There are over 200 types of restricted growth which can be grouped together as Dwarf conditions, the most common condition being Achondroplasia.

When starting to work with these people as a sports coach there are a few skeletal and potential joint stability problems to keep in mind.

Many people with Achondroplasia have a Kyphosis or Scoliosis of their spine and constant shock to the back can cause damage to the back area. They may have a spinal stenosis which is a pinching of the spinal column caused by having restricted room within the vertebrae for the spinal column to pass through.

Most have quite lax joints and their elbows, hips, and knees especially can be unstable. This is usual seen in the joints being extremely flexible, many Dwarf athletes can have a bowing of there legs which may result in problems with their ankles. This is also an area to keep an eye on.

The more involved in regular exercise individuals are, the better the muscle tone around these areas is maintained and the more stable these joints become.

As an Association we discourage our members from certain sports which repeated apply a shock into the spinal area. In general we are of the opinion that Trampoline, High Jump, Long Jump, and Gymnastics have potential to cause long term damage to people with restricted growth conditions. These are a guideline as to what might not be suitable sports for people who live with a restricted growth condition.

If you are involved with an Athlete as a coach or teacher who has a restricted growth condition please contact the Dwarf Athletics Association for advice and information.

Athletes with a restricted growth condition or dwarfism benefit greatly from regular exercise and competition.

The Dwarf Athletic Association runs a National Championship every year and from there many athletes move on to DSE events and start to train with local athletic clubs.

From the point of view of a restricted growth athlete participating in sport at a school level, they can enjoy being involved in sport with their peers. Many enjoy a multitude of different sports during their school career.

Regular exercise can make a big difference to a person with restricted growth lifestyle and wellbeing, exercise tones the muscle and helps lax joints become more stable. It also helps to keep their weight under control, which is paramount towards a healthy lifestyle. Keeping weight off and regular exercise can prevent and delay the need for invasive surgery to stabilise back and joint problems.

When starting to work with a Dwarf athlete coaches may want to consider their loose joints and associated back problems.

Restricted growth athletes compete in Shot Put, Discus and Javelin with great success.

They can compete in Sprint type track events but more than 100m is not recommended as this too far for them to run. Running prolonged distances can result in excessive wear of their knees and hips joints.

As long as a Dwarf Athlete and their coach take in to account the maintenance of their joints and back there is no reason why they cannot enjoy track and field athletics. Any back pain or discomfort should be taken very seriously as a Spinal Stenosis is not uncommon in Dwarf athletes.

If any advice is needed the Dwarf Athletic Association can be contacted through this website on the "contact us" page.

DAAUK Field Implements Weights