A framework for safe, healthy and sustainable participation in elite Para sport

Abstract

Para athletes report relatively high rates of sports injuries and illnesses compared with non-disabled athletes as well as other health problems related to impairments, overuse injuries in daily life and mental distress.1 2 Additionally, many Para athletes at elite level need to navigate common life stressors such as maintaining a work-life balance, transitioning careers, financial uncertainty and parenthood. Despite all these challenges, most preventive frameworks, return to play protocols, pre-participation programmes and athlete health consensus guidelines in sports remain unsuitable to the unique needs of Para athletes. Moreover, the knowledge about Para athletes’ health is scarce within the sports and exercise community, and many athletes do not have the same support structures as non-disabled athletes.3 Para athletes live with an impairment as a result of a confirmed medical diagnosis and are often at risk of secondary health conditions that could have an impact both on their daily activities and participation in sport. Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance their well-being at both primary, secondary and tertiary health levels. Additionally, Haddon’s injury prevention matrix suggests that most health incidents are a sequence of events representing a continuum of different factors related to the individual, the physical and social environment.4 Hence, we need to think broadly when it comes to injury and illness prevention in Para sport. Recently, it has been suggested that health promotion is an appropriate tool for injury and illness prevention within the Para sports context due to its broad reach and engagement.5 To effectively facilitate the development, communication and …