Assessing the Match Physical Responses of International Referees for Footballers with Cerebral Palsy: A Tournaments and Halves Comparative Analysis.

Similar to conventional football, the modality dedicated to footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) requires referees who cope with the physical demands imposed during competitive matches to apply the rules of the game. While a significant body of research has explored the physical demands on referees in mainstream football, there is a noticeable lack of data regarding CP football. This study aimed to examine the physical response of international referees participating in different levels of world competitions for footballers with CP. Thirteen international referees, who officiated 49 matches in the men's 2022 World Cup (1st to 15th ranked teams) and 2022 World Championships (16th to 30th ranked teams), participated in this study. A cross-sectional design was used to determine the physical responses and compare the 1st and 2nd halves and the performance in the different tournaments, recording physical variables throughout the matches. Significant higher physical responses were observed in the World Cup in comparison to the World Championship. Overall, high-level tournaments have been shown to elicit more intense physical responses from referees officiating CP football matches compared to lower-level tournaments. For the World Cup, a significantly higher number of accelerations and decelerations were registered in the 1st half compared to the 2nd half. This information may be useful for the strength and conditioning coaches of referees to plan weekly training sessions more specifically and adjust the periodical training load and post-match recovery protocols.

Comparison of the Physical Response During Official Matches and Small-Sided Games in International Cerebral Palsy Footballers: Implications for Evidence-Based Classification.

This study aimed to analyze whether there are differences and associations in the physical responses in international-level cerebral palsy footballers between official matches and 2v2 small-sided games (2v2-SSG). One hundred seventy international cerebral palsy footballers participated in this study during three international championships. The physical responses of mean and maximum velocities, total distance, distance covered at different intensities, short-term actions, and player load were collected during 2v2-SSG and the real competition. The mean velocity, total distance, jogging, medium- and high-intensity distances, the number of moderate/high accelerations, decelerations, and player load were relatively higher in the 2v2-SSG than in the official matches. Even though the 2v2-SSG could become an appropriate drill to include during the classification process, due to the differences between a 2v2-SSG and the official competition, it is necessary to deepen the scientific knowledge for developing observation methods during real competition to strengthen the relationships between eligible impairments and activity limitation.

Physical responses by cerebral palsy footballers in matches played at sea level and moderate altitude.

The main objective of this study was to compare the physical response of para-footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) in official international football matches played at moderate altitude and sea level locations. Eighty-seven international CP footballers participated in this study. We divided participants according to the place of the international competition [sea level group (SLG) and moderate altitude group (MAG)], sport classes (i.e., FT1, FT2, and FT3), and match playing time (i.e., <20 min, 20‒40 min, and >40 min). We recorded the physical response using global position system devices during matches. This study showed that MAG described a lower physical response than SLG on total distance, distance covered at different intensities, and the number of accelerations and decelerations. FT2 and FT3 presented a similar pattern, where we found significant differences for total distance, distance covered at lower and high intensities and moderate accelerations, and decelerations. Considering the playing time during altitude matches, the 20‒40 min and >40 min groups obtained more marked differences in the physical response variables. Para-footballers with CP who competed under altitude conditions showed a lower physical response during football matches, suggesting the implementation of specific preparation and training strategies to face the demanding environmental conditions.

Influence of upper-limb muscle strength on the repeated change of direction ability in international-level wheelchair basketball players.

This study aims 1) to compare repeated change of direction ability (rCODA) and bench press (BP) between low (A category, ≤2.5) and high (B category, ≥3.0) sport classes and 2) to analyse the relationships between rCODA and BP performance in a sample of wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Seventeen world-class WB players volunteered participated in this study. All the players undertook two tests: the repeated (x12) Modified Agility T-test (rMAT) to measure the rCODA and the movement velocity in a BP test. No significant differences were observed between categories in the rMAT and BP. For the total sample, BP variables with a mean propulsive velocity of 1 m·s-1 (V1LOAD) largely correlated with all the full rMAT outcomes (r>-0.625; p< 0.05). Having a better BP could be favourable to perform repeated efforts and this seems particularly relevant in fatigue conditions, and especially for the B category players.

Is impaired coordination related to match physical load in footballers with cerebral palsy of different sport classes?

