Relationships between take-off speed and performance in F-44 and F-46 paralympic discus throwers

Relações entre a velocidade de decolagem e desempenho em lançadores de disco paraolímpicos da classe F-44 e F-46

Relaciones entre la velocidad de despegue y el rendimiento en los lanzadores de discos paralímpicos de las clases F-44 y F-46

This study aimed to analyze discus throwing in Paralympic athletes from two functional classes (FCs). Seven athletes from two classes F-44 (N=4) and F-46 (N=3) performed three throws each during a regional competition and were evaluated through 3D kinemetry. The assessed athletes presented a similar throwing technique, with a preparation movement opposite to the throw preceding the shot. Class F-44 showed a weak correlation between take-off speed and range (r= 0.15; p>0.05). F-46 showed a strong correlation between take-off speed and range (r=0.77; p=0.014). We conclude that athletes from the assessed FCs present important differences in terms of performance.

Keywords:
Biomechanics; Paralympic athletics; Discus throw; Functional classification