Exploring Health Benefits: UNC Charlotte Researcher Investigates Outcomes of Disability Sports

J.P. Barfield, chair of the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, is an expert in disability and Paralympic sports. He recently looked into the experiences of wheelchair rugby players for his research on concussions in Para sports.

“Unlike traditional sports, it’s not the player collisions that lead to injuries,” Barfield explained. “The impact from the wheelchairs themselves or falling out of the chair can cause serious issues like whiplash.”

Barfield’s research emphasizes the health outcomes and quality of life for athletes with physical disabilities. He has published many studies on athletes with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, examining how momentary responses to sports can lead to long-term functional changes.

He is also deeply involved with the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity and serves as a treasurer and head classifier for the Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association. This organization oversees powerchair soccer, which is being considered for inclusion in the Paralympic Games. Powerchair soccer is essential for promoting inclusivity and competition among athletes with mobility impairments.

Barfield’s role involves traveling worldwide to classify athletes based on their impairments. This classification system ensures that competition outcomes depend on skill, not physical limitations. There are ten types of eligible impairments in Para sports, including limb deficiencies and muscle power loss.

To enhance karate sport classification, Barfield collaborates with assistant professor Yinghao Pan from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. They work on creating grouping criteria based on the needs outlined by the International Paralympic Committee.

In January, Barfield hosted a two-day wheelchair rugby tournament at UNC Charlotte’s Belk Gym, which features facilities for various sports. The annual Queen City Collision tournament, organized by Atrium Health’s Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program, saw five teams, including local favorites like the Carolina Crash and the Sidewinders from Raleigh.

During this year’s tournament, Barfield’s research team surveyed over 40 athletes as part of a study on concussions. This research builds on previous work, which established baseline concussion scores for players with disabilities. In November last year, at another tournament, they interviewed 65 additional athletes.

The goal of their research is to identify gaps in healthcare services for athletes with disabilities, particularly concerning concussion management. “We need to find out whether more athletic trainers are needed at local events or if we should focus on national tournaments,” Barfield said. He aims to help organizations improve their policies on athlete health and safety.

Statistics indicate that athletes with disabilities often lack adequate healthcare support. According to a recent report by the *National Center for Health Statistics*, nearly 40% of athletes in adaptive sports believe they do not receive enough medical attention. Barfield’s research seeks to address these disparities, ensuring all athletes can access quality care.

For further insights and information on this important topic, visit the College of Health and Human Services website at college of health and human services.

Above, J.P. Barfield and student Samantha Webb interview a player from the Carolina Crash wheelchair rugby team.

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