S3 (classification)

Swimmers in this class have a variety of different disabilities including quadriplegia from spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and multiple amputations.

[10] The nature of a person's amputations in this class can effect their physiology and sports performance.

[11][12] Because of the potential for balance issues related to having an amputation, during weight training, amputees are encouraged to use a spotter when lifting more than 15 pounds (6.8 kg).

[11] Lower limb amputations effect a person's energy cost for being mobile.

To keep their oxygen consumption rate similar to people without lower limb amputations, they need to walk slower.

Common problems with intact upper limbs for people in this class include rotator cuffs tearing, shoulder impingement, epicondylitis and peripheral nerve entrapment.

[14][15] While they may have good trunk control, they may have some issues with strong forward movements of their torso.

[15][16] 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.

[19] Because the disability of swimmers in this class involves in a loss of function in specific parts of their body, they are more prone to injury than their able-bodied counterparts as a result of overcompensation in other parts of their body.

[4] People with spinal cord injuries compete in this class, including F2, F3, F4, F5 sportspeople.

[23][24] The location of lesions on different vertebrae tend to be associated with disability levels and functionality issues.

[26] They can use a wheelchair using their own power, and do everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and normal physical maintenance.

[27] Swimming classification is done based on a total points system, with a variety of functional and medical tests being used as part of a formula to assign a class.

Part of this test involves the Adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

These S3 swimmers have leg drag when swimming as a result of their hips staying below the surface of the water during a race.

[24][32] Disabled Sports USA defined the anatomical definition of this class in 2003 as, "Have full power at elbow and wrist joints.

[33] Disabled Sports USA defined the functional definition of this class in 2003 as, "Have nearly normal grip with non-throwing arm.

[27] Swimming classification is done based on a total points system, with a variety of functional and medical tests being used as part of a formula to assign a class.

Part of this test involves the Adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

[40] Disabled Sports USA defined the functional definition of this class in 2003 as, "Have no sitting balance.

[27] Swimming classification is done based on a total points system, with a variety of functional and medical tests being used as part of a formula to assign a class.

Part of this test involves the Adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

[24][43] Disabled Sports USA defined the anatomical definition of this class in 2003 as, "Normal upper limb function.

They cannot have functional hip flexors, i.e. ability to lift the thigh upwards in the sitting position.

"[24] Swimming classification is done based on a total points system, with a variety of functional and medical tests being used as part of a formula to assign a class.

Part of this test involves the Adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

It found there was little significant difference in performance times between women in 4 (SP5, SP6), 5 (SP6, SP7) and 6 (SP7) in the 14 x 50 m individual medley.

[49] As part of the water test, swimmers are often required to demonstrate their swimming technique for all four strokes.

[50] In Australia, to be classified in this category, athletes contact the Australian Paralympic Committee or their state swimming governin[check spelling]Li[51] and Byeong Eon Min[51] who all won medals in their class at the 2008 Paralympics.

[51] American swimmers who have been classified by the United States Paralympic Committee as being in this class include Celestine Davis, Elizabeth Kolbe, Katie Labahn and Greg Martin.