Abstract

Introduction: A better understanding of Para Athletics throwers (PAT) training practices is inline with the development and optimization of their training programs, able to produce peak performances across varying competitive levels.Objective: Investigate the PAT training practices.Methodology: Male (n=42) and female (n=18) PAT completed an online questionnaire regarding descriptive characteristics (e.g., age, height, weight, throwing event) and training practices(e.g., experience, duration, frequency, strength and conditioning). PAT were classified into world-class, international, national, or developmental level, and thereafter re-classified (to in-crease statistical power, i.e., Mann-Whitney U test) into world/international or national/developmental.Results: Most males (92.86%) and all females performed strength and conditioning at the gym,with no differences in gym training frequency between sexes (p=0.221). World-class PAT had significantly more years of experience compared to other levels (p<0.001), though there were no differences in the frequency (p=0.400) or duration (p=0.502) of throwing sessions. Males trained for longer session duration than females (p=0.001), while training frequency did not differ between them (p=0.075).Conclusions: While elite athletes had greater training experience compared to lower-competitive levels, there were no differences in training frequency or duration across competitive levels. However, when comparing sexes, males generally trained for longer duration per session than females, but training frequency did not differ between them. Most training characteristics,including strength and conditioning practices and throwing training, were similar between sexes and across competitive levels. These findings emphasize the need for individualized training programs to optimize PAT performance