Imagine a major transformation in the world of para-sports: Insep, the National Institute of Sport, highlights revolutionary advances for disabled athletes. Thanks to sophisticated footrests and advanced wheel gloves, the wheelchairs of para-athletes are experiencing an unprecedented revolution. Discover how these carbon innovations are redefining performance and comfort for competing athletes.
Custom equipment to optimize performance
At the heart of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, innovations are essential to allow French para-athletes to give their all. The National Institute of Sport, expertise, and performance (Insep) has worked to create and improve several equipment, including carbon footrests and advanced wheel gloves. These devices were born from the needs expressed by the athletes themselves and aim to maximize every detail for optimal performance.
A carbon footrest for better propulsion
Every small gain in performance can make a difference in high-level competition. That’s why Insep initiated the Paraperf project to improve the support on which athletes place their feet. The new carbon platform minimizes energy dispersion, thus providing better propulsion. This innovation is particularly useful for sports like badminton and fencing, where explosive starts are crucial.
Replicating damaged equipment for increased reliability
Time and intensive use can deteriorate equipment. Regarding the specialized gloves used to grip the handrail of wheelchairs, Insep has worked to replicate worn models in order to offer new custom ones. These gloves must fit perfectly to avoid hindering the athlete during propulsion, thus allowing for maximum efficiency.
Measuring performance to optimize equipment
Insep doesn’t just manufacture equipment; they also seek to test them thoroughly. For example, the camber angle of the wheels and the tire pressure are analyzed to ensure optimal settings according to external conditions. The development of a slip meter helps define the slip point of the wheels, allowing the selection of the best components for each situation.
Instrumented wheels for future public use
Another fruit of the Paraperf project is the creation of instrumented wheels, equipped with speed and force sensors. These wheels play a crucial role not only for athletes but also in a medical context, such as learning for newly paraplegics. Such innovations can ease the daily lives of people with reduced mobility by allowing for better adaptation of urban pathways.
Insep’s advances for the Paralympic Games demonstrate that it is possible to enhance sports performance while opening doors to public use. With carbon equipment like footrests and wheel gloves, the Institute continues to push boundaries, providing athletes with all the necessary support to excel.
