CP6 (classification)

Some of the sports that CP6 sportspeople are eligible to participate in at the elite level include athletics, cycling, football, skiing, swimming, race running, para-taekwondo, wheelchair tennis, archery, para-equestrian, powerlifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, sledge hockey, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, and table tennis In some of these sports, different classification systems or names for CP6 are used.

Cerebral Palsy-International Sports and Recreation Association defined this class in January 2005 as, "Athetoid or Ataxic - Moderate involvement The athlete ambulates without assistive devices.

Lower Extremities-Function can vary considerably depending on the sports skill involved, from poor, laboured, slow walking to a running gait, which often shows better mechanics.

There can be a marked contrast between the walking athetoid with inco-ordinated gait and the smooth even paced co-ordinated running/cycling action.

Upper Extremities and Hand Control-Grasp and release can be significantly affected when throwing in the moderate to severe athetoid athlete.

The more spasticity present the greater the limits on follow through and maintenance of balance after throwing.

[4][6] 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.

[3] People with cerebral palsy are eligible to compete in cycling at the Paralympic Games.

[4][8] Cyclists opting to compete in the T2 class often do so as a result of balance issues, which make riding a standard bicycle or handcycle difficult.

[7] The second stage involves observing the footballer practising their sport specific skills in a non-competitive setting.

Use of a ski bra is also encouraged as it helps the skier learn correct knee and hip placement.

One method of learning to ski for competitors with cerebral palsy in this classification is the American Teaching System.

[22] The integrated classification system used for swimming, where swimmers with CP compete against those with other disabilities, is subject to criticisms has been that the nature of CP is that greater exertion leads to decreased dexterity and fine motor movements.

This puts competitors with CP at a disadvantage when competing against people with amputations who do not lose coordination as a result of exertion.