CP2 (classification)

CP2 is a disability sport classification specific to cerebral palsy. In many sports, it is grouped inside other classifications to allow people with cerebral palsy to compete against people with other different disabilities but the same level of functionality. People in this class tend to use electric wheelchairs and are quadriplegic. CP2 competitors have better upper body control when compared to CP1.

Elite sports open to CP2 classified athletes include athletics, boccia, cycling, race running, slalom, swimming, lawn bowls and archery. In some of these sports, different classification systems or names for CP2 are used. When they go through classification, CP2 people need to use a wheelchair.

Cerebral Palsy-International Sports and Recreation Association defined this class in January 2005 as, "Quadriplegic (Tetraplegic)-Severe to moderate involvement. Spasticity Grade 3+ to 3 with or without athetosis. Severe athetoid or tetraplegic with more function in less affected side. Poor functional strength in all extremities and trunk but able to propel a wheelchair. Lower Extremities-A demonstrable degree of function in one or both lower limbs allowing propulsion of the wheelchair automatically qualifies individual as a Class 2 lower. If the classification team determines that the upper limb function is more appropriate for a higher 23 class then the athlete does not qualify as Class 2. Class 2 athletes (upper or lower) can sometimes ambulate but never run functionally. Trunk Control-Static control is fair. Dynamic trunk control is poor as demonstrated by the obligatory use of upper extremities and/or head to assist in returning to the mid-line (upright position). Upper Extremities-Hand-Severe to moderate involvement. Spasticity Grade 3."

People in this class tend to use electric wheelchairs. They may have controlled shakes and twitches. This bodily activity can spike their metabolic rate. They can operate a manual wheelchair but this is restricted because of motor control issues. Functional control issues effect all or most of their limbs. When participating in sport, CP2 competitors tend to have low energy expenditure.

While CP2, CP3 and CP6 have similar issues with Athetoid or Ataxic, CP6 competitors have "flight" while they are ambulant in that it is possible for both feet to not be touching the ground while walking. CP2 and CP3 are unable to do this. CP2 competitors have better upper body control when compared to CP1.

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