Effects of Powerchair Football: Contextual Factors That Impact Participation.

The aim of this study was to identify contextual factors that negatively affect activity and participation among powerchair football (PF) players. Thirty-seven semistructured interviews were conducted with PF players (Mage = 27.9 ± 8.2 years) in France (n = 18) and the United States (n = 19). Participants reported acute back and neck pain as the primary morbidities resulting from PF participation, with sustained atypical posture in the sport chair as the primary cause. Competition-related physical and mental stress were also identified as participation outcomes. Accompanying the many benefits of PF, participants recognized negative impacts of discomfort, physical fatigue, and mental fatigue. Interventions such as seating modifications, thermotherapy to combat pain, napping to combat acute physical stress, and mental preparation to manage state anxiety were all identified as prospective interventions.

APAQ at Forty: Publication Trends.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly (APAQ) publications over the journal's fourth decade (2014-2023) and compare them with previous documentary analyses of the first 3 decades. Consistent with prior documentary analyses, publications were coded and analyzed based on the use of theory, research participants, topic, whether the study was an intervention, first-author country affiliation, and research method. The total number of published research papers increased substantially (n = 61) from the third to the fourth decade. Similar to prior documentary analyses, most of the research was quantitative (n = 140; 57.5%), followed by qualitative research (n = 96; 39.5%). There were far more qualitative-research publications in the fourth decade compared with the third decade (n = 34). This may reflect the continued acceptance and growth of qualitative research compared with 10-20 years ago. It may also reflect the value of rich in-depth exploratory research using small samples. Additional trends included more review papers and meta-analyses, possibly reflecting the increased knowledge base in particular areas requiring synthesis. The diversity of topics also increased, with papers on dignity, classification, coaching, and the Paralympics playing more prominent roles. The number of international publications also grew substantially. In brief, the current paper outlines both similarities and differences in APAQ's published research over the 4 decades of its existence.

Investigating Strategies Used to Foster Quality Participation in Recreational Sport Programs for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Perceived Importance.

Quality experiences in sport programming for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can promote physical and psychosocial benefits and long-term quality participation (QP). Unfortunately, children with ASD often experience sport participation barriers and, consequently, participate less in sport compared with children without disabilities. This study investigated QP priorities and strategies that could foster QP for children with ASD. Caregivers (n = 13), volunteers (n = 26), and staff (n = 14) involved in sport programming for children with ASD rated experiential elements of QP using the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation. In addition , a two-round Delphi survey with staff (Round 1: n = 11; Round 2: n = 13) generated 22 strategies for promoting QP-each rated highly with regard to importance (5.69-6.85 on a 7-point scale). Strategies were substantiated with published research evidence. Findings informed the development of a QP tool designed to help instructors implement identified strategies in hopes of improving sport experiences for children with ASD.

Cognitive-motor multitasking in athletes with and without intellectual impairment.

PURPOSE: We investigated cognitive-motor multitasking in 29 top athletes with intellectual impairment (II) recruited during the European Championship Games organized by Virtus (World Intellectual Impairment Sports) and 29 control (CT) athletes matched for age, sex, sports practiced, and lifetime accumulated practice hours. METHODS: Participants performed a cognitive task that required recognizing previously displayed visual objects among distractors. The motor task required maintaining a stable upright posture balancing on a rocking board placed atop a force plate which assessed center-of-pressure (COP) movement. Both tasks were performed separately (with participants seated for the cognitive single task) and concurrently under dual-task conditions, wherein participants memorized objects while balancing. We analyzed recognition accuracy, COP path length, and sample entropy of the COP trajectory as a measure for automaticity of postural control. RESULTS: As expected, CT-athletes outperformed II-athletes in the cognitive task but the two groups have comparable performance in the postural task under single- and dual-task conditions. When multitasking, CT-athletes switched to more automatic postural control and maintained their postural sway at single-task levels. II-athletes prioritized balance thereby successfully keeping COP excursion comparable to single-task conditions. However, this came with pronounced costs for memory performance, which was unaffected by multitasking in CT-athletes. CONCLUSION: The adaptive capacity observed in control athletes was not at the disposal of II-athletes who revealed pronounced sensitivities to multitasking interference. This sensitivity obviously was not compensated for by either athletic competence or potential transfer of athletic skill to domain-general cognitive functions.

Evidence-Based Classification in Powerchair Football: Determining the Determinants.

