The Para Sport and Adapted Physical Activity Research Group has a highly applied research program with three main arms:

  1. The UQ-IPC Classification Research and Development partnership (Physical impairments) is a partnership supported by the International Paralympic Committee, and was established in 2013 to provide international leadership in the development of evidence-based systems of classification for Para sports;
  2. The Para START program is a novel, longitudinal project that aims to explore the extent to which high-quality, performance-focussed sports training can improve clinical outcomes in people with disabilities who have high support needs. Importantly the work also permits development and testing of classification methods in these populations;
  3. The Adapted physical activity program is an evidenced based physical activity promotion service for people with chronic and complex health conditions. This community-based service is an important example of translating research findings into practice and also offers opportunities for ongoing research

Externally funded and HMNS-led research projects

Title

Investigators

Funding Scheme

Duration

IPC Classification Research and Development Centre

Sean Tweedy

Mark Connick

Emma Beckman

International Paralympic Committee

2013–2020

Does a high-volume, performance- focused swimming program elicit meaningful, therapeutic change in people with cerebral palsy? A proof- of-concept study

Sean Tweedy

Mark Connick

Emma Beckman

Leanne Johnston

Australian Paralympic Committee and Queensland Academy of Sport

2015–2022

Classification of runners with hypertonia, axtaxia or athetosis - improving the current system and evaluation of new methods

Sean Tweedy

Mark Connick

Emma Beckman

E. Philips

Brittany Smale

 

International Paralympic Committee

2018–2020

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