Parasport: Effects on Musculoskeletal Function and Injury Patterns

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.