Technological Innovations in Parasport: Impact on Performance and Ethical Challenges - A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Paralympic sport has advanced through technological innova­tions that enhance performance and participation of paraathletes. Nevertheless, these developments raise ethical and social concerns about competitive equity and access. Objective: To examine the impact of technological innovations on paraathlete performance and the associated ethical implications. Materials and Methods: A narrative review (2014-2024) was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the keywords “Paralympicsport”, “adaptive sport”, “paraathletics”, “assistive technology”, “sportsprosthesis”, “sports wheelchair”, “inertial sensors”, “artificial intelligence”, “virtual reality”. Results: Sportsspecific prostheses for paraathletics, paracycling, paragolf and paraswimming improve efficiency and biomechanical control. Optimised sports wheelchairs increase manoeuvrability and reduce injuries in wheelchair basketball, rugby, tennis and T54 racing. Wearable sensors and artificial intelli­gence facilitate objective performance monitoring and functional classification. Emerging technologies such as 3D printing and virtual reality are transforming training and rehabilitation. Conclusions: Technological innovations enhance performance and inclusion but require regulations and policies to ensure fair access and to prevent “technological doping”.