The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes

Abstract

The purposes of This article examine a number of factors related to Incentives of Technology development for the exercise and improvement of sports performance of the disabled. as well as Psychological and technological considerations for some Paralympic sports will be discussed including; Psychological motivations, Social and interactive, Health, advances in technology and performance measurement for these Paralympic athletes. Our study based on a set of previous research discussed by this topic, addressed by its developments at different levels, also we seek to match these developments with the achievements of the national elite of disabled athletes in various international forums. Where it turns out the athletes with disabilities are trying to narrow the gap in competition in digital level between the impaired and the unimpaired athletes, through training, advancement of technology, and the competitive spirit and ingenuity of the Paralympic athlete. However, the delay in using these new technologies for disabled peoples within Algeria hinders the orientation of this sample towards practice and integration into the community in real form. ‫

Full text

66
Journal of Physical Activity and Sport, Society, Education and Heath : Volume : 03 Issue : 02, pp 66-74
Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT, SOCIETY, EDUCATION AND HEALTH
Available online at https://www.asjp.cerist.dz/en/PresentationRevue/548
Journal of Physical Activity and Sport, Society, Education and Health

2ISSN: 2602-747X, EISSN: 2661-7277

The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance
for the Paralympic Athletes.
Guebli Abdelkader 1, Reguieg Madani 2, Sbaa Bouabdellah1, Nurtekin Erkmen 3, Francisco
Jeci de Holanda 4
1 Laboratory APSSES, Society, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef 02000, Algeria.
2 SMAH Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Abdelhamid Ibn Badiss University of Mostaganem, Algeria.
3 Department of Trainer Education Program, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Selçuk University of Konya 42130, Turkey.
4 Department of Physical Education, UNIPLAN 71916-500, Brazil.
A R T I C L E I N F O
Received: 05/07/2020
Accepted:10/07/2020
Published:26/09/2020
Keywords:
The Technology

Stimulate

Sports Performance

Paralympic Athletes

A B S T R A C T
The purposes of This article examine a number of factors related to
Incentives of Technology development for the exercise and
improvement of sports performance of the disabled. as well as
Psychological and technological considerations for some
Paralympic sports will be discussed including; Psychological
motivations, Social and interactive, Health, advances in technology
and performance measurement for these Paralympic athletes. Our
study based on a set of previous research discussed by this topic,
addressed by its developments at different levels, also we seek to
match these developments with the achievements of the national
elite of disabled athletes in various international forums. Where it
turns out the athletes with disabilities are trying to narrow the gap
in competition in digital level between the impaired and the
unimpaired athletes, through training, advancement of technology,
and the competitive spirit and ingenuity of the Paralympic athlete.
However, the delay in using these new technologies for disabled
peoples within Algeria hinders the orientation of this sample
towards practice and integration into the community in real form.

67
Journal of Physical Activity and Sport, Society, Education and Heath : Volume : 03 Issue : 02, pp 66-74
Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
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     
      

           