Impaired coordination is a characteristic feature in cerebral palsy (CP) football players. This study aimed to determine the relationships of three coordination tests with match physical load during competition of para-footballers from different sport classes. Records from 259 para-footballers from 25 national teams were obtained in four international competitions held in 2018 and 2019. The three coordination tests were conducted prior to competition (i.e., rapid heel-toe, side-stepping, and split jumps), and physical match load was recorded by GPS devices during the real game: i.e., maximum/mean, total distance, distance covered at different speed zones, number of accelerations/decelerations at different intensities, and player load. FT1 and FT3 players have the lowest and highest performance in all the coordination tests, respectively, but inconclusive between-groups differences were obtained (p=0.022‒0.238). Split jumps and side-stepping tests are associated with the performance of moderate and high accelerations during competition (r = -0.20‒0.71; p<0.01). Significant correlations (r = 0.36‒0.71; p<0.01) were obtained between all the coordination measures. Coordination tests better discriminate those with more severe impairments and some evidence for the validity of the new CP football sport classes is provided. Further research is necessary to identify the portion of the variance in sports performance that coordination explains.

Time-Motion Characteristics and Physiological Responses of Para-Footballers With Cerebral Palsy in Two Small-Sided Games and a Simulated Game.

This study compared physical performance in a group of international cerebral palsy football players during two formats of small-sided games (SSGs) and performance in a simulated game (SG) according to players' sport classes (FT1, FT2, and FT3). Internal load (heart rate and rating of perceived exertion) and external load (total distance, distance covered at different velocities, maximum speed reached, acceleration, and deceleration) were obtained with global positioning system devices during two formats of SSGs (2-a-side/SSG2 and 4-a-side/SSG4) and an SG (7-a-side). SSG2 demands faster actions compared with SSG4/SG, and significant differences and large effect sizes were found in the distance covered in Speed Zones 5 (16.0-17.9 km/hr) and 6 (>18.0 km/hr; p < .05; .35<ηp2<.50, large). Lower moderate accelerations and decelerations per minute in SSG4/SG compared with SSG2 were also found (p < .01; .77<ηp2<.81, large). In the SSG2 task, the FT3 players reached maximum speeds, covered more distance at the highest intensities, and performed more moderate/high accelerations/decelerations and more sprints compared with FT1 and FT2 players (p < .05; -0.85 < dg < -4.64, large). The SSG2 task could be the best option for discriminating physical demands in important variables for cerebral palsy football performance between classes FT3 versus FT1/FT2.

Activity limitation and match load in para-footballers with cerebral palsy: An approach for evidence-based classification.

Classification is a hot topic in Paralympic sport, making the development of evidence-based and sport-specific classification systems mandatory. However, the development of measurements for exploring the relationships between the athletes' impairment and their activity limitation is a considerable scientific challenge in team Paralympic sport such as 7-side football (ie, CP Football). The aims of this study were 1) to describe the activity limitation and external match load (ML) differences among impairment profiles (FT) in international level footballers with cerebral palsy (CPFP) and 2) to analyze the relationship among the activity limitation and external ML variables. Forty-eight international male CPFP (23 ± 7 y; 174.7 ± 7.2 cm; 69.4 ± 9.2 kg; 22.7 ± 2.6 kg·m-2 ) participated in this study and were divided according to their impairment profile (FT5/6, FT7, and FT8). Significant differences (P < .05) have been observed among FT profiles in the activity limitation tests (ie, static balance, coordination, vertical jump, horizontal jump, acceleration capacity, and change of direction ability). Additionally, significant differences have been observed among FT profiles in certain ML values (ie, Velmax , High Acc and in Mod and High Dec), where generally, FT8 players reported the best performance values. On the other hand, especially in the FT5/6 and in the FT8 profiles, a large-to-very large significant relationship was observed between the CPFP activity limitation and the ML values. In general, the results of the present study show that players with a lower impairment have less activity limitation and better ML. This study concludes that the potential relationships between the impairments of hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis and performance in this para-sport might be impairment-specific.

Evaluation of the Official Match External Load in Soccer Players With Cerebral Palsy.

Yanci, J, Castillo, D, Iturricastillo, A, and Reina, R. Evaluation of the official match external load in soccer players with cerebral palsy. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 866-873, 2019-The aims of this study were to analyze the official match external loads (i.e., total distance, distance covered at different speeds, accelerations, decelerations, player load [PL], peak metabolic power, and changes of direction [CODs]) of football players with cerebral palsy (CP) and to determine the external loads according to playing time (i.e., <20, 20-40, and >40 minutes). The external load of 31 international football players with CP (23.0 ± 6.6 years; 69.1 ± 9.0 kg; 174.8 ± 7.3 cm) was analyzed during a World Championship Qualification Tournament (n = 8 matches, 58 individual observations). Results showed that the football players with CP covered less distance at high-intensity running and sprinting, performing a smaller number of moderate and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, had a lower PL, and performed fewer CODs in official matches compared with conventional football players as reported in other studies. The number of minutes played by the players (i.e., <20, 20-40, and >40 minutes) could significantly influence the players' match external load (effect size = 0.3-5.5, small to extremely large). The impairments presented by football players with CP affect players' match external loads, especially in short-term high-intensity neuromuscular actions.

