Sprint performance of male track athletes at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2016

Abstract

Introduction: This study sought to analyze performance progression in track and field sprint events (100-400 m) at Paralympic Games (PG) held between 1992 and 2016 and to make comparisons with Olympic athletes. Materials and methods: Of 19 sport classes, five were selected in which the ratio of world records (WRs) set by Paralympic athletes to WRs set by Olympic athletes was the highest (T13 - visual impairments, T38 - coordination impairments, T46/47 - upper limb deficiencies, T42 and T44 - amputations and with lower limb deficiencies, T54 - wheelchair users). Percentage indices, PG/OG performance ratio as well as competition density were used to assess changes in performance. Linear regression was applied to predict performance at 2021 PG. Results: In the period from 1992 to 2016, PG finalists improved their results by 5 to 22% in all the classes, while OG finalists improved their performance by 1 to 2%. PG/OG performance ratio depended on the class and sprint distance. The highest ratio was noted in the case of T44 (0.92 for 200 m) and T54 (0.93 for 400 m). Conclusions: The prediction showed the highest values of the coefficient of determination (R2 > 70%) in T38 and T44 in 100 m and T38 in 200 m. The data obtained from the prediction may determine coaches' activities in terms of assessing an athlete's chances of qualifying for 2021 PG finals.