Modification of the wheelchair sports dance classification system for a fair competition

Problem Statement. The functional classification system of wheelchair sports dance has not been considered a satisfactory methodyet, given the recent spread of the phenomenon. The problem is the high degree of variations, especially in the LWD1 category, which would entail unfair competition, as athletes with varying levels of impairment are challenged, affecting their ability to perform dance-relevant movements and skills. In addition, an ideal classification system should expect that the performance on the field reflects the functional class of athletes. Purpose. The objective of this study is to verify whether it is possible to reduce the degree of variation within the LWD1 class, dividing it into two equal groups and comparing the most relevant performance of wheelchair dance of the two groups of athletes. Methods. The sample is made up of twelve wheelchair-bound athletes, with an average age of 30 years and with different classification scores, class LWD1. They were divided into two equitable groups: group A, with a score of 1 to 7 and group B, of 8 to 14. Three wheelchair propulsion tests were used to evaluate their performance, such as sprint, slalom and resistance test. T test for independent samples was used to check differences between the groups. Results.Resultshave been statistically significant in all three trials (p <0.05). Propulsion tests have shown that, within the LWD1 class, the performance of athletes is significantly different. The agility, endurance and speed of group B is given by the fact that athletes have fewer movement restrictions in the pelvis, trunk and upper limbs, unlike group A which has obvious impairments involving the trunk and arms. Conclusions. Wheelchair propulsion tests, such as strength, agility and endurance, have shown that in the same functional class, in this case LWD1, there are athletes with significantly different performances. The current classification system should not be limited to two classes, but should also introduce an intermediate class to reduce the degree of variation within the LWD1 class, thus ensuring a fairer competition.