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Wheelchair Rugby Players.

García-Fresneda, A, Carmona, G, Padullés, X, Nuell, S, Padullés, JM, Cadefau, JA, and Iturricastillo, A. Initial maximum push-rim propulsion and sprint performance in elite wheelchair rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 857-865, 2019-Wheelchair rugby (WR) is an increasingly popular Paralympic sport; however, the evidence base supporting the validity and reliability of field tests to assess the physical condition of WR players is in its infancy. Therefore, here, we aimed to evaluate the intrasession reliability of the initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP) test and the sprint test, and to determine the relationships between IMPRP mechanical outputs and sprint performance variables. We studied 16 Spanish WR players (aged 33 ± 9 years). The maximum single wheelchair push from a stationary position and the sprint performance (i.e., times for 3, 5, and 12 m, and the maximum velocity) of elite WR players were measured in this study. The intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement for IMPRP variables were >0.85, <10.6%, and <16.76, respectively; the corresponding values for a linear sprint were >0.97, <3.50%, and <0.15. In relation to IMPRP mechanical outputs (i.e., acceleration, maximum acceleration, force, maximum force, power, and maximum power) and sprint performance (i.e., times for 3, 5, and 12 m, and the maximum velocity), significant and large associations were observed in the WR players (r ± confidence limit = -0.78 ± 0.17 to -0.90 ± 0.11; 0/0/100, most likely; R = 0.613-0.812; p < 0.001). These tests provide simple and reliable methods for obtaining accurate mechanical pushing capacities and sprint performances of WR competitors (the 61.4-80.1% variance in sprint performance was explained by the IMPRP variables). These relationships indicate a need to implement specific strength exercises in WR players with the aim of improving the IMPRP and therefore improving sprint capacity.

Influence of Team's Rank on Soccer Referees' External and Internal Match Loads During Official Matches.

Castillo, D, Castagna, C, Cámara, J, Iturricastillo, A, and Yanci, J. Influence of team's rank on soccer referees' external and internal match loads during official matches. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1715-1722, 2018-The aim was to examine the external and the internal match loads (ML) of field referees (FRs) attending teams of different ranking during championship matches. Twenty FR who officiated in 30 official soccer matches (30 observations) participated in our study. The criteria for allocating the soccer referees' ML results were based on the teams' final league positions as follows: matches performed by Top 10 teams (TOP10), matches performed by bottom 10 teams (BOT10), and matches played among TOP10 and BOT10 teams (MIXED). External (match activities, accelerations [Acc], and decelerations [Dec]) and internal MLs (Edwards' heart rate [HR]-derived training impulse [TRIMPEDW], HRmean expressed as a percentage of HRpeak [%HRpeak], and differentiated rating of perceived exertion [dRPE]) were recorded. The main results showed that FR, who officiated TOP10 matches, covered more distance at a low walking speed (<3.6 km·h) and performed a higher percentage of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations than those FR who officiated lower ranked teams' matches. Moreover, FR who officiated MIXED matches registered lower values of TRIMPEDW MLs and %HRpeak and declared higher respiratory (sRPEres ML) and muscular (sRPEmus ML) perceived MLs during the second half. Considering those FR who officiate matches between teams of a higher competitive level will need to produce higher match responses, especially regarding the percentage of distance covered at high intensity, accelerations, and decelerations; physical trainers of soccer referees at a high competitive level should implement these high-intensity short-term actions in specific training regimes.

Neuromuscular Responses and Physiological Changes During Small-Sided Games in Wheelchair Basketball.

