Para athlete medicine care

Physical activity for individuals with disabilities improves health, fitness, autonomy, integration into society and quality of life. However, participation in para sport is challenging because para athletes could have special needs. All para athletes go through an evidence-based, para sports-specific, and athlete-centered Sports Classification system for physical, vision, or intellectual impairment developed by the International Paralympic Committee. Sports classification minimizes the impact of impairment on sport performance and ensures the success is determined by skill, abilities, fitness, and motivation. National Paralympic committees and para sport federations should carry on para athletes preparticipation examinations, medical care that includes evidence-based medical practice, relevant diagnostics, timely treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive care. Prevention of certain sports-related injuries and illnesses should be considered a high priority. Overall, the Paralympic movement shows the maturity of a socially responsible countries and necessity to create an appropriate and accessible para athletes’ sports medicine care and sports infrastructure.