Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey

Nazli Busra Cigercioglu; Sercan Yıllı; Büşra Kalkan Balak

doi:10.21020/husbfd.1914579

Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the classification profile of swimmers with physical disabilities in Turkey. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 192 physically impaired swimmers (132 males, 60 females; mean age 20.8 ± 4.2 years) were evaluated. Athletes were classified according to the IPC functional classification system (S1–S10) based on standardized medical and technical assessments in line with World Para Swimming Classification Rules. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed. Results: The highest number of athletes was observed in class S9 (n=41), whereas the lowest was in S1 (n=2). Athletes were predominantly distributed in higher functional classes (S8–S10), indicating greater representation of swimmers with milder impairments. The most frequent eligible impairment criteria were muscle weakness (n=65), limb deficiency/dysmelia (n=49), and hypertonia (n=39), while no athletes were classified under ataxia or athetosis. Cerebral palsy and amputation were the most common health conditions. No significant association was found between classification level and sex (p=0.813) or professionalism level (p=0.979). Conclusion: Para swimming in Turkey is mainly represented by athletes with mild functional impairments, whereas those with severe impairments remain underrepresented. These findings provide the first national-level classification profile and may guide future policy planning and athlete development strategies.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the Yuksek Ihtisas University Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Date: 25.09.2025, Decision No: 334).

References

Burkett, B., Payton, C., Van de Vliet, P., Jarvis, H., Daly, D., Mehrkuehler, C., Kilian, M., & Hogarth, L. (2018). Performance Characteristics of Para Swimmers: How Effective Is the Swimming Classification System?. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 29(2), 333–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.011
Christensen, J. D., McNamee, M., Vanlandewijck, Y., & Loland, S. (2025). An ethical framework for Paralympic classification. Sport. Ethics and Philosophy, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/17511321.2025.2582552
Committee IP. (2018) World Para Swimming Classification Rules and Regulations. https://www.paralympic.org/swimming/rules Date of Access: 01.02.2026
Dingley, A., Pyne, D. B., & Burkett, B. (2014). Phases of the swim-start in Paralympic swimmers are influenced by severity and type of disability. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 30(5), 643–648. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2013-0321
Dingley, A. A., Pyne, D. B., Youngson, J., & Burkett, B. (2015). Effectiveness of a dry-land resistance training program on strength, power, and swimming performance in paralympic swimmers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(3), 619–626. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.000000000000068
Feria-Madueño, A., Batalha, N., Monterrubio-Fernández, G., & Parraca, J. A. (2024). Exploring Indicators for Training Load Control in Young Swimmers: The Role of Inspiratory Spirometry Outcomes. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 9(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010053
Fulton, S. K., Pyne, D. B., & Burkett, B. (2009). Quantifying freestyle kick-count and kick-rate patterns in Paralympic swimming. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27(13), 1455–1461. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410903062936
Oh, Y. T., Burkett, B., Osborough, C., Formosa, D., & Payton, C. (2013). London 2012 Paralympic swimming: passive drag and the classification system. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(13), 838–843. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092192

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physiotherapy

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Nazli Busra Cigercioglu ^*
0000-0001-5912-4196
Türkiye

Sercan Yıllı
0000-0003-4303-4836
Türkiye

Büşra Kalkan Balak
0000-0002-4428-5752
Türkiye

Publication Date

August 28, 2026

Submission Date

March 23, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 1, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1914579

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69ZB48DN

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Cigercioglu, N. B., Yıllı, S., & Kalkan Balak, B. (2026). Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, 13(2), 577-588. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1914579

AMA

1.Cigercioglu NB, Yıllı S, Kalkan Balak B. Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey. HUFHSJ. 2026;13(2):577-588. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1914579

Chicago

Cigercioglu, Nazli Busra, Sercan Yıllı, and Büşra Kalkan Balak. 2026. “Classification Profile of Swimmers With Physical Impairments in Turkey”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13 (2): 577-88. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1914579.

EndNote

Cigercioglu NB, Yıllı S, Kalkan Balak B (August 1, 2026) Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13 2 577–588.

IEEE

[1]N. B. Cigercioglu, S. Yıllı, and B. Kalkan Balak, “Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey”, HUFHSJ, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 577–588, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.21020/husbfd.1914579.

ISNAD

Cigercioglu, Nazli Busra - Yıllı, Sercan - Kalkan Balak, Büşra. “Classification Profile of Swimmers With Physical Impairments in Turkey”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13/2 (August 1, 2026): 577-588. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1914579.

JAMA

1.Cigercioglu NB, Yıllı S, Kalkan Balak B. Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey. HUFHSJ. 2026;13:577–588.

MLA

Cigercioglu, Nazli Busra, et al. “Classification Profile of Swimmers With Physical Impairments in Turkey”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, vol. 13, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 577-88, doi:10.21020/husbfd.1914579.

Vancouver

1.Nazli Busra Cigercioglu, Sercan Yıllı, Büşra Kalkan Balak. Classification Profile of Swimmers with Physical Impairments in Turkey. HUFHSJ. 2026 Aug. 1;13(2):577-88. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1914579