F-3-09-01
THE 1996 ATLANTA PARALYHPIAD - LESSONS LEARNED
Brigitte B. Jann (Emory University, Atlanta, USA), Carolyn C. Geis (Emory University, Atlanta, USA), Samuel P. Grissom (Emory University, Atlanta, USA)
Purpose: Two weeks following the Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA, USA, 3500 athletes representing 110 countries competed in 17 Paralympic sports. Careful evaluations of the problems encountered, solutions found, successes and failures provide recommendations to improve further Paralympic events.
Method: Medical data were gathered on a daily basis by the command center at the poly clinic. This was supplemented by personal and telephone interviews with the medical command, venue medical officers, selected venue athletic trainers, and venue nursing leadership. Emphasis was placed on venue and disability-specific injuries, medical and heat related problems, accessibility, transportation, and communication.
Result: Few serious medical events. Less than anticipated heat related illnesses. Injuries often parallel those of the non disabled athletes. Most significant problems existed in the area of accessibility, transportation, and communication.
Conclusion: Recommendations regarding athlete housing conversion, Paralympic Village design and site-specific environmental designs will be made. Disability and venue-specific medical plans in terms of training personnel, staffing and medical equipment will be provided.
F-3-09-02
PLANTAR PRESSURE PEAKS ON THE RACE WALKING
Palma, Ricardo Moreira (Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo - HC-FMUSP Sao Paulo, Brasil),
Greve, Julia Maria (HC-FMUSP), Imamura, Marta (HC-FMUSP)
The peaks of plantar pressure on the heel, metatarsal heads and hallux were compared With respect to both ordinary gait and race walking, a sporting variating of human gait. Five race walkers were selected for the measurements. Computadorized baropodometry showed a significant increase on the peak pressure under the heel (△% = -74) and an increase under the hallux (△% = -24) in race walking. No significant difference was found under the metatarsal heads. Such results may be due technical peculiarities of the race walking: knee extension maintenance during the initial time of the stance fase and accentuation of the toe push off.
