Author(s): AUGUSTOVICOVA, D., HADZA, R., BRUNANSKA, K., CHUDY, M., MAGYAR, A., HRUBY, M., Institution: COMENIUS UNIVERSITY IN BRATISLAVA, Country: SLOVAKIA, Abstract-ID: 2631

INTRODUCTION:
Classification of II athletes in Para Karate currently relies on psychological tests and the Functional Assessment Screening Tool (FAST). Functional testing reflecting key determinants of kata performance—strength, power, and balance—may support a more sport-specific system. Little is known about the physical performance of II2/K22 athletes with Down syndrome or other significant additional impairments. Establishing baseline motor profiles is essential for designing sport-specific tests and for distinguishing between II1/K21 athletes with intellectual impairment only and II2/K22 athletes with additional significant impairment. Understanding differences between novice and experienced athletes is equally important, as training exposure and competitive level may substantially influence motor performance. Differentiating training-related adaptations from impairment-related limitations is crucial to ensure accurate and fair classification.
Aim
To describe motor performance in novice (national) and experienced (international) Para Karate athletes with Down syndrome (K22) or significant additional physical impairment, using tests relevant to kata.
METHODS:
Twenty-one athletes (9 national, 12 international) were assessed. National-level athletes were tested during a training camp, and international-level athletes during classification prior to the World Karate Championships in Budapest. Tests included mean maximal hand grip strength (average of left and right, N), countermovement jump (CMJ) height (flight-time method, cm), and 30-s bipodal stance with eyes open (mean CoP velocity, CoP area, path length, mediolateral and anteroposterior sway amplitudes). Groups were compared using non-parametric tests.
RESULTS:
Experienced international athletes demonstrated significantly higher CMJ height than novice national athletes (21.7 ± 6.7 vs 10.3 ± 5.9 cm; p = 0.001). Hand grip strength (24.4 ± 7.1 vs 19.4 ± 4.7 N; p = 0.18) and balance parameters also favoured international athletes, with lower CoP velocity (16.2 ± 8.3 vs 21.0 ± 7.4 mm/s) and smaller CoP area (25.2 ± 26.4 vs 41.0 ± 42.1 mm²), although differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Performance variability within K22 was substantial, ranging from novice to highly trained athletes.
CONCLUSION:
International-level II2/K22 athletes showed greater lower-limb power and trends toward improved balance. The observed performance spectrum highlights the importance of interpreting functional outcomes within the context of training exposure. High motor performance alone should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of ineligibility. Establishing sport-specific performance profiles may support the development of evidence-based cut-off values and reduce the risk of misclassification when distinguishing between II1/K21 and II2/K22 athletes in future classification research. Functional testing should complement psychological and FAST assessments in Para Karate classification.

Funding
Supported by VEGA No. 1/0611/23.