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Journal of Physical Activity and Sport, Society, Education and Heath : Volume : 03 Issue : 02, pp 66-74
Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
1. Introduction:
In the 21st century, more people than ever before are participating in sports. In the words
of the former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, sport has truly become a universal language,
bringing people together, no matter what their origin, background, religious beliefs or economic
status. With increased interest and participation in sports, and the extensive media coverage of
sporting events worldwide, sport has evolved into a global business in billions dollars ,
including sports products and services (Fuss, Subic, & Mehta, 2008). As Paralympic sports
have seen an exponential increase in participation since 8 Algerian disabled athletes took part
in the first Paralympic Games on Barcelona 1992 (Summer Games).
Paralympic Games - A multi-sport event for athletes with physical, mental and sensorial
disabilities. This includes mobility disabilities, amputees, visual disabilities and those with
cerebral palsy. The Paralympic Games are held every four years, following the Olympic
Games, and are governed by the International Paralympic Committee(Bartlett, 2007). More
than 60 athletes took part in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games. These Few sporting
events have seen such rapid evolution(“IPC Historical Results Archive - Country Web,”.2019.).
The number of people with disabilities involved in sport and physical recreation is steadily
increasing around the world with organized sports for athletes with disabilities divided into
three main disability groups, sports for the deaf, sports for persons with physical disabilities,
and sports for persons with intellectual disabilities(Abdelkader, Madani, Adel, & Bouabdellah,
2018). This rapid pace of change and development also has meant challenges for understanding
the injury risks of participation, not only because of the variety of sports, the evolution of
adapted equipment but also because of the inclusion of additional impairment types and
development of new sports over time. where the Early studies were limited in scope but patterns
of injuries are slowly emerging within Winter and Summer Paralympic sports (Webborn &
Emery, 2014).
Technology affects many aspects of the sport from performance on and off the field to the
spectating and public profile. Increasingly, advances in technology influence grass-roots as well
as elite’s Paralympic sport, where Technology is used to enhance athletes' performances at all
stages – before, during and after events. It may be used by the athletes' support teams, such as
coaches, medics and technicians, as well as by the Paralympic athletes themselves in training,
Rehabilitation and psychological stimulation (“Technology in sport - WJEC - Revision 4 -
GCSE Physical Education,”.2004.). The sports industry has diversified to accommodate the
different interests and needs of the broader stakeholder base. The attributes described by the
Olympic motto ‘Swifter, Higher, Stronger (in Latin Citius, Altius, Fortius) are very much
complemented today by addition aims that include, for example, safety, equity, and access.
Over the years, the industry has promoted and helped develop new sports that have in turn
served as catalysts for new types of products(Fuss et al., 2008).
The quest for new markets, records, and sports supremacy has led to millions of dollars
being spent on research in and development of sport techniques and equipment, As a

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Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
consequence, both athletes and coaches are now involved in increasingly complex systems that
rely heavily on advanced technologies (Chi, Borriello, Hunt, & Davies, 2005). A though
advanced sports technologies are frequently enabled by novel design, advanced materials and
processes, they derive from a deeper understanding of the particular needs of athletes and
associated product attributes, including performance, aesthetics, ergonomics and sensory
perceptions (Christine, 2017).
2. Modern Technology and Algerian Paralympic Sports:
The achievements of elite athletes of Algerian in sports Paralympic have recently evolved
remarkably (Table.1), as the practitioner’s number of various Paralympics sporting activities
has also risen (Table.2), This is illustrated by the digital levels achieved in the recent
Paralympics Games. This has stimulated and encouraged people with disabilities to engage and
practice of various sporting activities. However, this progress in motivation the psychological
factor towards the practice of sports objected by many obstacles, the most important lack of
material means and sports equipment for practice, as the equipment used in practice has recently
development significantly at the global level. This encouraged the most people disabled for
practicing of the sports activity in different games.
In Algeria, disabled people suffer in a lack of sports equipment, as this group of society
has been eliminating the psychological problems That impede their exercise of sport and their
integration into society. and that's a very important incentive, but the technological means used
to practice sports has become an impede for people with disabilities in Algeria, including the
general technological means like specific Wheelchair sports seating (basketball, tennis ...etc).
Table.1: IPC Historical Results Archive for Algerian NPC.
Medals by Sport - Summer Games
Sport
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Total
Athletics
20
18
27
65
Judo
3
0
5
8
Total medals
23
18
32
73
Medals by Year
Games
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Total
1996 Atlanta
2
2
3
7
2000 Sydney
3
0
0
3
2004 Athens
6
2
5
13
2008 Beijing
4
3
8
15
2012 London
4
6
9
19
2016 Rio Janeiro
4
5
7
16
Total medals
23
18
32
73

