Postural control in top-level Para Karate athletes with visual and intellectual impairment: an observational study

The 30-second balance test proved to be sensitive to between-group differences in postural control among impairment types. VI athletes exhibited greater CoP path than II1 athletes and greater CoP area than II2 athletes, highlighting the need for targeted balance training. In the AP direction, II1 athletes showed better control in path length compared to both groups, while II2 athletes outperformed them in sway area. However, the area parameter demonstrated limited reliability, and its results should therefore be interpreted with caution. Based on these findings, detected inter- and intra-group variability may contribute to building a robust evidence base for future classification development of Para Karate athletes.