Characteristics of The Running Form of A Para-Athlete with Hemiplegia

Abstract

We present here a case study of the characteristics of the running form in a para-athlete with hemiplegia （track and field, standing, cerebral palsy） to provide relevant information to para-athletes and coaches. The participant performed a multistep progressive load running test on a treadmill. Oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, respiratory rate, expired gas volume, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were measured to determine running speeds equivalent to 2 mmol/L （LT speed） and 4 mmol/L （OBLA speed） blood lactate concentrations. The participant ran at determined speeds, and foot pressure measurements and 3-D motion analysis were performed. Differences in foot pressure were observed between left and right feet, revealing a bimodal foot pressure curve on the paralyzed side. The 3D motion analyses also revealed disparities in left and right trunk rotation in response to arm swinging. The findings of this study imply that hemiplegic para-athletes develop high levels of motor control over asymmetric movements and rotations by modifying and/or repressing the influence of the paralyzed side.