THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL TRAINING IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF PARACYCLISTS FROM CATEGORY H1 TO H2 – CASE STUDY

Abstract

Paracyclists are part of the category of athletes with lower limb disabilities that require the use of a manually operated bicycle. There are 5 classes of manual cycling, but we present only the categories relevant to the present study, namely: H1: tetraplegics with severe upper limb impairment at the level of the C6 vertebra; H2: tetraplegics with minor upper limb impairment from c7 to t3. The purpose of this study is to show the importance of physical training in the basic training of tetraplegic cyclists with severe upper limb impairment. Materials and methods: The method of bibliographical study, the method of case study, the method of observation and last but not least, the graphic method. Results: Following the tests performed by the authorized medical personnel of the UCI International Cycling Union, it was found that the I.O athlete can advance to H2 category due to the increase in muscle mass and the improvement of strength in the upper limbs. Conclusions: Following the tests and the applied program, it was found that physical training exercises are beneficial for developing upper limb strength, developing abdominal muscles and are also beneficial for producing power for smooth pedaling.