Exploring Research on Competitive Para-cyclists and Its Related Factors: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to explore the characteristics and performance factors of competitive para-cyclists. A systematic search for studies on competitive para-cycling on WOS, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was performed until December 2023. The following five methodological phases were followed: (i) identifying the research question, (ii) identifying relevant studies, (iii) study selection, (iv) charting the data, and (v) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. A systematic search across multiple databases was performed until March 2024. Five methodological phases were employed: identifying the research question, relevant studies, study selection, charting data, and summarizing results. A total of 36 relevant studies were selected. Three main research themes emerged: sport performance ( n = 15), biomechanics ( n = 12), and physical and mental health ( n = 9). Despite progress, gaps were identified, particularly in physiological response to exercise, fitness, and training. Biomechanics studies focused on prosthetic use and aerodynamics, mostly involving lower-limb amputees and simulated tandem competition. Injury risk in para-cycling appeared comparable to able-bodied cycling, but comprehensive studies considering confounding variables are needed. Overall, while research on para-cycling is growing, more studies with larger and diverse samples across all sport classes are essential to advance scientific understanding in this field.