The purpose of this study was to initiate the development of an evidence-based sport classification system for powerchair football, a sport that serves athletes with physical impairments. Sport classification is designed to increase participation by minimizing the impact of impairment on competition outcome, and powerchair football lacks an evidence-based system of classification which is required of Paralympic sports. A number of approaches were used to build the theoretical model of sport performance (Step 2 of the International Paralympic Committee model). Key sport activities were identified through surveys of stakeholders and underlying determinants of those key activities were identified through game and database analyses. Current findings support drive control, ball control, communication, and adjustment to the ball as key activities in powerchair football with joint-specific strength and range of motion, sensory, and neurological variables identified as underlying determinants.

Three Simulated Goalball Games in the Same Day Cause Central Fatigue and Can Impair Game Technical Performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three simulated goalball games on neuromuscular, physiological, perceptual, and technical parameters. Ten male players underwent assessments before and immediately after each game. Heart rate was recorded at rest and during all games that were entirely filmed for further technical performance analysis. Exercise significantly decreased knee extensor muscles peak force and percentage of voluntary activation after the second and third games, indicating the presence of central fatigue. Heart rate responses remained predominantly in a range equivalent to moderate activity intensity in all games. In addition, perceptual parameters were associated with reduced frequency of throws and density of actions. These findings suggest significant implications for the management of physical training, game strategy during a competition, and fixture change from three to two games per day.

Injuries in Judo Athletes With Disabilities: Prevalence, Magnitude, and Sport-Related Mechanisms.

CONTEXT: The participation of judo athletes with disabilities in competitions has increased over the years as well as the burden of sports-related injuries and illnesses in this population. However, there is limited knowledge about sports-related injuries in judo athletes with different disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of injuries in judo athletes with disabilities, considering the different impairment groups, magnitude of injury (ie, mechanism, nature, and severity of injury), and specific body parts. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (level of evidence, 3). SETTING: Brazilian Judo athletes with disabilities. PATIENTS: Fifty-one judo athletes with disabilities (15 men and 36 women) participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were obtained from an adapted injury report form. The prevalence of injuries was assessed, considering type of impairment, body parts, mechanisms, and severity as well as differences between male and female athletes, with the significance level set at P < .05. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a high prevalence of injuries in female athletes with visual impairment (n = 11, 73.3%) and male athletes with amputations (n = 14, 38.8%). A high prevalence was found in the national group, especially for male athletes (n = 29, 80.5%). Among athletes who had injuries, 69.4% (n = 12) of male and 80.0% (n = 25) of female athletes' injuries occurred due to direct contact with other athletes, and 72.2% (n = 26) of male and 86.6% (n = 13) of female athletes' injuries were in the training environment. The magnitude of injuries ranged from moderate to severe for male and female athletes. The knee (n = 25, 49.0%) and shoulder (n = 12, 23.5%) were the body parts most affected by injuries in both male and female athletes. CONCLUSION: A large percentage of judo athletes with disabilities reported experiencing an injury during the previous 2 years; percentages were greater in athletes with visual and physical impairment. Moreover, most injuries occurred in the knee or shoulder, during training, and in direct contact with other athletes and were of severe magnitude.

Optimising classification of proximal arm strength impairment in wheelchair rugby: A proof of concept study.

This study examined the relationship between proximal arm strength and mobility performance in wheelchair rugby (WR) athletes and examined whether a valid structure for classifying proximal arm strength impairment could be determined. Fifty-seven trained WR athletes with strength impaired arms and no trunk function performed six upper body isometric strength tests and three 10 m sprints in their rugby wheelchair. All strength measures correlated with 2 m and 10 m sprint times (r ≥ -0.43; p ≤ 0.0005) and were entered into k-means cluster analyses with 4-clusters (to mirror the current International Wheelchair Rugby Federation [IWRF] system) and 3-clusters. The 3-cluster structure provided a more valid structure than both the 4-cluster and existing IWRF system, as evidenced by clearer differences in strength (Effect sizes [ES] ≥ 1.0) and performance (ES ≥ 1.1) between adjacent clusters and stronger mean silhouette coefficient (0.64). Subsequently, the 3-cluster structure for classifying proximal arm strength impairment would result in less overlap between athletes from adjacent classes and reduce the likelihood of athletes being disadvantaged due to their impairment. This study demonstrated that the current battery of isometric strength tests and cluster analyses could facilitate the evidence-based development of classifying proximal arm strength impairment in WR.

Cluster analysis of impairment measures to inform an evidence-based classification structure in RaceRunning, a new World Para Athletics event for athletes with hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis.

RaceRunning enables athletes with limited or no walking ability to propel themselves independently using a three-wheeled frame that has a saddle, handle bars and a chest plate. For RaceRunning to be included as a para athletics event, an evidence-based classification system is required. This study assessed the impact of trunk control and lower limb impairment measures on RaceRunning performance and evaluated whether cluster analysis of these impairment measures produces a valid classification structure for RaceRunning. The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), the Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale (ASAS), and knee extension were recorded for 26 RaceRunning athletes. Thirteen male and 13 female athletes aged 24 (SD = 7) years participated. All impairment measures were significantly correlated with performance (rho = 0.55-0.74). Using ASAS, SCALE, TCMS and knee extension as cluster variables in a two-step cluster analysis resulted in two clusters of athletes. Race speed and the impairment measures were significantly different between the clusters (p < 0.001). The findings of this study provide evidence for the utility of the selected impairment measures in an evidence-based classification system for RaceRunning athletes.

Does sports-specific training improve measures of impairment developed for para sport classification? A multiple-baseline, single-case experiment.

Conceptually, sports-specific training should not influence measures of impairment used to classify Para athletes. This study evaluated the extent to which measures of strength, range of movement and coordination developed for Para swimming classification changed in response to a performance-focused swimming programme. A five-phase multiple-baseline, single-case experimental research design was utilized. Three participants with cerebral palsy and high support needs completed the 64-week study, which included two 16-week performance-focused swimming training blocks. Swimming speed, isometric shoulder extension strength, shoulder flexion range of movement and upper limb coordination were monitored throughout.Interrupted Time-Series Simulation Method analysis demonstrated large, significant changes in swimming speed (m/s) during the first (d = 2.17; 95% CI 0.45-3.88; p = 0.01) and second (d = 2.59; 95% CI 1.66-3.52; p = 0.00) training blocks. In contrast, changes in strength, range of movement and coordination were predominantly trivial and non-significant. This was the first study to investigate training responsiveness of measures developed for Para sport classification. Results indicate that despite significantly improved swimming performance, impairment measures remained relatively stable, and therefore these measures of impairment may be valid for the purposes of Para swimming classification. Further research is required in elite athletes, different sports and different impairment types.

Factors Associated With Penalty Outcome on Male Elite Goalball.

The authors' purpose was to examine the factors associated with penalty outcomes of male elite goalball. A total of 122 video-recorded matches from two Paralympic Games (i.e., 2012 and 2016) and the 2014 Goalball World Championship were assessed using notational analysis. Individual (n = 2), situational (n = 4), and performance variables (n = 7) were analyzed with good strength of agreement for intra- and interrater kappa index values. Their results showed that penalties play a very important role in the final score, composing around 25% of total goals in elite goalball matches. Winners were awarded on average with 62% of penalties and had 66% effectiveness compared with losers (31% and 53%) or drawers (8% and 52%). Based on the authors' findings, penalty takers should direct their throws at specific target sectors on the court, which could increase their rate of success to over 80%.

Physiological responses during simulated 16 km recumbent handcycling time trial and determinants of performance in trained handcyclists.

PURPOSE: To characterise the physiological profiles of trained handcyclists, during recumbent handcycling, to describe the physiological responses during a 16 km time trial (TT) and to identify the determinants of this TT performance. METHODS: Eleven male handcyclists performed a sub-maximal and maximal incremental exercise test in their recumbent handbike, attached to a Cyclus II ergometer. A physiological profile, including peak aerobic power output (POPeak), peak rate of oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2Peak), aerobic lactate threshold (AeLT) and PO at 4 mmol L-1 (PO4), were determined. Participants also completed a 16 km simulated TT using the same experimental set-up. Determinants of TT performance were identified using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean values of POPeak = 252 ± 9 W, [Formula: see text]O2Peak = 3.30 ± 0.36 L min-1 (47.0 ± 6.8 mL kg-1 min-1), AeLT = 87 ± 13 W and PO4 = 154 ± 14 W were recorded. The TT was completed in 29:21 ± 0:59 min:s at an intensity equivalent to 69 ± 4% POPeak and 87 ± 5% [Formula: see text]O2Peak. POPeak (r = - 0.77, P = 0.006), PO4 (r = - 0.77, P = 0.006) and AeLT (r = - 0.68, P = 0.022) were significantly correlated with TT performance. PO4 and POPeak were identified as the best predictors of TT performance (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: POPeak, PO4 and AeLT are important physiological TT performance determinants in trained handcyclists, differentiating between superior and inferior performance, whereas [Formula: see text]O2peak was not. The TT took place at an intensity corresponding to 69% POPeak and 87% [Formula: see text]O2peak.

