Rehab & Performance in Para Sport

Para ice hockey has grown significantly over the years as a popular and inclusive sport from local grassroots clubs to Paralympic competition. The fast pace and full contact demands of the game require significant upper body and core strength as well as strong hockey sense, to perform at the highest levels. Adaptive training strategies can be safe and effective with the appropriate equipment modifications to allow individuals with disabilities to reach their peak potential. Due to the nature of the sport, there is also an inherently higher risk for orthopaedic and concussion injuries for para ice hockey players compared to other types of parasport. In addition, there are health and medical considerations for athletes with congenital (e.g. limb deficiency, spina bifida, cerebral palsy) and/or acquired (e.g. spinal cord injury, amputation, arthritis) disabilities that are important for medical and/or support staff to understand.

This two-hour webinar will outline the key considerations for rehabilitation and performance in para ice hockey as well as other individual parasports (e.g. Nordic skiing and wheelchair racing) for healthcare professionals, support staff, coaches, and athletes including,

• Classification requirements,
• Health history information,
• Equipment,
• Medical and injury management (including orthopaedic and concussion),
• High performance training,
• Inclusion and modifications for adaptive athletes,
• Athlete perspectives on national and international competitions

The webinar will include a live panel for questions at the end of the presentations. A quiz and feedback form will be completed for individuals seeking continued education credits (CEUs) and a certificate of completion will be administered.