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Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
Table.2: All-Time Participants - Summer Games for Algeria NPC.
Para
Athletics
Powerlifting
Total
N°
106
15
121
Games
Men
Women
Total
1992 Barcelona
8
0
8
1996 Atlanta
9
0
9
2000 Sydney
7
1
8
2004 Athens
14
4
18
2008 Beijing
21
7
28
2012 London
24
7
31
2016 Rio Janeiro
34
26
60
Since the equipment among unimpaired athlete varies widely depending on which sporting
activity and This should be unsurprising. because Besides applying the latest technologies to
sports equipment to compensate for decreased function, customized equipment attempts to fit
each athlete intimately so that the participant may utilize that equipment as an extension of
his/her body (Blauwet & Willick, 2012). Individual differences in body structure and physical
ability are emphasized in designing sports equipment to gain mechanical advantage and prevent
wasted energy. Failure to fit the equipment to the athlete may result in poor performance and
predispose the individual to accidents or injuries (Laferrier et al., 2012). Below we discuss the
key principles in sports Paralympic equipment for some popular Paralympic sports taking into
consideration aspects of Performance Kinetic, mobility, and pressure relief.
3. Discussion:
The positive association of education and practice on sports participation could indicate
that these Paralympic Athletes of the elite team have more experience in coping with barriers.
People with higher education (high school or more) might have learned more skills in terms of
coping with problems or are readier to become active in sports, despite possible barriers (Kaplan
et al., 2003; Kinne et al., 1999). It’s no surprise that technology is reshaping the world in which
we live, as might be surprised how it’s changing the world of sports. technology has led to the
development of better safety equipment and the testing of that equipment. For example,
Wheelchair Sports, biocompatibility, and dozens of other factors. Collectively, this helps to
reduce the total number of player injuries sustained during a game. it also helps to facilitate the
practice of sports for Paralympic athletes (Christine, 2017).
Intensive data analysis can also help athletes understand when they are at risk for injury,
by tracking their physical motions. Modern technology may be able to Protect Athlete and
therefore prevent this from happening.(Can, Lu, & Gan, 2011). technology is making sports
more available to fans than ever before. disabled people now have the option to stream their
favourite games at home or on mobile devices, live or as an archived recording, and can use
social media as a way to express their love or hate for whatever teams are playing (Cooper &
Luigi, 2014). That level of accessibility is transforming the way that disabled people enjoy
sports, and it’s only going to grow more immersive from here especially with the development
of equipment technology (Haake, 2009).

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Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
Figure.1: Wheelchair basketball, Tennis, Wheelchair racing
Wheelchair sports; The goals of seating systems in wheelchair sports extend far beyond
the postural and pressure relieving of a seating system in an everyday chair and can vary widely
across different wheelchair sports. A sports wheelchair enables mobility challenged athletes to
participate in their desired sporting activities with decreased restriction. Appropriate wheelchair
selection and settings will contribute to optimizing sports performance as well as protecting the
athlete from possible negative effects including blunt force and repetitive strain injury.
Wheelchair basketball like its standing counterpart is a fast-moving and exciting sport. Agility
(achieving rapid responses in acceleration, braking, and turning), overall speed, and stability
are keys to gaining the advantage in wheelchair basketball games (Vanlandewijck, Theisen, &
Daly, 2001). Seating for wheelchair basketball is intimately related to the desired outcome,
which is to have fun, be competitive, and more often than not, win. In general, decreasing
rolling resistance when moving forward, turning and improved wheelchair response are the
goals when setting basketball wheelchairs.(Nosal, n.d.). Wheelchair tennis has a very fast
tempo, even when the two-bounce rule is applied. Because players have to do their best to cover
the entire court, it is important that the wheelchair is fast and responsive .The goal of seating in
wheelchair tennis is to permit a full range of motion of the trunk (in all directions) to increase
the athlete’s ability to reach and hit the ball(Burkett, 2010). The wheelchair racing and user
interface remain critical issues, even with the significant advances in the availability and design
of commercial racing wheelchairs (Cooper, 1990; Robertson, 2000). The seating interface
should fit tightly to the user. the seat should be silent when pushing at maximal speed and force
(Figure.1).
Throwing chair; Paralympic athletics include four throwing sports: shot put, discus, club
throw and javelin (Figure.2). While both ambulatory and seated athletes participate in all
throws, this focuses on the seated thrower or classifications F31-34 and F51-58. There are few
regulations on the frames used for seated throwing and several styles of frame designs have
proliferated (Hellwig, 2010). Previous literature on throwing events for athletes with disabilities
has mainly focused on the biomechanics of the throwing (Chung, 2003). current throwing chair
designs are: difficult to secure to the ground, provide little support of for the legs and feet, have
few adjustable features, are easy to misalign with the sector when securing to the ground, and
can be difficult to transfer from and back to the athletes’ wheelchair. Recent efforts at the
Human Engineering Research Laboratories have led to the creation of a highly adjustable
throwing chair design that addresses these shortcomings (Chung, 2010).