Division, result and score margin alter the physical and technical performance of elite wheelchair tennis players.

This study determined the physical and technical demands of elite wheelchair tennis (WT) match-play, how the demands differed between divisions (Men, Women, Quad) and the effect that set result and score margin had on these demands. Seventeen WT players were monitored during a singles competition. Physical measures of performance were analysed using an indoor tracking system and inertial measurement units. Technical measures of performance were examined using video analysis. Physical measures of performance differed by division (Men > Women > Quad) for most parameters. Rallies were longer during Men's (P = 0.027) and Women's (P = 0.004) matches compared to Quad's and fewer shots were hit off 2 bounces in Men's matches compared to Women's and Quad's (P ≤ 0.026). High-speed activity (HSA) increased during losing sets (P = 0.043). Most physical measures of performance increased by moderate to large effects during sets with a small score margin (≤3 games differential). Mean speed and HSA were similar during losing sets, regardless of margin, but decreased (large effects) when winning by a large margin. This study demonstrated the physical and technical demands that elite WT players need to be prepared for and how situational factors can influence these demands.

Shoulder and thorax kinematics contribute to increased power output of competitive handcyclists.

Current knowledge of recumbent handbike configuration and handcycling technique is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the upper limb kinematics and handbike configurations of recreational and competitive recumbent handcyclists, during sport-specific intensities. Thirteen handcyclists were divided into two significantly different groups based on peak aerobic power output (POpeak ) and race experience; competitive (n = 7; 5 H3 and 2 H4 classes; POpeak : 247 ± 20 W) and recreational (n = 6; 4 H3 and 2 H4 classes; POpeak : 198 ± 21 W). Participants performed bouts of exercise at training (50% POpeak ), competition (70% POpeak ), and sprint intensity while three-dimensional kinematic data (thorax, scapula, shoulder, elbow, and wrist) were collected. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the kinematics of competitive and recreational handcyclists. Handbike configurations were determined from additional markers on the handbike. Competitive handcyclists flexed their thorax (~5°, P < 0.05), extended their shoulder (~10°, P < 0.01), and posteriorly tilted their scapular (~15°, P < 0.05) more than recreational handcyclists. Differences in scapular motion occurred only at training intensity while differences in shoulder extension and thorax flexion occurred both at training and competition intensities. No differences were observed during sprinting. No significant differences in handbike configuration were identified. This study is the first to compare the upper limb kinematics of competitive recreational handcyclists at sport-specific intensities. Competitive handcyclists employed significantly different propulsion strategies at training and competition intensities. Since no differences in handbike configuration were identified, these kinematic differences could be due to technical training adaptations potentially optimizing muscle recruitment or force generation of the arm.

Improving Communication of Information About Physical Activity Opportunities for People With Disabilities.

One significant barrier to physical activity (PA) for people with disabilities is the lack of access to PA information. The purpose of this study was to explore how access to PA information can be improved for people with disabilities, their carers, and PA-session facilitators. To investigate the flow of PA information within a communication network, principles derived from knowledge translation were used: information audiences, messengers, methods, and effectiveness. Participants included 48 people with disabilities (34 male and 14 female; mean age 30 years), 34 carers, and 12 session facilitators. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results show how communication of PA information can be improved by indicating practical value in understanding individual motivations to PA participation, including credible messengers, using multiple delivery methods, and expanding information networks. Future steps are offered, including practical implications resulting from this study to improve PA information flow within a network.

The Demands of Amputee Soccer Impair Muscular Endurance and Power Indices But Not Match Physical Performance.

We investigated the match demands (distances covered and acute physiological responses) of amputee soccer and its impact on muscular endurance and power. Measures such as heart rate, blood lactate concentration, subjective rating of perceived exertion, and time-motion characteristics were recorded in 16 Brazilian amputee soccer players during matches. Before and after matches, players completed a battery of tests: push-ups, countermovement vertical jump performance, and medicine ball throwing. Small differences were found between the first and second half for the distance covered in total and across various speed categories. Heart rate responses, blood lactate concentrations, and peak speed did not differ between halves, and all neuromuscular performance measures decreased after the match particularly after push-ups, although the rating of perceived exertion increased markedly compared with prematches. Although match physical performances were consistent across halves, the overall demands impaired test performance, especially for upper limb and closed kinetic chain exercise.

Effect of holding a racket on propulsion technique of wheelchair tennis players.

The purpose of this study was to determine possible differences in propulsion technique between propelling the wheelchair with and without a racket in the hand. Eight experienced wheelchair tennis players performed three submaximal exercise tests and six sprint tests on a wheelchair ergometer. Torque and velocity were measured during the tests and power output and timing variables were calculated. Differences between the conditions with and without racket were analyzed. When propelling with the racket, the racket side showed a significantly lower push time (P = 0.03), lower percentage push time (P = 0.001), shorter contact angle (P < 0.001), more power loss before (P = 0.006) and after (P = 0.001) the push, a higher peak (P = 0.009) and mean (P = 0.005) power output during the push, and a lower mean overall velocity (P = 0.03). When the same hand is compared when propelling with and without racket or when the sprint data were analyzed, similar significant differences were found. Propelling the wheelchair while holding a racket has negative effects on the propulsion technique and may lead to injuries of the upper extremity. The longer time needed to couple the hand with the racket to the rim leads to higher power losses and subsequently higher power output generation during the shorter push phase.

Evaluation of methods for calculating maximum allowable standing height in amputees competing in Paralympic athletics.

The International Paralympic Committee has a maximum allowable standing height (MASH) rule that limits stature to a pre-trauma estimation. The MASH rule reduces the probability that bilateral lower limb amputees use disproportionately long prostheses in competition. Although there are several methods for estimating stature, the validity of these methods has not been compared. To identify the most appropriate method for the MASH rule, this study aimed to compare the criterion validity of estimations resulting from the current method, the Contini method, and four Canda methods (Canda-1, Canda-2, Canda-3, and Canda-4). Stature, ulna length, demispan, sitting height, thigh length, upper arm length, and forearm length measurements in 31 males and 30 females were used to calculate the respective estimation for each method. Results showed that Canda-1 (based on four anthropometric variables) produced the smallest error and best fitted the data in males and females. The current method was associated with the largest error of those tests because it increasingly overestimated height in people with smaller stature. The results suggest that the set of Canda equations provide a more valid MASH estimation in people with a range of upper limb and bilateral lower limb amputations compared with the current method.

Data logger device applicability for wheelchair tennis court movement.

Assessment of movement logging devices is required to ensure suitability for the determination of court-movement variables during competitive sports performance and allow for practical recommendations to be made. Hence, the purpose was to examine wheelchair tennis speed profiles to assess data logger device applicability for court-movement quantification, with match play stratified by rank (HIGH, LOW), sex (male, female) and format (singles, doubles). Thirty-one wheelchair tennis players were monitored during competitive match play. Mixed sampling was employed (male = 23, female = 8). Friedman's test with Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc testing revealed a higher percentage of time below 2.5 m · s(-1) [<2.5 vs. ≥2.5 m · s(-1): 89.4 (5.0) vs. 1.2 (3.5)%, Z = -4.860, P < 0.0005, r = 0.87] with the remaining time [9.0 (4.9%)] spent stationary. LOW-ranked players were stationary for longer than HIGH-ranked counterparts [12.6 (8.7) vs. 8.2 (5.1)%, U = 30.000, P = 0.011, r = 0.46] with more time at low propulsion speeds (<1.0 m · s(-1)). HIGH-ranked and doubles players spent more time in higher speed zones than respective counterparts. Females spent more time in the 1.0-1.49 m · s(-1) zone (U = 48.000, P = 0.047, r = 0.36). Regardless of rank, sex or format, propulsion speeds during wheelchair tennis match play are consistent with data logger accuracy. Hence, data logging is appropriate for court-movement quantification.

Effect of swim speed on leg-to-arm coordination in unilateral arm amputee front crawl swimmers.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of swimming speed on leg-to-arm coordination in competitive unilateral arm amputee front crawl swimmers. Thirteen well-trained swimmers were videotaped underwater during three 25-m front crawl trials (400 m, 100 m and 50 m pace). The number, duration and timing of leg kicks in relation to arm stroke phases were identified by video analysis. Within the group, a six-beat kick was predominantly used (n = 10) although some swimmers used a four-beat (n = 2) or eight-beat kick (n = 1). Swimming speed had no significant effect on the relative duration of arm stroke and leg kick phases. At all speeds, arm stroke phases were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the affected and unaffected sides. In contrast, the kicking phases of both legs were not different. Consequently, leg-to-arm coordination was asymmetrical. The instant when the leg kicks ended on the affected side corresponded with particular positions of the unaffected arm, but not with the same positions of the affected arm. In conclusion, the ability to dissociate the movements of the arms from the legs demonstrates that, because of their physical impairment, unilateral arm amputee swimmers functionally adapt their motor organisation to swim front crawl.