Physical Impairments in Paralympic Sport
Learn more about classification within the physical impairment groups, the Paralympic sports available to athletes with physical impairments, and how to get connected to the appropriate pathways and resources.
Paralympic pathway
If your goal is to progress through the Paralympic pathway toward elite-level competition, we encourage you to review the information and steps outlined below. Please note that the Paralympic classification system may not always align perfectly with an athlete’s interests. If you are passionate about a sport, we encourage you to pursue opportunities regardless, as the information provided here relates specifically to the Paralympic landscape and may not cover all adaptive sport options.
Coordination Impairments
Athletes with a Coordination Impairment have one or more of the following three movement disorders that (i) adversely affects the ability to voluntarily produce a full range of skilled movement fluidly, rapidly, and accurately; and (ii) is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure and function of the central nervous system.
Examples of underlying health conditions that may lead to a Coordination impairment include:
- Ataxia
- Cerebral palsy
- Dyskinesia (athetosis, dystonia, chorea)
- Hypertonia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
Impaired Muscle Power
Athletes with Impaired Muscle Power have a reduced (or no) ability to contract their muscles to generate force that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure and function of the central or peripheral nervous system or the muscles (including the muscle origin and muscle insertion).
Examples of underlying health conditions that may lead to Impaired Muscle Power include:
- Spinal cord injury (complete or incomplete, tetra- or paraplegia or paraparesis)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Post-polio syndrome
- Spina bifida
Impaired Passive Range of Movement
Athletes with Impaired Passive Range of Movement have a reduced ability for a joint to be passively moved that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting a structure of bones, joints, connective tissue, or soft tissues.
Examples of underlying health conditions that may lead to Impaired Passive Range of Movement include:
- Arthrogryposis
- Contracture resulting from chronic joint immobilization
- Trauma affecting a joint
Limb Deficiency and/or Limb Length Difference
Athletes with Limb Deficiency or Limb Length Difference have a total or partial absence of a limb or anatomically irregular limb dimensions that are consistent with an Underlying Health Condition resulting from trauma, illness, or congenital causes affecting the bones and/or joints.
This Eligible Impairment can be further divided into the following sub-categories: limb deficiency, leg length difference, and/or arm length difference.
Examples of underlying health conditions that may lead to Limb Deficiency and/or Limb Length Difference include:
- Amputees
- Amniotic band syndrome
- Congenital limb differences
- Dysmelia
Short Stature
Athletes with Short Stature have reduced total body length (including head, trunk, and legs) as a result of congenitally or developmentally reduced length of the bones of the upper and lower limbs (and may also have reduced trunk length) that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition.
Athletes will not be considered to have Short Stature if their reduced total body length is the result of Limb Deficiency or Limb Length Difference only.
Examples of underlying health conditions that may lead to Short Stature include:
- Achondroplasia
- Growth hormone dysfunction
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
Archery
Athletes are classified based on the extent of limb and trunk impairment affecting shooting stability and bow control, competing in W1 (impairments in both arms and legs with limited trunk function) or Open classes (recurve or compound) for athletes with lower-limb impairments but sufficient upper-body function to shoot a bow.
Badminton
Athletes are grouped into WH1–WH2 (wheelchair users with differing trunk control), SL3–SL4 (standing athletes with lower-limb impairments affecting balance or movement), SU5 (standing athletes with upper-limb impairments), and SH6 (short stature).
Boccia
BC1–BC4 classes based on severe coordination impairments or limited limb function; some athletes compete with assistants or ramps.
Canoe
KL1–KL3 (kayak) and VL1–VL3 (va’a outrigger) classes determined by trunk and leg function for paddling.
Climbing
Athletes are classified by the type and severity of physical impairment affecting climbing performance, with classes including AU (upper-limb deficiency), AL (lower-limb deficiency), and RP (reduced range/power in limbs).
Cycling
Athletes compete in C1–C5 (standard bicycles for limb or coordination impairments), H1–H5 (handcycles for significant lower-limb impairments using arm propulsion), and T1–T2 (tricycles for athletes with severe balance or coordination impairments).
Equestrian
Grades I–V reflecting how much the rider’s impairment affects balance, coordination, and control while riding. Athletes competing in Para dressage events.
Para Fencing
Category A, B, and C based on trunk stability and arm function while seated in a fixed wheelchair frame.
Powerlifting
Single open class by bodyweight; all athletes must have an eligible physical impairment affecting lower limbs or hips.
Rowing
Athletes are classified by functional ability to use legs, trunk, and arms in rowing, with PR1 (arms and shoulders only), PR2 (trunk and arms), and PR3 (legs, trunk, and arms).
Shooting
Athletes with physical impairments affecting stability, control, and aiming, competing in SH1 (pistol or rifle, able to support the gun themselves) and SH2 (rifle, requires a shooting stand due to impaired arm function).
Sitting Volleyball
Athletes are classified by physical impairments affecting lower limbs or trunk stability, competing in VS1 (eligible impairment) and VS2 (minimal impairment, with limited numbers per team).
Swimming
Athletes are classified by how their physical impairments affect swimming performance, using S (freestyle/back/butterfly), SB (breaststroke), and SM (individual medley) classes 1–10 for physical impairments.
Table Tennis
Eligible for athletes with physical impairments affecting balance, trunk, and arm function, competing in classes 1–5 (wheelchair users) and 6–10 (standing athletes), with lower numbers indicating more severe functional limitation.
Taekwondo
Athletes with upper body limb impairments that compete in one sport class, K44, broken out by weight categories.
Track and Field (Athletics)
Sport is open to all physical impairment groups.
Paratriathlon
Athletes with physical impairments affecting swimming, cycling, and running, where athletes compete in PTWC (wheelchair users) and PTS2–PTS5 (standing athletes with varying physical impairments).
Wheelchair Basketball
Athletes are classified by trunk and lower-limb function, with players rated 1.0–4.5 points, with the lower the number the more impaired the athlete while competing in the sport. While athletes compete in wheelchairs, an athlete may not use one in their daily life. Athletes with lower limb amputations are eligible to compete in the sport.
Wheelchair Rugby
Athletes are classified by arm, hand, and trunk function, with players rated 0.5–3.5 points. Designed primarily for athletes with quadriplegia (tetraplegia), meaning impairment in all four limbs, but other impairments can be eligible if they produce similar functional limitations.
Wheelchair Tennis
Two main classes: Open (impairment in legs) and Quad (impairment affecting at least three limbs).
Alpine Skiing
Athletes with physical impairments compete in either a standing or sitting category. All Paralympic impairment groups are eligible, except short stature.
Nordic Skiing
Athletes with physical impairments compete in either a standing or sitting category. All Paralympic impairment groups are eligible, except short stature.
Sled Hockey
Athletes with permanent, lower body impairments are eligible for this sport and compete together.
Snowboard
Athletes with upper and lower limb impairments, including, but not limited to, above and below knee amputees and athletes with limb differences.
Wheelchair Curling
Eligibility may include individuals with lower‑limb impairments such as spinal cord injuries, bilateral below‑knee amputations, or significant coordination impairments. While athletes may not use a wheelchair in their daily life, all competitors must use a wheelchair during play, as required by the sport.
Questions?
Reach Out Today!, opens in a new tabReach out to the Paralympic Pathways team with any questions or for additional information about Paralympic sports and the physical impairment landscape. The team can guide you on classification, sport eligibility, and connecting with the right programs.