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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.
Asunto(s)
Parálisis Cerebral , Fútbol Americano , Masculino , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , AceleraciónRESUMEN
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.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Baloncesto , Silla de Ruedas , Humanos , Masculino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Fuerza MuscularRESUMEN
Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es un trastorno neurológico y progresivo caracterizado por síntomas motores y no motores que influyen en el deterioro de la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar los efectos de un programa de intervención multicomponente basado en la actividad física y el deporte en la funcionalidad de personas con EP, tanto con alta como con baja afectación. Metodología: Para ello, 16 personas (13 hombres y 3 mujeres) con EP participaron en este estudio, dividiéndose en 2 grupos según su nivel de afectación, el de baja (GBA, n = 12) y el de alta (GAA, n = 4). Se realizó una intervención de un programa de ejercicio físico multicomponente a todos los participantes durante 4 semanas (2 sesiones de 50 minutos, por semana). Se realizó una batería de test funcionales (Six minutes walk test (6MWT); Single-leg Stance test (SLS); Time Up and Go (TUG) y The five times sitto-stand Chair (FTSTS)) una semana antes (T1) y una semana después de la intervención (T2). Resultados: El total de la muestra mejoró significativamente en el test SLS (P < 0.05; d > 0.56, moderado). Sin embargo, analizando cada grupo, de conformidad con su nivel de afectación, el grupo GBA obtuvo mejoras significativas en SLS y 5STS (d= 0.44 - 0.68, p < 0.05), mientras que no se observaron diferencias significativas en el grupo GAA en ninguna variable analizada. Conclusiones: Los resultados del presente estudio muestran la necesidad de realizar más estudios con programas de larga duración y más frecuencia semanal.
Abstract: Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms that influence the impairment of quality of life. Objective: This research aims to analyze the effects of a multicomponent intervention program based on physical exercise and sport on the physiological functions of people with PD, both with high and low impairment. Methodology: For this purpose, sixteen people (13 men and 3 women) with PD participated in this study, divided into two groups according to their level of impairment, low (GBA, n = 12) and high (GAA, n = 4). A multicomponent physical exercise program intervention was administered to all participants for 4 weeks (2 sessions of 50 minutes per week). A battery of functional tests (Six minutes walk test (6MWT); Single-leg Stance test (SLS); Time Up and Go (TUG) and The five times sit-to-stand Chair (FTSTS)) was performed one week before (T1) and one week after the intervention (T2). Results: The total sample improved significantly on the SLS test (P < 0.05; d > 0.56, moderate). However, analyzing each group according to their level of impairment, the GBA group obtained significant improvements in SLS and 5STS (d= 0.44 - 0.68, P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the GAA group in any of the variables analyzed. Conclusion: The results of the present study show the need for further studies with longer duration and more frequent weekly programs.
Resumo: Introdução: A doença de Parkinson (DP) é um distúrbio neurológico progressivo, caracterizado por sintomas motores e não motores que influenciam a deterioração da qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Esta pesquisa visa analisar os efeitos de um programa de intervenção multicomponente baseado na atividade física e no esporte sobre a funcionalidade das pessoas com DP, tanto com deficiência alta quanto baixa. Metodologia: Para este fim, 16 pessoas (13 homens e 3 mulheres) com DP participaram deste estudo, divididos em dois grupos de acordo com seu nível de afecção, o baixo (GBA, n = 12) e o alto (GAA, n = 4). Uma intervenção de um programa de exercícios físicos multicomponentes foi realizada com todos os participantes durante 4 semanas (2 sessões de 50 minutos por semana). Uma bateria de testes funcionais (Six minutes walk test (6MWT); Single-leg Stance test (SLS); Time Up and Go (TUG) y The five times sit-to-stand Chair (FTSTS)) foi realizada uma semana antes (T1) e uma semana após a intervenção (T2). Resultados: A amostra total melhorou significativamente no teste SLS (P < 0,05; d > 0,56, moderado). Não obstante, analisando cada grupo de acordo com seu nível de deficiência, o grupo GBA obteve melhorias significativas no SLS e 5STS (d= 0,44 - 0,68, p < 0,05), mas não se observaram diferenças significativas no grupo GAA em nenhuma variável analisada. Conclusões: Os resultados do presente estudo mostram a necessidade de mais estudos com programas de maior duração e mais frequência semanal.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Ejercicio Físico , EspañaRESUMEN
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.
