Classification in Para skiing: do better performing skiers have better visual functions?

Abstract

IntroductionCurrently, Paralympic skiers with vision impairment are allocated to classes based only on their better eye static visual acuity and visual field diameter. These studies were conducted to investigate whether a broad range of visual functions were different among groups of skiers with different levels of skiing performance.MethodsStatic and dynamic visual acuities, contrast sensitivity, light and glare sensitivity, glare recovery, motion perception, and visual field were assessed binocularly in elite Para nordic (n = 26) and Para alpine skiers (n = 15) at 3 international Paralympic events. Skiing performances were calculated using modified skiing points systems based on skiers' raw race times. Clusters of skiers with similar performances were identified in each sport, and their vision and non-vision variables were compared.ResultsSkiers in the best performing Para nordic clusters (1 and 2) had better static visual acuities (p = 0.041) and larger visual fields (p = 0.004) compared to cluster 3. In Para alpine slalom (p = 0.019), giant slalom (p = 0.019), and Super-G (p = 0.039) the average static visual acuities among the better performing clusters were significantly better compared to the worst performing cluster. In slalom, the cluster with better performance also had a significantly larger visual field (p = 0.038). In downhill, the better performance cluster demonstrated better dynamic visual acuity (p = 0.029).DiscussionClusters with better performing skiers appear to have better visual function in both sports. The results of this study would suggest that Para nordic and Para alpine skiers with light perception or no light perception vision should be in one class and that the skiers with quantifiable static VA should be in a different class.

Athletes’ Perspectives of the Classification System in Para Alpine Skiing for Those With Visual Impairment

“…Athletes within this sport compete together irrespective of their sport class, and the athlete's time to complete the course is adjusted according to their sport class via a factoring system (WPAS, 2020). While there has been some recent research investigating the adequacy of current vision measures within alpine skiing, the expansion of the MIC, and the visual functions affecting skiing performance and categorization of athletes based on VI , 2023, this study will take an athlete perspective. Despite the increasing popularity of Para sport, only a few studies have focused exclusively on athletes' perceptions and experiences of classification (Allen et al, 2020(Allen et al, , 2021Powis & Macbeth, 2020;Van Dornick & Spencer, 2020).…”