial variables and social identity of Brazilian Paralympic athletes

Este estudio exploratorio tuvo como objetivo (1) evaluar las variables psicosociales de los atletas paralímpicos brasileños, (2) verificar cómo estas variables se relacionan con la identidad social del atleta, y (3) comprender cómo los atletas paralímpicos perciben su identidad. En el estudio participaron 153 atletas paralímpicos brasileños (122 hombres y 31 mujeres, con una edad media de 31.91 años, DE = 9.46). Todos los participantes respondieron a un cuestionario sociodemográfico y a los instrumentos de las variables en estudio: (1) Autoestima; (2) Autoeficacia; (3) Locus de control; (4) Bienestar afectivo; (5) Identidad social; y la pregunta abierta «Para mí, ser atleta paralímpico es...¼. Los resultados indicaron que los paralímpicos poseen una fuerte identidad social, elevada autoestima, autoeficacia, locus de control interno y bienestar afectivo positivo, así como un bajo locus de control externo y bienestar afectivo negativo. También, se verificó una correlación positiva entre la identidad social y la autoestima. Los resultados revelaron que la identidad del atleta está directamente relacionada con su historia de superación y los beneficios proporcionados por la práctica del deporte; sin embargo, todavía existen obstáculos a ser enfrentados. Este estudio enfatiza la importancia de la identidad social del atleta que le trae beneficios no solo como individuo, sino también a través de la deconstrucción de estereotipos atribuidos a él por la sociedad.

This exploratory research aimed to (1) assess the psychosocial variables of Brazilian Paralympic athletes, (2) verify how these variables relate to the athlete's social identity, and (3) understand how Paralympic athletes perceive their identity. The study consisted of 153 Brazilian Paralympic athletes (122 males and 31 females with a mean age of 31.91 years, SD = 9.46), who answered a socio-demographic questionnaire; the instruments of the variables under study: (1) self-esteem, (2) self-efficacy, (3) locus of control, (4) affective well-being, and (5) social identity; and the open question «For me, being a Paralympic athlete means…¼ The results indicated that Paralympic athletes have high levels of social identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy, internal locus of control, and positive affective well-being, as well as low levels of external locus of control and negative affective well-being. Also, a positive correlation between social identity and self-esteem was found. The results revealed that Paralympic athletes' identity is directly linked to their history of self-realization and the benefits of playing sports; however, they must still face some obstacles. This study highlights the importance of Paralympic athletes' social identity, which benefits them not only as individuals, but through the deconstruction of stereotypes attributed to them by society.

Avaliação ergoespirométrica em atleta paraolímpico de esqui alpino:estudo de caso / Cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill for a paralympic alpine skiing athlete: case study

Objetivos: Este trabalho se propõe a verificar o consumo máximo de oxigênio de um atleta paraolímpico da modalidade de esqui alpino, apontando a relação com essa modalidade esportiva, tradicionalmente reconhecida como anaeróbica. Os resultados do teste são apresentados como parâmetro comparativo para a modalidade de esqui alpino.Descrição do caso: O voluntário foi um atleta de esqui alpino de 38 anos de idade, vítima de lesão da medula espinhal desde 1994, classificação LW10/2 dentro do critério dessa modalidade esportiva. O atleta foi testado na própria cadeira de rodas, em esteira ergométrica. O teste foi realizado a uma velocidade constante, sendo a carga aumentada 20 W a cada 3 minutos até a fadiga voluntária. As respostas cardiorrespiratórias foram aferidas continuamente com eletrocardiograma e analisador de gases. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes e depois do teste para medir a concentração de lactato sanguíneo. A maior carga desempenhada pelo atleta foi 100 W (mecânica) e 884,07 W (bruto) quando estava no 5o estágio, com eficiência de 11,31%, apresentando consumo de oxigênio de 2501 mL/min e lactato de 11,1 mmol/L. A frequência cardíaca máxima foi de 184 batimentos/min e a pressão arterial de 115/70 mmHg foi medida 5 minutos após o final do teste.Conclusões: O esquiador pôde responder ao procedimento de diferentes cargas durante o teste. No teste aplicado o atleta tem que aprender a gerenciar sua resistência, força e capacidades coordenativas. A avaliação da capacidade aeróbica poderá ajudar o desempenho durante o treinamento e competições, visto que os atletas devem dividir sua atenção com uma gama de exigências que juntas são atendidas em grande parte pelo sistema aeróbio.

Aims: This study aims to determine the maximal oxygen uptake of a paralympic alpine ski athlete and relate it to this sport that is traditionally recognized as being anaerobic. The test results are presented as comparative variables for the alpine skiing sport. Case Description: The volunteer was a 38 year old sitting-class alpine ski athlete, who suffered a spinal cord injury in 1994, and is classified as LW10/2 within the criteria of the sport. The test was performed using their own wheelchair on a treadmill at a constant speed. The load was increased 20 W every 3 minutes until volitional fatigue. The cardiorespiratory responses were monitored continuously with an electrocardiogram and gas analyzer. Blood samples were collected before and after testing to measure blood lactate concentrations. The highest load achieved by the athlete was 100 W (mechanical) and 884.07 W (gross) when in the 5ºstage, with an efficiency of 11.31% and presenting an oxygen consumption of 2501 mL/min and lactate of 11.1%. Maximum heart rate was 184 bpm and blood pressure, measured 5 minutes after test end, was 115/70 mmHg.Conclusions: The skier was able to perform the procedure with increasing loads. The test administered required the athlete to learn how to manage her stamina, strength and coordinative capacities. The assessment of aerobic capacity may help with performance during training and competition, as the athletes must focus their attention on a range of demands that together, are largely met by the aerobic system.