Optimization of the Design of a Discus for People with Disabilities

In a method for simultaneously optimizing both the throwing technique and the equipment was applied to the design of a discus for people (athletes) with disabilities (Paralympians). As the movement of athletes with disabilities is limited when compared with Olympians, the optimum size of the discus for those athletes should be different from that for an Olympian. The objective of this study is to determine the optimum size of the discus for athletes with disabilities. It was found that the optimum discus for a F54 thrower, who is an athlete competing in a wheelchair, has smaller width and greater thickness when compared with commercially available discuses for women.