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Guebli Abdelkader and all, The Modern Technology to Stimulate and Improve Sports Performance for the Paralympic Athletes.
Figure.2: Design of throwing a chair Figure.3: Ulcer due to improper adaptive seating
The adaptive sport continues to break down social, conceptual, and physical barriers
through the advancement of technology, and the competitive spirit. Consideration should
always be given to proper equipment selection, maintenance, and fitting in order to maximize
functional capacity, improve performance and prevent injury (Faupin, 2004). Further to
Performance enhancement by identifying ways to optimize training and provide sound coaching
at all levels. add that, improving equipment design to provide superior strength whilst
decreasing weight and increasing maneuverability, and Providing protection from repetitive
trauma which could lead to pressure sores and various other injuries (Figure.3) (Frank, 1993).
In the past decade, there have been a number of new technologies introduced to facilitate
research and advance sports performance for people with disabilities. As these technologies
become more widely available, their impact should grow to increase the understanding of the
mechanisms that influence adaptive sports performance. This study focused on determining
factors motives to sports participation with modern technologies for Algerian athletes disabled.
where Today, sports are still part of the rehabilitation program, to familiarize patients with
physical disabilities with different sports possibilities and increase their physical fitness and
quality of life (Notté et al., 2011). With more (international) interest in Paralympic sports than
ever, one would expect that the sports participation of people with physical disabilities, in
general, might also increase (Dlugonski et al., 2011). despite the presence of sports in the
rehabilitation program and the growing attention for Paralympic sports, the majority of people
with physical disabilities still are not physically active (Nulty DD, 2008). And the multiplicity
of reasons between the psychological incentives and the simple means and equipment adopted
in practice (non-modern technologies).
However, the results of the national elite confirm the continuation of its efforts during the
training, in light of obstacles encountered by material means of modern technology. The
benefits of sport and physical activity for disabled people can certainly go beyond the exercise
itself. It can provide a gateway to social wellbeing by opening-up further opportunities for
friendship-building and meaningful interactions through complementary activities, including
time shared with others.
4. Conclusions:
People with different physical disabilities experience several generic, but also specific
barriers and facilitators of sports participation Both generic and specific barriers and facilitators
should be included in sport stimulation programs to increase sports participation of people with
physical disabilities. and for trying to increase sports participation for people with physical
disabilities, it is important to understand what withholds them from sports and how they can be
stimulated to become active in sports. It is also important to establish whether active and
inactive people with physical disabilities experience different barriers and facilitators of sports

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participation. In order to do so, the following considerations should be kept in mind: * Persons
with a physical disability should have a positive attitude towards sports participation and have
to (internally) motivating to become active. *Rehabilitation professionals should emphasize
health and psychosocial benefits of sports participation. *Algerian Paralympic committee
should be also improving disability sports knowledge, and technology equipment used in the
practice to fully integrate sports participation of people with and without physical disabilities.
*improve the infrastructure such as sports facilities, and collaborate with other health. In
addition to opening a national market for sports equipment for the disabled with modern
technologies.
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