Analysis of biomechanics in athletes with disabilities: a systematic and narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Specifically in athletes with disabilities, investigations and biomechanical understanding seem to be even more relevant, as they provide data on how a certain type of disability limits sports practice and also describe parameters that allow the suggestion of relevant adaptations capable of guaranteeing a higher level comfort to practitioners. Objective: To describe patterns of biomechanical behavior during exercise in athletes with disabilities, and to discuss possible relationships between the type of disability and the sport practiced. Methods: This study performed a search in five electronic databases from the oldest records available until July 2020 using a search strategy that combined terms related to "athletes with disabilities" and "biomechanical analysis." Inclusion criteria: 1) population: amateur or professional athletes with disabilities; 2) intervention: sports practice; 3) study design: observational; 4) outcome: having evaluated biomechanics during sports practice. The biomechanical variables of interest included kinematic, kinetic, or electromyographic outcome measures. Results: Tewnty-six articles met the inclusion criteria (n = 705 participants). Biomechanical analysis showed that: 1) there is a greater inclination in the angle of the head and an increase in the kinematic variables in blind athletes, which result in less distance, speed, and performance; 2) compensatory body patterns, reduced mooring strength, speed, joint amplitude, and reduced final performance are observed in amputated limbs of amputees; and 3) there was a strong correlation between the subject's functional classification and kinematic parameters in wheelchair athletes, with this being proportional to the level of impairment. Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrated that the type of disability and the level of functional limitation are proportionally related to biomechanics in athletes with disabilities.