F36

Athetoid or Ataxic - moderate involvement: This Athlete ambulates without assistive devices. Athetosis is the most prevalent factor, although some ambulant spastic quadriplegics (i.e. more arm involvement than in ambulant diplegics), may fit this Class. Spasticity is common in Class 36 Athletes and must not be a reason for placement in Class 35. All four limbs will usually show functional involvement in sports movements. Class F36 Athletes have more control problems in upper limbs than Class 35 Athletes, although the F36 Athlete usually has better function in lower limbs particularly when running.

Upper extremities and hand control - grasp and release can be significantly affected when throwing in the moderate to severe athetoid Athlete. The more spasticity present, the greater the limits on follow through and maintenance of balance after throwing.

Lower extremities - Function can vary considerably depending on the sports skill involved, from poor, laboured, slow walking to a running gait, which often shows better mechanics. There can be a marked contrast between the walking athetoid with uncoordinated gait and the smooth even paced co-coordinated running action. Cyclical movements like running are much better performed than non-cyclical movements like throwing.

Balance - May have good dynamic balance compared with static balance.

Throwing Events require explosive movement and because of instability and poor balance F36 Athletes often have difficulty demonstrating explosive power. This is particularly obvious in shot-put. Athletes with ataxia may demonstrate these problems to a lesser extent as intention tremor is stabilised with the weight of the implement. A run up in the javelin is possible.