Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Delphi guideline on Para athletics talent identification and development strategiesExperts agree on best ways to find and train talented para athletes through surveys

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Consider the consensus strategies from this Delphi guideline as a structured framework for Para athletics talent development.

This is a Delphi survey guideline that aimed to establish consensus on best practices for talent identification and development in Para athletics. The panel consisted of 23 experts who completed three survey rounds, with initial participation from 31 experts in Round One. The primary outcome was consensus on talent identification and development strategies.

Thematic analysis of Round One identified key themes including quantitative assessment, coaching approaches, and physical and psychological attributes of athletes. In Round Two, nine of 20 statements reached consensus. In the final round, seven of 14 statements reached consensus. Consensus strategies included quantitative performance assessments, individualised athlete development plans, and high levels of coaching experience and expertise.

The authors note that this Delphi process provides a structured pathway for athlete progression. A key limitation is that the findings are based on expert opinion rather than empirical trial data. No safety events were reported, as this was a survey of experts. Practice relevance is that these approaches contribute to a more structured and evidence-based pathway for athlete progression, though the evidence strength is limited to consensus opinion.

A group of twenty-three specialists in para athletics talent identification took part in a survey process. They discussed different ways to find promising athletes and help them grow in their sports. The experts looked at many ideas during the first round of discussions.

In the second round, they focused on specific statements about how to select and train athletes. Nine of the twenty ideas shared by the group reached a general agreement among the experts. This helped narrow down the best practices for the sport.

The final round of the survey confirmed seven important strategies for success. These include using numbers to measure performance, creating custom plans for each athlete, and ensuring coaches have lots of experience. These steps create a clearer path for athletes to improve.

Together, these agreed methods help build a better system for athlete development. The new guidelines offer a structured way to move athletes forward in their careers. This approach uses evidence to guide decisions about talent in para athletics.

What this means for you:
Experts agree on using performance tests, personalized plans, and experienced coaches to develop para athletes.

Study Details

Study typeGuideline
EvidenceLevel 5
PublishedMay 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
To determine best practices in Para athletics talent identification and development through a Delphi survey. A three round Delphi survey was conducted with experts in Para athletics talent identification and development. Round One aimed to elicit insights into the current practices and beliefs in talent identification and development in Para athletics using open ended questions. Round One survey responses were analysed and collated into statements which formulated Round Two, where respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement with these statements. Where consensus was reached (i.e., an agreement level of >75%) no further questions were asked regarding the topic of that statement. Where consensus was not achieved, the statements were revised and carried forward to Round Three. Respondents were required to, again, rate their level of agreement with these statements. A total of 23 experts completed three survey rounds (Round One, n = 31; Round Two, n = 24; Round Three n = 23). Thematic analysis of Round One identified themes such as quantitative assessment, coaching approaches, and physical and psychological attributes of athletes. Of 20 statements in Round Two, nine reached consensus. Of 14 statements in Round Three, seven reached consensus. Consensus was reached on key talent identification and development strategies including quantitative performance assessments, individualised athlete development plans and high levels of coaching experience and expertise. Together, these approaches contribute to a more structured and evidence-based pathway for athlete progression.
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.