T54 (classification)

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Tatyana McFadden at the Paralympic World Cup 2009 Tatyana McFadden Paralympic World Cup 2009.jpg
Tatyana McFadden at the Paralympic World Cup 2009

T54 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics in the track and jump events. The class includes people with spinal cord injuries who compete using a wheelchair in track events. They have paraplegia, but have normal hand and arm function, normal or limited trunk function, and no leg function. This class includes CP-ISRA classes CP3 and CP4, and some athletes in ISOD classes A1, A2 and A3.

Contents

Definition

This classification is for track and jump events in disability athletics. [1] This classification is one of several classifications for athletes with spinal cord injuries. Similar classifications are T51, T52 and T53. [2] The International Paralympic Committee defined this class in 2011 as, "These athletes will have normal arm muscle power with a range of trunk muscle power extending from partial trunk control to normal trunk control. Athletes who compete in this group may have significant leg muscle power. These athletes have reasonable to normal trunk control which allows them to hold their trunk down when the propulsion force is applied to the push rim. Usually do not interrupt the pushing cycle to adjust the compensator. Can shift direction of the chair by sitting up and applying a trunk rotational force to the chair. Equivalent activity limitation to person with complete cord injury at cord level T8-S4." [3]

The International Paralympic Committee defined this classification on their website in July 2016 as, "Athletes have full upper muscle power in the arms and some to full muscle power in the trunk. Athletes may have some function in the legs." [4]

Performance and rules

Wheelchairs used by this class have three wheels, with a maximum rear height of 70 centimetres (28 in) and maximum front height of 50 centimetres (20 in). Chairs cannot have mirrors or any gears. They are not allowed to have anything protruding from the back of the chair. As opposed to wearing hip numbers, racers in this class wear them on the helmet. Instead of wearing bibs, these numbers are put on the back of the racing chair and the racer. [5]

"On your marks" is used to indicate that the athlete should approach or be at the starting line. "Set" means the athlete should take their final starting position, with the front wheel touching the ground behind the starting line. At this stage, no further movement is allowed until the starting gun is fired or a "Go" command given. [5] Because this is a wheelchair class, different rules apply for overtaking with the responsibility lying with the racer coming from behind. They must be completely clear of the front wheel of the racer they are overtaking before cutting in front of them. The racer being overtaken cannot deliberately obstruct or impede the racer doing the overtaking. If a crash occurs within the first 50 meters of a race that is 800 meters or longer, the starting official has the option of recalling the race. [5]

In relay events involve this class, each team has two lanes. Racers don't use a baton, but instead transfer via touch of the body in the exchange zone. The incoming racer cannot use their momentum to push and give the ongoing racer any acceleration. The acceleration zone is 20 meters, with the take over zone being 20 meters. [5]

In wheelchair races, the winner and time is determined by when the center of the front axle goes across the finish line. [5]

Events

There are a number of different events open to people in this class internationally. Many competitions have their own minimum qualifying standards.

Qualification standards for the 2016 Summer Paralympics [6]
EventMenWomen
AQSBQSAQSBQS
100 metres 14.6515.1517.8018.90
400 metres 47.8050.0058.501:03.00
800 metres 1:37.001:38.801:58.002:10.00
1500 metres 3:02.703:09.003:42.004:00.00
5000 metres 10:24.0010:50.0012:00.0013:30.00
Marathon 1:32:00.001:35:00.001:55:00.002:05:00.00

In distances of 800 metres or more, the Paralympic record is superior to the able-bodied world record.

History

This classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation." [7]

Becoming classified

For this class, classification generally has four phases. The first stage of classification is a health examination. For amputees in this class, this is often done on site at a sports training facility or competition. The second stage is observation in practice, the third stage is observation in competition and the last stage is assigning the sportsperson to a relevant class. [8] For wheelchair athletes in this class with spinal cord injuries, they both undergo a medical assessment of muscle strength, range of movement or amputations; they then demonstrate their athletics skills, such as pushing a racing wheelchair. [9]

During the observation phase involving training or practice, all athletes in this class may be asked to demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as pushing a racing wheelchair. A determination is then made as to what classification an athlete should compete in. Classifications may be Confirmed or Review status. For athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel, Provisional classification is available; this is a temporary Review classification, considered an indication of class only, and generally used only in lower levels of competition. [9] [10]

