Model characteristics of functional fitness of Paralympians with musculoskeletal impairments in winter sports

Introduction. Within the framework of the State Programme “Development of Physical Culture and Sport”, adaptive physical education and Paralympic sport are actively developing. Under these conditions, developing model characteristics of functional fitness for Paralympic athletes with musculoskeletal impairments (MI) becomes particularly important. The aim is to improve the effectiveness of the training process both at the stage of athletic advancement and during athlete selection.

Objective. Determination of model characteristics of functional performance in Paralympic winter sport athletes with MI for the implementation of sports training during the Olympic cycle up to 2030.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1037 testing protocols for physical performance parameters of 176 Paralympic athletes (2015–2025) competing in winter sports: cross‑country skiing, “sitting” category (LW 5/7–12) and “standing” category (LW 2–5/7); sledge hockey, “sitting” category (LW 5/7–12); alpine skiing, “standing” category (LW 2–5/7); wheelchair curling (LW 5/7–12). Functional metrics were determined via an incremental exercise stress test protocol established by the Federal Science Center of Physical Culture and Sport for able-bodied athletes, which was modified for upper‑body work using a hand ergometer. For standing cross‑country skiers, an incremental test to volitional exhaustion was performed by means of an HP Cosmos treadmill: 3-minute stages with workloads starting at 100 W for both men and women and increasing progressively by 50 W per stage (treadmill incline: 1°). Conversely, sitting athletes underwent an incremental test using a hand ergometer: 3-minute stages with workloads increasing by 20 W starting at 40 W for men and at 20 W for women. The same hand ergometer protocol (3-minute stages; 40 W starting workload, 20 W increments) was applied to Para ice hockey players. For Para alpine skiers and snowboarders, an incremental test to volitional exhaustion was conducted using a Schiller bicycle ergometer (Switzerland): 3-minute stages, with workloads increasing progressively by 35 W starting at 100 W for men and at 75 W for women. Gas exchange variables were measured throughout the test using an Oxycon Pro breath-by-breath gas analyzer. Electrocardiography was monitored continuously using a CARDIOVIT CS‑200 system during the exercise protocol, as well as during a 10-minute recovery period. The efficiency of energy supply mechanisms for muscle activity was evaluated based on these physical performance metrics. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica software, version 23.0 (StatSoft Inc., USA).

Results. The developed reference profiles for physically impaired athletes can be applied at all stages of long‑term athlete development. Specifically, during the foundational stages of training, low (below the 3rd percentile) and below‑average (3rd–10th percentiles) values can be interpreted as average and above average for that developmental cohort. Conversely, at the advanced training stage, average and above‑average percentile ranks can be classified as high performance indicators. This shift reflects the progressive training demands, the enhancement of functional capacity, and the transition to elite levels of athletic performance.

Conclusions. The identified model characteristics for key parameters of functional fitness during exercise testing can be used in the scientific‑methodological and biomedical support of Paralympic athletes in winter sports. The obtained results complement the database of scientific research aimed at improving the training system for Paralympians with MI in winter sports and enhancing their athletic achievements.

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