T36

This Class includes Athletes with athetosis, ataxia, dystonia type Impairments affecting all four (4) limbs and the trunk. Athletes with spasticity in all limbs where the arms are more involved than the legs also fall in this Class. All four (4) limbs will usually show functional involvement in running movements. Class T36 Athletes have more control problems in upper limbs than Class 35 Athletes, although the T36 Athlete usually has better function in lower limbs particularly when running.

Lower extremities - Function for a given Athlete can vary considerably depending on what activity the Athlete is performing. For example, an Athlete may have a walking gait that is laboured and slow but a running gait that has comparatively 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.

Balance - May have good dynamic balance compared with static balance. Spasticity is common in Class 36 Athletes and must not be a reason for placement in Class 35.

For the T36 Athlete, holding the 'set' position may present difficulties (e.g. false starts). Explosive movements may also be difficult to perform. This is demonstrated in the long jump where an Athlete may have good run-up speed but poor height from the board with a subsequently limited jump distance.

Motor performance tests will typically be characterised by one (1) or more of the following: reduced balance, particularly static but also dynamic balance; sub optimal movement sequencing of the legs, trunk and arms and reduced intra- and inter-limb coordination in the legs; and reduced power. Symmetry, active range of movement and power may also be reduced but are not typical in this Class.

Some Athletes may have an upper extremity profile consistent with this class but be relatively more severely impaired in their lower limbs. In this circumstance the Classification Panel must consider Section 4.3.2 (Special Note Class T35/F36).