The comprehensive computerised programme is being developed by Dr Stephan Bandelow and colleagues in the Applied Cognitive Research Centre, part of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS), and was a key element in the IPC’s decision to consider the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability (ID athletes) to the Paralympic Games.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be the first time ID athletes have been allowed to compete at an international multi-disability sports event since the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia.

Bandelow and colleagues independently developed the automated touch screen test and have analysed more than 700 athletes worldwide during competition and in training in order to validate it.

“We identified the need for a robust system to accurately classify athletes with an intellectual disability at the same time the IPC was demanding evidence-based classification for key sports,” explained lead researcher Bandelow.

“The programme tests reaction times, reasoning abilities, memory and concentration and is designed to measure problems with information processing that are prevalent amongst individuals with a learning disability.”

“We also aim to develop sport specific testing for sports including athletics, swimming and table tennis, based on the cognitive demands associated with each discipline.”

Upon announcing the IPC’s decision to re-include ID athletes in its competitions, IPC President Sir Philip Craven praised the work of the research group in developing a robust, evidence based classification system.

“Today’s achievement is the outcome of a unique and excellent co-operation between sports governance and the scientific community,” he said. “I want to thank all parties involved, especially the scientists, for their contribution and commitment over the last two years”.