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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.
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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.
RESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Personas con Discapacidad , Deportes , Masculino , Humanos , Femenino , Ejercicio Físico , Actividades Recreativas , MotivaciónRESUMEN
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.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Parálisis Cerebral , Carrera , Fútbol , Humanos , Carrera/fisiología , Fútbol/fisiología , Rendimiento Atlético/fisiología , AceleraciónRESUMEN
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, 20â40 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 20â40 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.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Parálisis Cerebral , Carrera , Fútbol , Humanos , Rendimiento Atlético/fisiología , Altitud , Carrera/fisiología , Fútbol/fisiologíaRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to determine, for the first time in elite women's wheelchair basketball, the differences in the initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP), mechanical outputs, and sprint performance between A category (≤2.5 class) and B category (≥3 class) players. A secondary aim was to assess the association between IMPRP mechanical outputs and sprint performance to determine the influence of specific strength in the latter. Sixteen Spanish women's wheelchair basketball players participated in this study: A category (n = 9, International Wheelchair Basketball Federation [IWBF] classification range: 1-2.5 points) and B category (n = 7, IWBF classification range: 3-4.5 points). All the players undertook 2 tests: the IMPRP test to measure the strength variables and the 3-, 5-, and 12-m sprint test. B category players reported significantly better performance values in almost all the IMPRP variables and all the sprint distances than A category players. Large to very large significant correlations were observed among IMPRP absolute mechanical outputs (excepting mean power) and sprint performance (3, 5, and 12 m) for all the participants. When the group was divided according to categories A and B, the significant differences observed in the whole group decreased in both groups, although some relationships were large or very large. The IMPRP test and sprint test (3, 5, and 12 m) seemed to be sensitive to differentiate the level between the 2 functional categories. In addition, there was a high association between strength and sprint variables, which shows that greater strength could improve sprint capacity.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Baloncesto , Silla de Ruedas , Femenino , HumanosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To develop gender-specific operational equations for prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness in female footballers. METHOD: Forty-eight semiprofessional female footballers performed an intermittent progressive maximal running test for determination of fixed blood lactate concentration (FBLC) thresholds. Relationships between FBLC thresholds and the physiological responses to submaximal running were examined. Developed equations (n = 48) were compared with equations previously obtained in another investigation performed in males (n = 100). RESULTS: Submaximal velocity associated with 90% maximal heart rate was related to FBLC thresholds (r = .76 to .79; P < .001). Predictive power (R2 = .82 to .94) of a single blood lactate concentration (BLC) sample measured at 10 or 11.5 km·h-1 was very high. A single BLC sample taken after a 5-minute running bout at 8.5 km·h-1 was related to FBLC thresholds (r = -.71; P < .001). No difference (P = .15) in the regression lines predicting FBLC thresholds from velocity associated with 90% maximal heart rate was observed between the female and male cohorts. However, regressions estimating FBLC thresholds by a single BLC sample were different (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Velocity associated with 90% maximal heart rate was robustly related to FBLC thresholds and might serve for mass field testing independently of sex. BLC equations accurately predicted FBLC thresholds. However, these equations are gender-specific. This is the first study reporting operational equations to estimate the FBLC thresholds in female footballers. The use of these equations reduces the burden associated with cardiorespiratory testing. Further cross-validation studies are warranted to validate the proposed equations and establish them for mass field testing.
