Remigiusz Olszewski - reol1992@gmail.com
Magdalena Wojkiewicz - magdalenawojkiewicz@gmail.com

Introduction

Frame Running, although it has existed since the 1990s, is still considered as an innovative sport dedicated to people with disabilities. This discipline originated in Denmark and was introduced in Poland thanks to the "Złotowianka" Foundation. Athletes use special three-wheeled bikes without pedals, moving by pushing their feet against the ground, while their torso is supported on a special frame. Frame Running combines sport and rehabilitation, offering participants numerous health benefits.

The Development of Frame Running in Poland

The "Złotowianka" Foundation has become a pioneer of Frame Running in Poland, working closely with the PZSN "Start". Thanks to their commitment, Polish athletes have repeatedly participated in international Frame Running competitions in Copenhagen as well as in the European and World Para Athletics Championships. In 2018, the "Złotowianka" Foundation decided to take a further step by establishing the Frame Running Poland Association, which coordinates the sporting aspects of this discipline.
Frame Running is accessible to a wide range of athletes, from those with severe disabilities to the elderly. The only requirement is minimal functionality in one lower limb. Training on special bike called mobileR , produced by the "Złotowianka" Foundation, brings numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved concentration, better coordination, increased immunity, and a sense of independence and freedom

International Successes

Polish athletes have already achieved significant successes on the international stage. Zofia Kałucka won a bronze medal at the European Para Athletics Championships, while Magdalena Andruszkiewicz secured a gold and a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. These achievements are a proof to the growing potential and skills of Polish athletes in this discipline. Frame Running was also showcased during the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial, where about 40,000 spectators gathered at the stadium. This was an excellent opportunity to promote the sport and demonstrate the joy and benefits it can bring to people with disabilities.

Benefits and Challenges of Frame Running

Frame Running offers numerous health and social benefits. It improves posture and gait aesthetics, and promotes social integration, especially for individuals who were previously withdrawn. Regular training strengthens muscles, enhances body control, and improves concentration.
However, athletes face certain challenges. The biggest difficulties include transportation to training sessions, lack of funds to purchase their own equipment, and the concerns of family members about a person with a disability engaging in sports. Communication is also a challenge, as many individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have speech or hearing impairments. Trainers and instructors from the "Złotowianka" Foundation are empathetic and development-focused, understanding the needs of people with disabilities very well "Złotowianka" actively promotes Frame Running by organizing instructor courses and demonstrations of this sport, encouraging institutions and individuals to train and expand locations where people can train or use equipment for activation and rehabilitation.
There are already several studies confirming the health benefits of practicing Frame Running. One study demonstrated that regular Frame Running training improved the participants' endurance capacity by approximately 49%.

Classification and Training

Athletes who choose the sports path are classified into two groups: T71 and T72, depending on the degree of disability. Individuals with brain injuries, Cerebral Palsy, or those who have suffered strokes can undergo classification. The classification process includes motor examinations and equipment tests, and training sessions are tailored to the individual needs of athletes, taking into account differences in spasticity and movement control.
Beginner athletes train 1-2 times a week. Advanced athletes have more intensive training plans that span the entire year. During winter, they focus on general development and strength building, while in the spring and summer season, they participate in a cycle of para athletics competitions, competing in distances of 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters on athletics tracks.

Development

The phenomenon of Frame Running lies in its dynamic development as a sports discipline for people with disabilities. Apart from Boccia and Wheelchair Rugby, there aren't many opportunities for individuals with severe disabilities.

The "Złotowianka" Foundation plans to further promote Frame Running in Poland through training sessions, demonstrations, and collaboration with other organizations. The goal is to increase awareness about this discipline and its health and social benefits.

Conclusions

Frame Running is an innovative and rapidly evolving sports discipline, offering numerous health and social benefits. Thanks to the efforts of the "Złotowianka" Foundation, this sport is gaining popularity in Poland, providing people with disabilities with new opportunities for physical activity and social integration. Collaboration with international organizations and local institutions is crucial for the continued development of this discipline. Frame Running has the potential to become one of the leading forms of activity for people with disabilities, offering them not only the opportunity to engage in sports but also to improve their quality of life.

Additional Information

If you want to learn more, we encourage you to visit the social media channels of the "Złotowianka" Foundation and the Frame Running Poland Association. There you will find current information, photos, videos, testimonials from athletes and users, as well as contact details.

fundacjazlotowianka.pl/

kontakt@fundacjazlotowianka.pl

Translation of text into PJM in video format: