Shoulder Movement-Centered Measurement and Estimation Scheme for Underarm-Throwing Motions.

Underarm throwing motions are crucial in various sports, including boccia. Unlike healthy players, people with profound weakness, spasticity, athetosis, or deformity in the upper limbs may struggle or find it difficult to control their hands to hold or release a ball using their fingers at the proper timing. To help them, our study aims to understand underarm throwing motions. We start by defining the throwing intention in terms of the launch angle of a ball, which goes hand-in-hand with the timing for releasing the ball. Then, an appropriate part of the body is determined in order to estimate ball-throwing intention based on the swinging motion. Furthermore, the geometric relationship between the movements of the body part and the release angle is investigated by involving multiple subjects. Based on the confirmed correlation, a calibration-and-estimation model that considers individual differences is proposed. The proposed model consists of calibration and estimation modules. To begin, as the calibration module is performed, individual prediction states for each subject are updated online. Then, in the estimation module, the throwing intention is estimated employing the updated prediction. To verify the effectiveness of the model, extensive experiments were conducted with seven subjects. In detail, two evaluation directions were set: (1) how many balls need to be thrown in advance to achieve sufficient accuracy; and (2) whether the model can reach sufficient accuracy despite individual differences. From the evaluation tests, by throwing 20 balls in advance, the model could account for individual differences in the throwing estimation. Consequently, the effectiveness of the model was confirmed when focusing on the movements of the shoulder in the human body during underarm throwing. In the near future, we expect the model to expand the means of supporting disabled people with ball-throwing disabilities.

Training effect of repeated rolling motions on boccia players with severe cerebral palsy: comparison with the effect of conventional upper-limb training using a crossover test.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to establish evidence regarding comparisons between training methods for boccia players with severe cerebral palsy. [Participants and Methods] Ten boccia players with severe cerebral palsy were enrolled in this study. This intervention had a cross-over design. Participants were divided into two groups based on the training method applied. The study period was divided into an upper extremity training period and an interval rolling training period, which lasted 4 weeks each. Each was separated by a 4-week training detraining period. Joint range of motion and throwing distance were measured before and after the interventions and the effects were compared and verified. [Results] Compared to upper extremity training, interval rolling training significantly expanded the range of motion and improved throwing distance in bocce players with severe cerebral palsy. [Conclusion] Collectively, interval rolling training is more effective than upper limb training in improving the physical function and throwing distance of boccia players with severe cerebral palsy.

The acute effect of throwing training with virtual reality on boccia competitive performance in healthy adults.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the differences in the acute effects of virtual and actual throwing training on throwing performance. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy men and six women with no boccia experience were randomly divided into the virtual and non-virtual groups. The task involved throwing boccia balls at target sets of 2 (short), 5 (middle), and 9 m (long). Both the groups were trained in three rows for each condition. The distance from the ball to the target was calculated as throwing accuracy for both pre- and post-training. Confidence in throwing was measured using a visual analog scale pre-and immediately post-training. A two-way analysis of variance with a post-hoc Bonferroni test or t-test was conducted for throwing accuracy and confidence. [Results] For throwing accuracy, the post hoc test results showed that both groups improved after training, but only in the middle-distance throw. Throwing confidence improved after training in both groups. [Conclusion] Boccia-throwing training using virtual reality may have an acute training effect comparable to that of actual training.

Throwing distance and competitive performance of Boccia players.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between throwing distance and competitive performance in Boccia players in order to establish a training program based on this evidence. [Participants and Methods] In total, 40 athletes, who competed in the Japan Boccia Championships and are certified players of the Japan Boccia Association, participated in the study. Participants threw the Boccia ball as far as possible, and throwing distances were compared between certified players (Group I, n=8), those who participated in the final round (Group II, n=9), and those who lost in the preliminary round (Group III, n=23). [Results] The maximum throwing distances were 16.38 ± 5.17 m (Group I), 10.67 ± 2.66 m (Group II), and 8.34 ± 2.73 m (Group III). Group I threw the ball significantly farther than Groups II and III. [Conclusion] Boccia is a target sport and throwing farther distances requires more effort. In addition, being able to throw at a longer distance means that Boccia players can throw a stronger ball and use this for various tactics. The results of this study suggest that long-distance throwing training would be effective in improving the competitive performance of Boccia players.

Relationship between Pre-Competition Mental State and Sport Result of Disabled Boccia Athletes.

The relationship between sport result and pre-competition mental state of 109 boccia athletes was analyzed. Mental state was described by: athletic identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy for sports, hope for success, fear of failure, anxiety, and expectancy of success. Correlation analyses were made for all four boccia classes (BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4) and revealed that only athletic identity was associated with sport result in class BC4. Four hierarchical multiple regression models (for BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4 boccia classes) were created, with sport result as the dependent variable. Only the BC4 model was significant and included athletic identity, anxiety, self-efficacy for sports, and expectancy of success, which explained 49% of variance in sport result. BC4 class results indicate that psychological variables have a potential impact on sport performance in boccia, and the type and level of disability should be taken into account.

Relationship between pulmonary function, throw distance, and psychological competitive ability of elite highly trained Japanese boccia players via correlation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Boccia players have severe quadriplegia; nonetheless, detailed aspects of the physical function of individual players have not been evaluated. AIMS: This study aimed to detetmine the relationship between pulmonary function, pitching distance, and psychological competitive ability of Japanese boccia players. METHODS: Participants were athletes from the Japan Boccia Association (10 males, 3 females; average age, 32.9 ± 12.0 years) who could independently perform pitching motions. We measured pulmonary function, respiratory muscle force, and diaphragm movement using ultrasonography, pitching distance, and psychological competitive ability. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: In all participants, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle force, and diaphragm displacement were low, whereas respiratory function was very low compared to the normal range (i.e., the value calculated from the subjects' height, weight, and age). However, boccia players with high level of competitive ability performed well. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results raise the question as to whether focusing on the development of boccia players' competitive ability and physical function will improve their overall performance. This question warrants future investigation.

Boccia as a Rehabilitation Intervention for Adults With Severe Mobility Limitations Due to Neuromuscular and Other Neurological Disorders: Feasibility and Effects on Upper Limb Impairments.

PURPOSE: Scant research exists regarding the effects of playing Boccia as a rehabilitation strategy for people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. This study is aimed at identifying the feasibility and effects of playing Boccia on the upper limb impairments of people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven people played Boccia three times per week for 20 weeks as part of the rehabilitation process, while other seven kept up with their usual rehabilitation schedule. Attrition, adherence, adverse effects, participation and completion rate were registered to assess feasibility. The effects of the program on grip, pinch strength and upper-limb active range of motion were assessed by means of a dynamometer and a goniometer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The program was feasible, although no effects were observed after its completion on variables assessed, except for hand flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion. In a group of people with severe disability due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders, playing Boccia as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was shown to be a feasible therapy. However, practicing this game did not lead to significant improvements in upper limb impairments, except for wrist flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion.

"Here everyone is the same" - A qualitative evaluation of participating in a Boccia (indoor bowling) group: Innovative practice.

This qualitative study explored the impact of a Boccia (modified indoor bowls) group on the lives of people with dementia and their carers. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N = 6), carers (N = 10) and the group organisers (N = 6) analysed using thematic analysis revealed four main themes. 'The struggle of being a carer' was relieved by participating in the group and benefitting from the caring support and social aspects of "This group is a family". "The unique nature of Boccia" helped it to provide physical and mental stimulation as well as being an inclusive and enjoyable group. These aspects contributed to many participants describing the group as a Dementia friendly environment where "Here everyone is the same": treated as equals, without feeling hindered or defined by dementia. Boccia appears an exciting initiative but further research is needed to see if these findings can be replicated with other groups.

Arbitragem da bocha paralímpica: competências profissionais de árbitros internacionais / Paralympic boccia arbitration: professional competences of internacional referees / Arbitrar paralímpico la boccia: competencias profesionales de árbitros internacionales

Objetivo: analisar as competências profissionais dos árbitros internacionais de Bocha Paralímpica que atuaram nos Jogos Paralímpicos Rio 2016. Metodologia: Participaram do estudo onze árbitros, em que forneceram informações por meio de questionário online. Resultados e discussão: Os resultados apontam que as competências profissionais se caracterizaram pelo domínio das regras, estudo da modalidade, troca de informações entre os pares, participação no comitê de árbitros, domínio da regra no idioma oficial da modalidade, participação em competições internacionais. Conclusão: Com estes dados, foi possível aplicá-los no modelo de competências profissionais de Cheetham e Chivers(1996), em que descreve a competência cognitiva, funcional, pessoal e social e valores e ética, e, as metacompetências caracterizada pela competência que podem auxiliar na obtenção ou análise de outras competências, sendo estas atribuídas pela comunicação, autodesenvolvimento, criatividade, análise, solução de problemas, reflexão e agilidade mental.

Objective: The objective was to analyzethe professional skills of the international Boccia referees who participated in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Methodology: Eleven referees participated in the study, in which they provided information through an online questionnaire. Results: The results show that professional competences were characterized by the mastery of the rules, study of the modality, exchange of information between peers, participation in the committee of referees, mastery of the rule in the official language of the modality, participation in international competitions. Conclusion: With these data, it was possible to apply them in the model of professional competences of Cheetham and Chivers (1996), in which it describes the cognitive, functional, personal and social competence and values and ethics, and the metacompetences characterized by the competence that can assist in the obtaining or analyzing other competences, which are attributed by communication, self-development, creativity, analysis, problem solving, reflection and mental agility.

Objetivo: El objetivo fue analizar las habilidades profesionales de los árbitros internacionales de Bochas Paralímpicas que participaron en los Juegos Paralímpicos de Río 2016. Metodología:En el estudio participaron once árbitros, en el que brindaron información a través de un cuestionario en línea. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que las competencias profesionales se caracterizaron por el dominio de las reglas, estudio de la modalidad, intercambio de información entre pares, participación en el comité de árbitros, dominio de la regla en el idioma oficial de la modalidad, participación en competencias internacionales. Conclusión: Con estos datos, fue posible aplicarlos en el modelo de competencias profesionales de Cheetham y Chivers (1996), en el que se describenlas competencias y valores cognitivos, funcionales, personales y sociales y la ética, y las metacompetencias caracterizadas por la competencia que puede ayudar en la obtener o analizar otras habilidades, que se atribuyen a la comunicación, el autodesarrollo, la creatividad, el análisis, la resolución de problemas, la reflexión y la agilidad mental.

Dispositivo intraoral para puntero multifuncional en usuaria de 17 años con diagnóstico de parálisis cerebral de tipo tetraparesia distónica. Caso Clínico / Intraoral device for multifunctional pointer in a17 year old user diagnosed with dystonic tetraparesis cerebral palsy. Clinical case

INTRODUCTION: Dystonic cerebral palsy produces a deficiency in postural and movement control, which decreases the development of functional abilities of the upper extremities, leading to participation in significant activities such as sports. The need arises to use technical aids and/or develop the ability of another body segment to favor performance. OBJECTIVE: Design and manufacture an intraoral device as a technical aid that allows satisfactory participation in Boccia sports activity, without chewing force and reducing energy expenditure. METHOD: Teletón Santiago user patient, female, 17 years old, diagnosed with dystonic tetraparesis cerebral palsy, cooperative. A modified relaxation plane was made for her as a technical aid: 2 mm extension on tooth-free faces, with an extraoral fin to hold the pointer that he normally uses in the Boccia sport activity. For the elaboration of the technical aid, an impression of the upper jaw and a bite registration were taken with the standard technique. RESULTS: An intraoral device is obtained as a technical aid that the patient accepts and uses comfortably to carry out her Boccia sports activity. Later, other extra oral ac-cessories were added as variants for different activities: brushes and pencils. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary work favors disciplinary flexibility and innovation for the development of an adapted device that facilitates the performance of patients with sensory motor disabilities.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La parálisis cerebral distónica produce deficiencia en el control postural y del movimiento, lo que disminuye el desarrollo de habilidades funcionales de las extremidades superiores, afectando la participación en actividades significativas como, por ejemplo, el deporte. Surge la necesidad de utilizar ayudas técnicas y/o desarrollar la habilidad de otro segmento corporal para favorecer el desempeño. OBJETIVO: Diseñar y confeccionar un dispositivo intraoral como ayuda técnica que permita la participación satisfactoria en la actividad deportiva Boccia, sin realizar fuerza masticatoria y reduciendo el gasto energético. MÉTODO: Paciente usuaria de Teletón Santiago, de sexo femenino, de 17 años de edad, con diagnóstico de parálisis cerebral de tipo tetraparesia distónica, cooperadora. Se confeccionó como ayuda técnica un plano de relajación modificado con una extensión de 2 mm por caras libres de dientes, con una aleta extraoral para sujeción del puntero que normalmente usa en la actividad deportiva de Boccia. Para la elaboración de la ayuda técnica se tomó impresión del maxilar superior y registro de mordida con técnica estándar. RESULTADOS: Se obtiene como ayuda técnica un dispositivo intraoral que la paciente acepta y usa en forma cómoda para realizar su actividad deportiva de Boccia. Posteriormente, se adicionaron otros accesorios extra orales como variantes para diferentes actividades: pinceles y lápices. CONCLUSIÓN: El trabajo interdisciplinario favorece la flexibilidad disciplinaria e innovación para el desarrollo de un dispositivo adaptado que facilita el desempeño de pacientes en situación de discapacidad sensoriomotora.

Psychosocial effects of competitive Boccia program in persons with severe chronic disability.

People with severe physical disabilities may experience psychosocial problems. Boccia is one sport that athletes with severe disability can engage in, but no information on the effects of Boccia on psychosocial outcomes for participants with severe disability is available. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of Boccia on psychosocial outcomes in persons with severe disabilities. The study included two competitive Boccia groups: independent competitive (IC) (n = 9) and nonindependent competitive (NIC) (n = 7), as well as a recreational Boccia group (n = 14) and control subjects (n = 13) (mean age = 46.46 +/- 10.75). All participants underwent a rehabilitation program. Between-group differences in change scores were assessed using analysis of variance/multivariate analysis of variance. Within-group differences were compared using t-tests and effect sizes (ESs). Change in psychosocial parameters was not significantly influenced by study group (p > 0.05). All groups presented moderate-to-large ESs in physical and psychological quality of life (ES > 0.51). In comparison to the control group, who presented small-to-trivial ESs in General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Profile of Mood States-Tension, the IC and recreational group presented moderate ESs in GHQ-28, whereas the NIC group presented moderate ESs in anxiety and tension. In conclusion, the rehabilitation program had a general positive effect on the psychosocial status of individuals with severe physical disabilities. However, the competitive Boccia groups demonstrated a greater number of favorable changes, suggesting an added value of participation in Boccia.