The Paralympics

The Paralympics

Cathy Howells OAM BAppSc(Phty)APAM

Author, The Amputee Coach www.TheAmputeeCoach.com

From 1948 to London 2012

www.TheAmputeeCoach.com

Competition for Disabled Athletes:

• 1948 - disabled athletes compete on opening day of London Olympics.

• Rome 1960 – 1st official Paralympic Games, open to not just war veterans.

• 1976 – athletes with different disabilities included, not just wheelchair athletes.

• 1988 Seoul – Paralympics is coined and Games held after Olympics.



What came out of London 2012?

Controversy: Transtibial competition

Beaten by A giraffe in underpants?


Leg Length: What should it be?

The Proportions of Man The Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci circa 1490


We’ve been here before…

1992 Barcelona 1996 Atlanta


http://www.tonyvolpentest.com/uploads/1/0/5/1/10513612/8152836_orig.jpg

Unilateral vs Bilateral 100m


• J. Peacock 10.9• R .Brown 11.03• A. Fourie 11.08• O.Pistorius 11.14

Unilateral vs Bilateral > 100m

1. Oscar Pistorius 46.68

2. Blake Leeper 50.14

3. David Prince 50.61 WR

4. Alan Olivera 51.59


World Champs 2011 Christchurch T44 200m Men


BKA vs AKA using points

GOLD: Kelly Cartwright, WR:4.38m, 1030 pts SILVER: Stephanie Reid, PR:

5.28m, 1023 pts


http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=stephanie+reid+paralympic+images&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=GZHG-mEdCEG3NM&tbnid=XkheRzESyf354M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fsport%2Folympics%2Fparalympic-sport%2F9275023%2FLondon-2012-Paralympics-Canadian-born-British-athlete-Stefanie-Reid-tells-of-near-death-experience.html&ei=CsYZUbKBCuKhmQWe-4GoDQ&bvm=bv.42261806,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNG3T_Sdy1Mls1rVPlkD_A1zuPAeRQ&ust=1360729930688258

TKA vs AKA vs Knee Fusion??


World Champs 2011 Christchurch T42 100m Women’s final


Unilateral vs Bilateral AKA <100m

• T42 100m

1.Popow,H. 12.40

2.Reardon,S. 12.43

3.Czyz,W. 12.52

7. Whitehead,R.12.99


Unilateral vs Bilateral AKA >100m

Richard Whitehead

T42 200m

1.Whitehead 24.38

2.Vance 25.55

3.Popow 25.90

4.Reardon 26.03


http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=richard+whitehead+paralympics&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=6MPNMzSDhfGVgM&tbnid=iTS2jCjMdaxj2M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fsport%2Folympics%2Fparalympic-sport%2F9514999%2FParalympics-2012-ParalympicsGBs-Richard-Whitehead-turns-on-the-turbo-booster-to-win-T42-200m-gold-medal.html&ei=W-QaUeq0Gc2ekgXo0IHoDg&bvm=bv.42261806,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNHuFEJt2fOAkx15dileJxPHSt50KA&ust=1360803282762564

Is no legs an advantage?


Knee joints?

• Compulsory?• Mechanical vs

Anatomical• Prototypes


Advances in Technology

Advances in Technology

4 bar hydraulic Prototype- modified hydraulic

Selecting the right technology


Progression of Transtibial Running Alignment

Amputee Physiotherapy Involvement

• Clean up the gait.• Empower them.• From Sickness to Wellness.• Disbility to Ability.• Education- what’s available?


Amputee Physiotherapy involvement

• ROM• Muscle Strength• Control• Core• Muscle Activation• Movement Patterns


Lessons from the Paralympians

Walk well before you run or anything else…



• Appropriate prescription

• Initial upgrading to enable handling of sporting prosthesis.



Use the power of your mind.

• Be conscious of muscles working and what it feels like.

• Treat your body like an athlete.

Mental rehearsal


Create a new Powerhouse.


Core:

Specific Functional


Physical upgrading:


It’s difficult…that’s the point!

Strength Stability


Challenge them and you


Never give up.


We need to be their Champions…


Keep your eyes on the Prize.

• Sydney 2000 Gold Medallists Men’s 4x100m and 4x400m. Both World Records.

Neil Fuller, Steve Wilson, Tim Mathews, Heath Francis.


Not disabled athletes….ATHLETES with a disability


Walk Well, Be Fit, Enjoy Life!

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The Paralympics

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