• These athletes will usually have a decrease of shoulder function, elbow flexion and wrist dorsi-flexion to grade 5 power, and triceps function to grade 0-3.

T33

• Quadriplegic(Tetraplegic). Severe Hemiplegic-Moderate(asymmetric or symmetric) quadriplegic or severe hemiplegic in a wheelchair with almost full functional strength in dominant upper extremity. It is rare for an athlete with athetosis to be included within this class unless he/she presents with a predominantly hemiplegic or triplegic profile with almost full function in the dominant upper limb. Can propel a wheelchair independently.
• Trunk control-fair trunk control is shown when pushing chair, but forward trunk movement is often limited to extensor tone during forceful pushing.
• Upper extremities-moderate limitation spasticity Grade 2+ in dominant arm shown as limitation in extension and follow through.
• Hand function-dominant hand may demonstrate cylindrical and spherical grasp, with poor finger dexterity demonstrable in release of shot and discus.
• In order to differentiate between Class 3 and 4, trunk mobility in propulsion of the chair, and hand function are important. If an athlete demonstrates a very poor ability to use rapid trunk movements in the pushing motion, or significant asymmetry in the arm action or grasp and release which impedes the development of forward momentum, he/she is a Class 3.
• An athlete using only one arm for wheelchair propulsion may have long strokes and rapid grasp and release in the dominant arm and still be Class 3.

T52

• The maximum functions that these athletes will have is normal shoulder function, normal elbow and wrist function, poor to normal function of the finger flexions and extensions with there being wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hands.

T34

• Diplegic – Moderate to Severe involvement.
• Good functional strength with minimal limitation or control problems noted in upper limbs and trunk.
• Trunk-spasticity Grade 2 to 1. Minimal limitation of trunk movements when wheeling and throwing. In some athletes fatigue can increase spasticity which can be overcome with proper positioning. When standing, poor balance is obvious even using assistive devices.
• Upper extremities - the upper limbs often show normal functional strength.
• Minimal limitation of range of movement may be present but close to normal follow through and propulsion is observed when throwing or wheeling.
• Some involvement spasticity Grade 2+ to 1 can be seen particularly in functional movements of the hands, arms and trunk.
• The athlete is able to perform long and forceful strokes, with rapid grasp and release, although fine movements of the hands may be affected. During propulsion these fine movements are not essential. Strong trunk movements in forward and backward direction support the arm strokes. If these movements do not occur the trunk is well balanced and forms a stable base for the arm movements. When the wheelchair makes a curve, the trunk follows the wheelchair without disturbance of balance.

T53

• These athletes will have normal upper limb function with no abdominal or lower spinal function.

T54

• Athletes will have normal upper limb function with a range of trunk function extending from partial trunk function to normal trunk function. There may be significant function in the lower limbs in athletes who compete in this group.

**Please refer to IPC Athletics Classification Handbook 2006.
http://ipc-athletics.paralympic.org/Classification/