Adaptive Sports Equipment Flashcards

A participant with an upper-limb prosthesis is joining an adaptive volleyball program. Which adaptation to the serving rules best promotes inclusion?

Answer: Allowing the participant to use a serving tee or have the ball tossed so they can strike it with the prosthesis or residual limb

A serving tee or assisted toss allows the participant to independently execute a serve using their available limb or device, preserving active participation.

Which of the following is the correct progression for introducing adaptive skiing equipment to a first-time skier with a spinal cord injury?

Answer: Sit-ski with tether → mono-ski → outriggers as control improves

Beginning with a tethered sit-ski gives the instructor control while the participant adapts to the snow environment, progressing to more independent equipment as skill increases.

A recreation aide is helping select a handcycle for a participant who has paraplegia and wants to compete recreationally. Which handcycle configuration is most appropriate for road use?

Answer: A recumbent handcycle with a low seat and three-wheel base for stability and efficiency on roads

Recumbent handcycles offer a low center of gravity, three-point stability, and efficient aerodynamic position ideal for recreational and competitive road cycling with paraplegia.

When a recreation aide observes that a participant's manual sport wheelchair is pulling to one side during straight-line propulsion, the most likely cause is:

Answer: Unequal tire pressure between the two drive wheels

Unequal tire pressure causes different rolling resistance on each side, making the chair pull toward the under-inflated tire during propulsion.

A recreation aide is coordinating an adaptive cycling event for participants with visual impairments. Which cycle type is standard for this population?

Answer: A tandem bicycle with a sighted pilot in the front position

Tandem bicycles pair a visually impaired stoker (rear position) with a sighted pilot (front position) who steers and guides, allowing full cycling participation.

What is the purpose of classifying adaptive sports equipment as 'Class I' versus 'Class II' in many organized programs?

Answer: To differentiate basic recreational equipment from high-performance competitive equipment

Class distinctions in adaptive programs typically separate entry-level recreational gear from advanced competition-grade equipment to match equipment to participant goals and skill level.

A participant with autism spectrum disorder is joining an adaptive sports equipment orientation. Which instructional approach is most effective when introducing unfamiliar equipment?

Answer: Introducing one piece of equipment at a time with consistent verbal cues, visual supports, and hands-on exploration

Structured, sequential introduction with consistent language, visual supports, and tactile exploration aligns with sensory processing preferences and reduces anxiety for participants with ASD.