While some people in this class may be ambulatory, they generally go through the classification process while using a wheelchair. This is because they often compete from a seated position. [11] Failure to do so could result in them being classified as an ambulatory class competitor. [11] For people in this class with amputations, classification is often based on the anatomical nature of the amputation. [12] [13] The classification system takes several things into account when putting people into this class; these include which limbs are affected, how many limbs are affected, and how much of a limb is missing for people with amputations. [14] [15]

Competitors

Notable athletics competitors in this class include multiple Paralympic medal winners Chantal Petitclerc (CAN), Kurt Fearnley (AUS), David Weir (GBR) and Tatyana McFadden (USA). Leo-Pekka Tähti (FIN) is the current world record holder in Men's T54 100m and has won four Paralympic gold medals in this class.[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

S5, SB4, SM5 are disability swimming classifications used for categorizing swimmers based on their level of disability. The class includes people with a moderate level of disability, and includes people with full use of their arms and hands, but limited to no use of their trunk and legs. It also includes people with coordination problems. A variety of disabilities are represented by this class including people with cerebral palsy. The class competes at the Paralympic Games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 point player</span>

2 point player and 2.5 point player is a disability sport classification for wheelchair basketball. People in this class have partial trunk control when making forward motions. The class includes people with T8-L1 paraplegia, post-polio paralysis and amputations. People in this class handle the ball less than higher-point players. They have some stability issues on court, and may hold their wheel when trying to one hand grab rebounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4-point player</span> Classification for wheelchair basketball

4-point player is a disability sport classification for wheelchair basketball. Players in this class have normal trunk function but have a reduced level of functioning in one or both of their lower limbs. They may have difficulty with sideways movements. People in this class include ISOD classified A1, A2 and A3 players.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4.5-point player</span>

4.5-point player is a disability sport classification for wheelchair basketball. Players in this class tend to have normal trunk movement, few problems with side-to-side movements, and ability to reach to the side of their chair. Players generally have a below-knee amputation, or some other partial single-leg dysfunction. This classification is for players with minimal levels of disability. In some places, there is a class beyond this called 5-point player for players with no disabilities.

T32 is disability sport classification for track events in disability athletics. This is a wheelchair racing class. The classification is one of three classes of wheelchair racing for people with athetosis, ataxia or hypertonia. The number of events available to people in this class has decreased since the 1980s, with no T32 events at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. While undergoing classification, T32 competitors both undergo a bench test of muscle coordination and demonstrate their skills in athletics.

T33 and CP3 are disability sport classification for disability athletics. The class competes using a wheelchair. The classification is one of eight for people with cerebral palsy, and one of four for people with cerebral palsy who use a wheelchair. Athletes in this class have moderate quadriplegia, and difficulty with forward trunk movement. They also may have hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis.

T34 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics. The classification is one of eight specifically for athletes with cerebral palsy, and one of four for athletes with cerebral palsy who use a wheelchair. People in this class have hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis. This class includes people who have cerebral palsy, or who have had a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T44 (classification)</span> Classification for disability athletics

T44 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics, applying to "Single below knee amputation or an athlete who can walk with moderately reduced function in one or both legs." It includes ISOD A4 and A9 classes.

T51 is disability sport classification for athletics. The class includes people with a number of different types of disabilities including spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. Similar classifications are T52, T53, T54 and T55. It is for sportspeople with minimal upper body function who use a wheelchair, spinal cord injury class F1 and Les Autres class LAF1.

T52 is disability sport classification for disability athletics. People in this class have good shoulder and upper body control, but lack fine motor skills in their arms and hands. They have no to limited trunk and leg function. The class includes people with a number of different types of disabilities including spinal cord injuries. Similar classifications are T51, T53 and T54.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T53 (classification)</span>

T53 is disability sport classification for disability athletics. The class includes people with a number of different types of disabilities including spinal cord injuries. People in this class have full use of their arms but have no or limited trunk function. Similar classifications are T51, T52, and T54. People in this class have a functional upper limbs, but limited trunk usage and limited lower limb functionality. During classification, they both undergo a bench test of muscle strength and demonstrate their skills in athletics. People in this class include Tanni Grey-Thompson (GBR), Samantha Kinghorn (GBR), Angie Ballard (AUS) and Richard Colman (AUS).