The aim was to analyze the changes of physical performance and physiological responses during a high-intensity training task in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Thirteen Spanish first division WB male players participated in this study. A test battery (change of direction ability, sprints, and sled towing) was performed to study neuromuscular responses before (pre) and after (post) the small-sided games (SSG). Furthermore, tympanic temperature and blood lactate concentration were measured before and immediately after players finished the SSG. The SSG tasks consisted in four players against four, 4 bouts of 4 min with 2 min of recovery periods. There was a 1.10% decline in performance in both 5- and 20-m sprints (p < .01; effect size [ES] ≤ 0.14), 1.82% decline in 5-m sled towing (p < .05; ES = 0.18), and 2.68% decline in 20-m sled towing (p < .01; ES = 0.27) between pre- and post-SSG. As in physical performance results, significant differences were observed between pre and post in physiological markers, with increasing tympanic temperature (36.21 ± 0.60 °C to 36.97 ± 0.59 °C; p < .001; ES = 1.27) and blood lactate concentrations (1.95 ± 1.30 mmol/L to 5.84 ± 2.04 mmol/L; p < .001; ES = 2.99) after SSG. The SSG produced a decrease in sprint and sled towing performance after 16 min of intense exercise. Moreover, the decrease in physical performance was accompanied with an increase in physiological responses. These neuromuscular responses could be similar in the real game; thus, coaching staff could benefit from this information when changing bench players.

Objective and subjective methods for quantifying training load in wheelchair basketball small-sided games.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the training load in wheelchair basketball small-sided games and determine the relationship between heart rate (HR)-based training load and perceived exertion (RPE)-based training load methods among small-sided games bouts. HR-based measurements of training load included Edwards' training load and Stagno's training impulses (TRIMPMOD) while RPE-based training load measurements included cardiopulmonary (session RPEres) and muscular (session RPEmus) values. Data were collected from 12 wheelchair basketball players during five consecutive weeks. The total load for the small-sided games sessions was 67.5 ± 6.7 and 55.3 ± 12.5 AU in HR-based training load (Edwards' training load and TRIMPMOD), while the RPE-based training loads were 99.3 ± 26.9 (session RPEres) and 100.8 ± 31.2 AU (session RPEmus). Bout-to-bout analysis identified greater session RPEmus in the third [P < 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.66, moderate] and fourth bouts (P < 0.05; ES = 0.64, moderate) than in the first bout, but other measures did not differ. Mean correlations indicated a trivial and small relationship among HR-based and RPE-based training loads. It is suggested that HR-based and RPE-based training loads provide different information, but these two methods could be complementary because one method could help us to understand the limitations of the other.

Effects of Two Different Volume-Equated Weekly Distributed Short-Term Plyometric Training Programs on Futsal Players' Physical Performance.

Yanci, J, Castillo, D, Iturricastillo, A, Ayarra, R, and Nakamura, FY. Effects of two different volume-equated weekly distributed short-term plyometric training programs on futsal players' physical performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1787-1794, 2017-The aim was to analyze the effect of 2 different plyometric training programs (i.e., 1 vs. 2 sessions per week, same total weekly volume) on physical performance in futsal players. Forty-four futsal players were divided into 3 training groups differing in weekly plyometric training load: the 2 days per week plyometric training group (PT2D, n = 15), the 1 day per week plyometric training group (PT1D, n = 12), and the control group (CG, n = 12) which did not perform plyometric training. The results of this study showed that in-season futsal training per se was capable of improving repeat sprint ability (RSA) (effect size [ES] = -0.59 to -1.53). However, while change of direction ability (CODA) was maintained during the training period (ES = 0.00), 15-m sprint (ES = 0.73), and vertical jump (VJ) performance (ES = -0.30 to -1.37) were significantly impaired. By contrast, PT2D and PT1D plyometric training were effective in improving futsal players' 15-m sprint (ES = -0.64 to -1.00), CODA (ES = -1.83 to -5.50), and horizontal jump (ES = 0.33-0.64) performance. Nonetheless, all groups (i.e., PT2D, PT1D, and CG) presented a reduction in VJ performance (ES = -0.04 to -1.37). Regarding RSA performance, PT1D showed a similar improvement compared with CG (ES = -0.65 to -1.53) after the training intervention, whereas PT2D did not show significant change (ES = -0.04 to -0.38). These results may have considerable practical relevance for the optimal design of plyometric training programs for futsal players, given that a 1-day-per-week plyometric training program is more efficient than a 2-day-per-week plyometric training program to improve the futsal players' physical performance.

Anthropometry and Performance in Wheelchair Basketball.

