Comparative Preseason Assessment of Isometric Strength, Range of Motion, and Balance in Track and Field Para Athletes

Objective : To compare the dorsiflexion range of motion, dynamic balance, and isometric strength of hip and knee extensors between limbs (dominant vs. non-dominant) and between impairment types in Para athletes during the preseason. Design : Cross-sectional study Settings : Assessments were performed during the preseason and included the lunge test, Y-Balance test, and isometric strength testing of hip and knee extensors. Participants : Twenty-one Para athletes from track and field modalities. Main outcome measures : The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed data normality. Paired t-test compared dominant and non-dominant limbs, and independent t-tests compared impairment types. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d and U3. Results : Significant differences between impairment types were found for the lunge test (p<0,02) and Y-balance test (p<0,001), both with a small effect size. A significant difference was observed in non-dominant hip extensor isometric strength (p < 0.01), with a larger effect size. Conclusion : Differences in hip extensor strength and functional test performance across impairment groups suggest asymmetries that may have biomechanical relevance for musculoskeletal injury risk in Para athletes.