Disability sports classification is a system that allows for fair competition between people with different types of disabilities.

F57 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics for people who compete in field events from a seated position. This class is for people with limb deficiencies not covered by other classes. It includes people who are members of the ISOD A1 and A9 classes. Events open to people in this class include the shot put, discus and javelin.

F56 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics for people who compete in field events from a seated position. The seating field event class used to be known as lower 4, upper 5. Different disability groups compete in this class, including people with amputations and spinal cord injuries. Events that may be on the program for F56 competitors include the discus throw, shot put and javelin.

F55 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics for people who compete in field events from a seated position. Sportspeople in this class have full arm function, partial trunk function and no lower limb function. Different disability groups compete in this class, including people with spinal cord injuries. The classification was previously known as lower 3, upper 4.

F2, also T2 and SP2, is a wheelchair sport classification that corresponds to the neurological level C7. Historically, it was known as 1B Complete, 1A Incomplete. People in this class are often tetraplegics. Their impairment effects the use of their hands and lower arm, and they can use a wheelchair using their own power.

F3, also T3 and SP3, is a wheelchair sport classification that corresponds to the neurological level C8. Historically, it was known as 1C Complete, and 1B Incomplete. F3 sportspeople have functional issues related to the muscles in their throwing arm, though they have enough control over their fingers to grip a throwing implement normally. They have no functional trunk control.

F4, also T4 and SP4, is a wheelchair sport classification that corresponds to the neurological level T1- T7. Historically, it was known as 1C Incomplete, 2 Complete, or Upper 3 Complete. People in this class have normal upper limb function, and functional issues with muscles below the nipple line.

Wheelchair sport classification is a system designed to allow fair competition between people of different disabilities, and minimize the impact of a person's specific disability on the outcome of a competition. Wheelchair sports is associated with spinal cord injuries, and includes a number of different types of disabilities including paraplegia, quadriplegia, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome and spina bifida. The disability must meet minimal body function impairment requirements. Wheelchair sport and sport for people with spinal cord injuries is often based on the location of lesions on the spinal cord and their association with physical disability and functionality.

F54 is a disability sport classification for disability athletics for people who compete in field events from a seated position. Different disability groups compete in this class, including people with spinal cord injuries. Events that may be on the program for F54 competitors include the discus throw, shot put and javelin.

References

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  2. "Summer Sports » Athletics". Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  3. Tweedy, Sean (16 July 2010). "Research Report - IPC Athletics Classification Project for Physical Impairments" (PDF). Queensland, Australia: International Paralympic Committee. p. 36. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  4. "IPC Athletics Classification & Categories". www.paralympic.org. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
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  7. "Paralympic Classification Today". International Paralympic Committee. 22 April 2010. p. 3.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  8. Tweedy, Sean M.; Beckman, Emma M.; Connick, Mark J. (August 2014). "Paralympic Classification: Conceptual Basis, Current Methods, and Research Update". Paralympic Sports Medicine and Science. 6 (85). Retrieved July 25, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "CLASSIFICATION Information for Athletes" (PDF). Sydney Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  10. "CLASSIFICATION Information for Athletes" (PDF). Sydney Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. 1 2 Cashman, Richmard; Darcy, Simon (2008-01-01). Benchmark Games. Benchmark Games. ISBN   9781876718053.
  12. Pasquina, Paul F.; Cooper, Rory A. (2009-01-01). Care of the Combat Amputee. Government Printing Office. ISBN   9780160840777.
  13. DeLisa, Joel A.; Gans, Bruce M.; Walsh, Nicholas E. (2005-01-01). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN   9780781741309.
  14. Tweedy, Sean M. (2002). "Taxonomic Theory and the ICF: Foundations for a Unified Disability Athletics Classification" (PDF). Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. 19 (2): 220–237. doi:10.1123/apaq.19.2.220. PMID   28195770. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-08-17. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
  15. International Sports Organization for the Disabled. (1993). Handbook. Newmarket, ON: Author. Available Federacion Espanola de Deportes de Minusvalidos Fisicos, c/- Ferraz, 16 Bajo, 28008 Madrid, Spain.