This study investigated whether anthropometric characteristics, generic and specific sprinting, agility, strength, and endurance capacity could differentiate between First-Division and Third-Division wheelchair basketball (WB) players. A First-Division WB team (n = 8; age = 36.05 ± 8.25 years, sitting body height = 91.38 ± 4.24 cm, body mass = 79.80 ± 12.63 kg) and a Third-Division WB team (n = 11; age = 31.10 ± 6.37 years, sitting body height = 85.56 ± 6.48 cm, body mass = 71.18 ± 17.63 kg) participated in the study. Wheelchair sprint, agility, strength, and endurance tests were performed. The First-Division team was faster (8.7%) in 20 m without the ball, more agile (13-22%), stronger (18-33%), covered more distance (20%) in the endurance test, and presented higher values of rate of perceived exertion for the exercise load (48%) than the Third-Division team. Moreover, the individual 20-m sprint time values correlated inversely with the individual strength/power values (from r = -0.54 to -0.77, p ≤ 0.05, n = 19). Wheelchair basketball coaches should structure strength and conditioning training to improve sprint and agility and evaluate players accordingly, so that they can receive appropriate training stimuli to match the physiological demands of their competitive level.

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Men's Wheelchair Basketball.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report the reliability (intrasession) values of initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP) and sprint performance in elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players and to assess the involvement of strength in sprint capacity. METHODS: Fifteen Spanish international WB male players participated in this study. The maximum single wheelchair push from a stationary position (IMPRP) and the sprint performance (ie, 3, 5, and 12 m) of WB players were measured in this study. RESULTS: IMPRP mechanical outputs V, Vmax, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F variables presented high reliability values (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ .92; coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 8.04 ± 7.37; standard error of measurement [SEM] ≤ 29.92), but the maximum strength variables Pmax, Rel. Pmax, Fmax, and Rel. Fmax (ICC ≥ .63; CV ≤ 13.19 ± 16.63; SEM ≤ 203.76) showed lower ICC values and by contrast higher CV and SEM values. The most substantial correlations were identified between maximum IMPRP values (ie, V, Vmax, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F) and sprint performance in 3 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.74 ± 0.22, very large; R2 ≥ .55), 5 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.72 ± 0.24, very large; R2 ≥ .51), and 12 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.67 ± 0.27, large; R2 ≥ .44). CONCLUSIONS: The IMPRP test and sprint tests (3, 5, and 12 m) are practical and reliable for measuring strength and speed in WB players. In addition, there were large to very large associations among strength variables (ie, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F) and all sprint variables. This could indicate a need to implement specific strength exercises in WB players to improve sprint capacity.

Assessing the Reliability of the Sexual Violence Questionnaire in Sport among Spanish-Speaking Athletes.

The prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in school sport, specifically by coaches against their athletes, remains a concerning and pervasive issue. In an attempt to better understand and prevent specific coach-behaviours associated with such sexual misconduct, researchers have developed the Sexual Violence Questionnaire in Sport. While the reliability of this measurement tool has been tested in Anglo-Saxon cultural contexts, it is not known whether the questionnaire is applicable to other cultural contexts. This study aimed to analyse the internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire on sexual harassment in sport, originally designed and developed in English. A sample of 146 (52 female, 94 male) undergraduate students from a university in the Basque Country participated in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was administered twice over a two-week period to assess test-retest reliability. The internal consistency of the Sexual Violence Questionnaire in Sport was high, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.891 for perceptions and 0.813 for experiences across all participants. Gender-specific analysis showed similar reliability, with females having slightly lower alpha values for perceptions. Although significant differences were observed between the test and the retest on eight perception items and one experience item, Cohen's kappa analysis indicated agreement on all items; however, some of them were low (e.g., 0.13). In conclusion, the study highlights the questionnaire's overall reliability and suggests its effectiveness as a tool for measuring sexual violence in sport within the Spanish context. Nonetheless, the findings of this study underscore the need for further research to enhance the instrument's stability and to better understand gender differences in perceptions and experiences of sexual violence in sport contexts.

Evolution of the internal load and physical condition of wheelchair basketball players during the competitive season.

The objectives of this study were to describe differentiated perceived training and match load (dRPE-L) of wheelchair basketball (WB) players during the whole season, to analyze the evolution of players' physical condition changes during a full season and to analyze the association between dRPE-L and changes in physical condition during a full season. Nineteen Spanish Second Division WB players participated in this study. For a full season (10 months, 26 weeks), dRPE-L was assessed with the session-RPE method, separating respiratory (RPEres-L) and muscular (RPEmus-L) perceived load. The physical condition of the players was also assessed at four different times during the season (T1, T2, T3 and T4). The results showed a significantly higher total and average accumulated muscular RPE load (RPEmusTOT-L and RPEmusAVG-L) than total and average respiratory load (RPEresTOT-L and RPEresAVG-L) (p < 0.01; ES = 0.52-0.55). No significant changes were observed in the physical condition of the players at the different moments of the season. Moreover, a significant association was observed only between RPEresTOT-L and Repeated Sprint Ability standard deviation of 3 m (RSAsdec3m) (r = 0.90, p < 0.05). The results suggest that the competitive season represented considerable neuromuscular involvement in these players.

