Obstacle Course

What is the Obstacle Course?

Obstacle Course is an event which offers wheelchair athletes an opportunity to test their skill and accuracy in maneuvering through a timed obstacle course.

Who can participate?

Anyone who uses a wheelchair (manual or electric) for mobility, and is classified in Class 1 through 4 can participate. This event is open to young and old, male and female.

Classifications:

Division 1- Electric Wheelchair Class
Division 2 – Class 2 Uppers
Division 3 – Class 2 Lowers
Division 4 – Class 3
Division 5 – Class 4

Class 1- Electric Wheelchair Class

Dependant on an electric wheelchair
Lower extremities are considered non functional
Limitation in range of movement strength and control
Trunk control is very poor or non-existent
Severe limitation in functional range of movement in upper extremities

Class 2 –Lower

Can push the wheelchair with one or two arms
Poor grasp and release
Active range of movement is moderately to severely impaired therefore hand function is key

Class 3

Can independently propel a wheelchair
Almost full functional strength in dominant upper extremity
Fair trunk control when pushing the chair
Forward trunk movement is limited
Grasp and hand movements are usually slow to labored

Class 4

Good functional strength with minimal limitation or control of upper limbs and trunk
Upper limbs often show normal functional strength
More spasticity in the lower than the upper extremities

Rules

The obstacle course is a race against time.  Time penalties of 3 and 5 seconds are given for errors, such as knocking down a cone or crossing a line incorrectly.  There are two courses: one compulsory “standard” course and a “free” course.  A standard course has a specific pattern of obstacles that the athlete must negotiate.