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Capacidad Cardiovascular , Fútbol , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudios de Cohortes , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Ácido Láctico , Consumo de Oxígeno , EspañaRESUMEN
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.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Baloncesto , Silla de Ruedas , Rendimiento Atlético/fisiología , Baloncesto/fisiología , Humanos , Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Extremidad SuperiorRESUMEN
Performance in wheelchair basketball is determined by capabilities, such as strength and power. The study has two aims: first, to analyze the association between speed and acceleration variables (collected in the bench press (BP) exercise) and the distinct percentages of one-repetition maximum (1RM); second, to analyze the effect of a strength training protocol on wheelchair basketball (WB) players according to their functional impairments. Ten Spanish male WB players volunteered to participate in the study. The players did a pretest and posttest (1RM in bench press) with 6-week muscle strength intervention program. The results showed a high association between the %1RM and the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and the maximum velocity (Vmax), both in the total of the participants, and in each separate group of athletes. After implementing the strength training program, both the players of the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) < 2.5 group and those of IWBF > 2.5 group improved their 1RM (p < 0.01, ES = 0.20 to 0.23). However, the program produced positive effects at submaximal intensities in the MPV reached with 30, 40, 70, and 80 kg and in time to maximum velocity (TVmax) with 30, 40, and 70 kg (ES = -3.24 to 1.32) only in players with greater functional impairments. The high association between %1RM and MPV and Vmax can allow for determination the %1RM of the WB players in the BP using the MPV and the Vmax. The training program was effective in improving 1RM in both groups, while improvements in submaximal values only occurred in the IWBF < 2.5 group.
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Baloncesto , Entrenamiento de Fuerza , Silla de Ruedas , Terapia por Ejercicio , Humanos , Masculino , Fuerza Muscular , Músculo EsqueléticoRESUMEN
Objetivo: Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron describir las características antropométricas y la capacidad cardiovascularde corredores amateurs de trail running de corta distancia y analizar si existe asociación entre las características antropométricas y la capacidad cardiovascular en los corredores de montaña. Material y método: A un grupo de 10 corredores de trail running de corta distancia de categoría amateur se les realizó unanálisis antropométrico y un test incremental máximo con un 10% de inclinación en tapiz rodante. Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones significativas y negativas entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la velocidadalcanzada al primer umbral ventilatorio (Vel VT1) (r = -0,95, p < 0,001), así como con el tiempo en alcanzar el VT1 (t VT1) (r = -0,91,p = 0,002) y entre porcentaje (%) de grasa corporal y el índice de intercambio respiratorio al segundo umbral ventilatorio(RERVT2) (r = -0,80, p = 0,016) así como con el tiempo en alcanzar el VT2 (t VT2) (r = -0,83, p < 0,01). También se encontraron correlaciones significativas y positivas entre el perímetro de pierna y el consumo de oxígeno al VT1 (VO2 VT1) (r = 0,74, p = 0,037),el consumo de oxígeno al VT2 (VO2 VT2) (r = 0,90, p = 0,002) y el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2 max) (r = 0,85, p = 0,007). Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en el presente estudio ponen de manifiesto que tanto el % de grasa corporal comoel perímetro de la pierna pueden estar asociados al rendimiento en una prueba incremental con inclinación en los corredoresamateur de montaña participantes en el estudio.(AU)
Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometrical and cardiovascular characteristics of short course trailrunners and analyze the associations, if any, between both anthropometric and cardiovascular features of amateur trail runners. Material and method: Anthropometrical evaluation and an incremental maximum test with 10% of grade on a treadmillwere performed on a group of 10 short distance amateur trail runners. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between the body max index (BMI) and the speed at VT1 (Vel VT1)(r = -0,95, p < 0,001), or the time to reach VT1 (r = -0,91, p = 0,002) and between the body fat percentage and the respiratoryexchange ratio at VT2 (r = -0,80, p = 0,016) or the time to reach VT2 (r = -0,83, p = 0,01). Calf circumference was also foundto be positively associated with oxygen consumption at VT1 (r = 0,74, p = 0,037), at VT2 (r = 0,90, p = 0,002) and with themaximal oxygen uptake (r = 0,85, p = 0,007). Conclusions: Results indicate that both body fat percentage and calf circumference could be related to the performance onan incremental test protocol with inclination in amateur trail runners.(AU)