Contextual factors and match-physical performance of international-level footballers with cerebral palsy.

This study aimed to explore the match-physical response of international-level footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) according to contextual factors such as team ranking, the quality level of opposition, and match outcome. Eighty-two male outfield footballers with CP from top-ranked teams (n = 26) and bottom-ranked teams (n = 56) took part in this study. The match-player response was recorded using global positioning devices considering the total distance, distance covered at different velocities and number of short-term actions. Players from top-ranked teams covered more distance at low intensities compared to players from bottom-ranked teams (p < 0.05; 0.45 < ES < 0.49). Higher sprint distance, moderate and high accelerations/decelerations were found in players from top-ranked teams playing against teams of similar levels (p < 0.05; 0.73g< 0.86). When players from bottom-ranked teams played against teams of equivalent rank, more physical requirements were presented in total distance, running from medium to sprint intensities, and the number of short-term actions (p < 0.0.05; -0.55S < -0.89). Players from the top-ranking teams presented greater sprint demands in losing matches (p<0.05; dg=-1.01). Considering the bottom-ranking opposition, players presented more running demands in matches with losing results in moderate running, sprinting, and moderate-to-high deceleration (p < 0.05; -0.61 < dg < -0.64). The match-physical response of players with CP varies according to the contextual factors studied. The results provide advice for coaches and classifiers to understand more comprehensively the competing demands in CP football. This knowledge could help practitioners to prepare competition matches and planning training load or post-match recovery strategies, but also for the observation assessments of the classification process in this team para-sport.

Neuromuscular Fatigue after Small-Sided Games in Wheelchair Basketball Players with and without Spinal Cord Injury.

Purpose: The aim was to analyze the differences between wheelchair basketball players with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and without Spinal Cord injury (Non-SCI) in psycho-physiological response and neuromuscular fatigue in a series of small-sided games (SSG). Methods: Thirteen high-level wheelchair basketball male players (age 28.8 ± 9.2 years, body mass 75.9 ± 11.3 kg) participated in four versus four SSG once a week for five consecutive weeks. Absolute and relative heart rate (HR) during SSG and muscular and respiratory perceived exertion (RPEmus and RPEres), tympanic temperature, and acceleration capacity were recorded at the end of each SSG. Results: No significant differences were observed between SCI and non-SCI players in relative HR variables in SSG series. However, the SCI group had a lower absolute HR (mean HR and peak HR) (p < .05 or p < .01, ES = 0.73-1.39) and higher perceived muscular load (RPEmusTL) (p < .01, ES = 0.75-0.82) during SSG. Regarding the evolution of the physiological response, no differences were observed between the four bouts in the SCI group. However, the Non-SCI group showed an increase in the absolute and relative variables of HR and RPEres and RPEmus (p < .05 or p < .01, ES = 0.45-1.06). On the contrary, only the SCI group showed a loss of acceleration capacity between the four series (p < .05, ES = 0.28-0.35). Conclusion: The results of this study show that there are differences between SCI and non-SCI wheelchair basketball players in their physiological response and acceleration capacity during SSG tasks.

Analysis of the Barriers and Motives for Practicing Physical Activity and Sport for People with a Disability: Differences According to Gender and Type of Disability.

The aim of the study was to analyse the perception of the barriers and motives for the practice of physical activity (PA) in people with a disability, according to gender and type of disability. The participants in this investigation were 103 people with a disability (33.25 ± 11.86 years) who were habitual users of PA or sports programmes. They completed the questionnaire Motives and Barriers for Physical Activity and Sport (MBAFD). The results showed that personal barriers were more important than environmental ones and that the most outstanding motives were those related to leisure, enjoyment or social aspects. Regarding gender, women perceived more barriers than men. For the people with physical (PD) and intellectual (ID) disabilities, the most common barriers were of an intrinsic nature, and for those with a visual disability (VD), barriers of an environmental nature. With respect to the motives, people with PD gave higher scores to the items related to aspects of physical improvement and rehabilitation. In contrast, people with ID and VD placed more importance on reasons of leisure, enjoyment and social relations. Knowledge of these findings can be a tool to help increase the provision of PA for people with a disability.