Creating more opportunities in Parasport

Paracanoe

• Our research supported a new classification system for Para Va’a which led to the IPC’s decision to include it at the Tokyo Games, where ParalympicsGB's women won Gold and Bronze.
• UK Sport subsequently increased its funding to Paracanoe by 27%.

Paratriathlon

• Our research into thermoregulatory responses led to a policy change in 2019, safeguarding athletes during competitions in warm climates.
• We contributed to the ITU’s Beat the heat which offers guidance to athletes preparing for competitions in warm environments.
• The incidence of cases of heat-related illnesses dropped during the 2019-20 season.

Wheelchair basketball

• Our research contributed to the official IWBF 3x3 wheelchair rules (2019), improving opportunities for players worldwide.
• The IWBF also used our research to select half-court 3x3 wheelchair basketball as the most appropriate format for world major events, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• In collaboration with British Wheelchair Basketball and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), our research played a critical role in the development of the Minimum Impairment Criteria to ensure that the sport remains part of the Paralympic programme for Paris 2024.
• In January 2024, the IWBF announced that it had received official confirmation of its compliance with the IPC’s Classification Code – ensuring the continued inclusion of wheelchair basketball in the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair rugby

• Our research has helped to identify and confirm talent within the sport, and embed research to enhance the performance and well-being of players in the GB squad.
• We provided physiological support to the squad in its Tokyo quest, where ParalympicsGB won Gold – the first-ever wheelchair rugby Paralympic medal achieved by any European team.