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Capacidad Cardiovascular , Antropometría , Somatotipos , Composición Corporal , Cineantropometría , Atletas , 51654 , Medicina Deportiva , EspañaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to analyze whether there were differences among para-footballers with different types and degrees of brain impairment (ie, bilateral spasticity, athetosis/ataxia, unilateral spasticity, minimum impairment criteria, or no impairment) in performing 3 football-specific tests requiring ball dribbling, to analyze whether there was an association among the results obtained in the 3 tests, and to determine whether the performance in the tests was associated with competitive level, level of training, or years' experience in para-footballers with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: A total of 123 footballers took part in the study, 87 of whom were footballers with CP and 36 who were without impairment. Both groups were assessed in 3 football-specific tests (Stop and Go, Turning and Dribbling, and the Illinois Agility Test). RESULTS: The results showed that the footballers without impairment recorded a better performance in all tests (P < .01) in comparison with the CP players. No significant differences in test performance were observed among the CP players from different competitive levels. However, significant differences (P < .01) were observed between players with diplegia or athetosis/ataxia compared with players with hemiplegia or minimum impairment level. Performance in the tests did not correlate with years of football experience, weekly strength training sessions, or specific football training in the footballers with CP (P = .12-.95). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the possible inclusion of these tests in the classification process for footballers with CP because they discriminate among functional classes and are resistant to training and competitive level.
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Rendimiento Atlético , Parálisis Cerebral , Fútbol , Humanos , AmbienteRESUMEN
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=0.022â0.238). Split jumps and side-stepping tests are associated with the performance of moderate and high accelerations during competition (r = -0.20â0.71; p<0.01). Significant correlations (r = 0.36â0.71; 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.
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Ataxia/fisiopatología , Rendimiento Atlético/fisiología , Parálisis Cerebral/fisiopatología , Paratletas , Fútbol/fisiología , Deportes para Personas con Discapacidad/fisiología , Aceleración , Adulto , Análisis de Varianza , Ataxia/clasificación , Rendimiento Atlético/clasificación , Parálisis Cerebral/clasificación , Estudios Transversales , Desaceleración , Sistemas de Información Geográfica , Humanos , Internacionalidad , Extremidad Inferior/fisiopatología , Movimiento/fisiología , Fútbol/clasificación , Fútbol/estadística & datos numéricos , Deportes para Personas con Discapacidad/clasificación , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Rendimiento Atlético , Parálisis Cerebral , Fútbol , Aceleración , Humanos , Esfuerzo FísicoRESUMEN
Spasticity is considered a contributor to hypertonia, frequently presented in people with cerebral palsy (CP), affecting muscle function and motor activities. In CP football, the classification system determines that this impairment is eligible for competitive para-sports due to the impact on activity limitation and sports performance. However, the relationship between this feature (i.e., spastic hypertonia) and performance determinants has not been explored yet. This study aimed to assess the association of clinical spasticity measurements with the performance of sport-specific tests used for classification purposes. Sixty-nine international footballers with CP voluntarily participated in this study. The Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale was used to measure spasticity in lower limbs muscle groups and activity limitation tests were conducted considering dynamic balance, coordination, vertical and horizontal jumps, acceleration, and change of direction ability. Low-to-moderate negative significant associations were found between the hip spasticity and measures of dynamic balance and dominant unipedal horizontal jump capacity. Additionally, moderate associations were reported between the knee spasticity and the non-dominant unipedal horizontal jump capacity and the change of direction actions with the ball. The ankle spasticity score reported small to moderate associations with the change of direction assessment without the ball and bipedal and dominant unipedal horizontal jump capability. Finally, the total spasticity score only presented a significant association with horizontal jump performance. This is a novel study that provides evidence of the associations between an eligible neural impairment and relevant specific measures of activity limitation tests. These results suggest that the amount of spasticity according to each evaluated joint muscle group of the lower limbs presents a low-to-moderate significant relationship with determined measures of dynamic balance, coordination, horizontal jump, acceleration, and change of direction ability with and without the ball in international-level CP footballers. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the real contribution of neural and non-neural impairments related to hypertonia on fundamental sport-specific motor skills of para-footballers with CP.
RESUMEN
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.