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Reina R, Beckman EM, Connick MJ, Spathis JG, Tweedy SM. Evaluating the Validity of Tests to Predict Sprint and Change of Direction Speed in Para-Athletes With Brain Impairments. Adapt Phys Activ Q 2024; 41:593-610. [PMID: 38955336 DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2023-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Maximum running speed is a performance determinant in para-athletics and cerebral palsy football. Sixty international para-athletes with brain impairments completed five activity-limitation tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, 10-m speed skip, and running in place) and two criterion tests (40-m sprint and modified agility test). The same three tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, and 10-m speed skip) that correlated with running performance in nondisabled runners (.67 < r < -.82; p < .05; 75% of variance) also correlated in para-athletes with brain impairments (.41 < r < -.62; p < .01; 55% of variance). Standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, and running in place also correlated with change-of-direction speed (.43 < r < -.63; p < .01; 58% of variance). Results indicate that methods of classification for para-athletics with nondisabled runners are also valid with para-athletes with brain impairments, and new sport-specific relationships were found for assessing the performance of rapid and short sprints toward different directions, specific of a team para-sport like cerebral palsy football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Reina
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Center, Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, Spain
- International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF), Arnhem, the Netherlands
| | - Emma M Beckman
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark J Connick
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jemima G Spathis
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University (ACU), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sean M Tweedy
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Cornejo MI, Roldan A, Reina R. What Is the Relationship between Trunk Control Function and Arm Coordination in Adults with Severe-to-Moderate Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:141. [PMID: 36612469 PMCID: PMC9819854 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Adults with tetraparesis cerebral palsy (i.e., wheelchair users) tend to experience more accelerated ageing, resulting in physical deterioration that increases the impact of the disability, leading to a loss of mobility that interferes with people's daily activities and participation in the community. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between trunk control and the function of the less-affected arm in this population. For this purpose, 41 para-athletes were invited to participate in this study, performing five tests to assess upper limb coordination, two tests to assess manual dexterity [i.e., Box and Block Test (BBT) and Box and Ball Test (BBLT)] and three tests to assess intra-limb coordination in different planes. Trunk control was assessed in both static and dynamic sitting conditions. The results show moderate correlations between static postural control and manual dexterity tests in the BBT (r = -0.553; p = 0.002) and BBLT (r = -0.537; p = 0.004). Large correlations were also found between static postural control and intra-limb tasks in horizontal (r = 0.769; p = 0.001) and vertical movements (r = 0.739; p = 0.009). Better static trunk control is related to a better upper limb function in the sagittal plane. Considerations and implications are explained in the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Cornejo
- Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Alba Roldan
- Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Raul Reina
- Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
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Oliveira JIVD, Oliveira LIGLD, Costa MDC, Arruda SFD, Oliveira SFMD. PROTOCOL FOR ASSESSING THE PRECISION OF PARALYMPIC BOCCIA PLAYERS. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202127062020_0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Although Paralympic boccia is an up-and-coming sport, demanding more and requiring higher levels of performance from athletes, protocols are not available for evaluating its indicators. Objective: To develop and verify the applicability of a new protocol for assessing the precision of athletes of the sport. Methods: Two targets with two different resolutions (0.5 [RES-0.5] and 1.0 [RES-1.0] points) were developed, graduated from 1 to 7. The protocol consists of placing the targets at 6 locations on the court, and each athlete makes two shots for each target. The best results are considered, from which total precision (TotalP), short precision (SP), medium precision (MP) and long precision (LP) are extracted. Nine players participated in the application of the protocol. The indicators of both targets were compared and verified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEm), bias (Bland-Altman) and minimum detectable difference (MDD). Results: Only for LP were there differences between targets (RES-0.5: 9.111 versus RES-1.0: 7.167; p <0.05), while TotalP, SP and MP did not show any significant differences (RES-0.5: 23.11 versus RES-1.0: 25.39; RES-0.5: 18.22 versus RES-1.0: 17.78; RES-0.5: 9.11 versus RES-1.0: 12.44, respectively). In addition, the RES-0.5 target obtained better concordance results (ICC = 0.73; SEm = 3.45; bias = -0.5938; MDD = 8.00), while the RES-1.0 target obtained lower values (CCI = 0.53; SEm = 6.28; bias = 0.3750; MDD = 14.56). Conclusions: The proposed protocol presents excellent applicability results. However, a larger sample of athletes including more details on specific precision indicators should be performed. Level of evidence II; Prospective comparative study.
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Fliess Douer O, Koseff D, Tweedy S, Molik B, Vanlandewijck Y. Challenges and opportunities in wheelchair basketball classification- A Delphi study. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:7-18. [PMID: 33685356 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1883310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) mandates Paralympic Sports to develop evidence-based classification systems that allocate athletes into 'classes' according to the impact of their impairment on sport-specific performance. In wheelchair-basketball, a panel of classifiers assesses athlete's performance through observation. One key barrier to evidence-based classification is the absence of defined eligible impairments, including clear guidelines on how to assess them and their impact on wheelchair basketball performance. This study aims to reach expert consensus on issues specific to wheelchair basketball that can benefit from evidence-based classification. It offers recommendations for refining the classification manual, thus improving adherence to the IPC classification code. A three-round Delphi study was conducted with 29 experts in wheelchair basketball. The experts agreed with the new definition for the aim of wheelchair basketball classification, which is in line with the IPC code. Cases identified as having the highest risk for disagreement between classifiers included classifying players with upper limb deficiency or with impaired coordination. The panel failed to agree on changing the classification procedures and on defining the eligible impairment list. This study identifies issues specific to wheelchair basketball classification to be addressed in future research. Additional discussions need to take place to promote further resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osnat Fliess Douer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Science and Technology, Israel Paralympic Committee, Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, The Academic College at Wingate Institute, Israel
| | - Davidah Koseff
- Department of Science and Technology, Israel Paralympic Committee, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sean Tweedy
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Bartosz Molik
- Department of Physiotherapy, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yves Vanlandewijck
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium.,GIH, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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Altmann VC, Groen BE, Groeneweg S, van der Weijde G, Keijsers NLW. Validation of new measures of arm coordination impairment in Wheelchair Rugby. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:91-98. [PMID: 33593245 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1882731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aims were twofold: (1) to evaluate the construct validity of the Repetitive Movement Test (RMT) a novel test developed for Wheelchair Rugby classification which evaluates arm coordination impairment at five joints - shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and fingers - and (2), pending sufficiently positive results, propose objective minimum impairment criteria (MIC). Forty-two WR athletes with an eligible coordination impairment, and 20 volunteers without impairment completed the RMT and two clinically established coordination tests: the finger-nose test (FNT) and the spiral test (ST). Coordination deduction (CD), an ordinal observational coordination scale, currently used in WR classification, was obtained. Spearman-rank correlation coefficients (SCC) between RMT and ST (0.40 to 0.67) and between RMT and CD (0.31 to 0.53) generally supported RMT construct validity, SCC between RMT and FNT were lower (0.12-0.31). When the scores on ST, FNT and RMT from the sample of WR players were compared with the scores from volunteers without impairment, 93.5% to 100% of WR players had scores > 2SD below the mean of volunteers without impairment on the same test. In conclusion, RMT at the elbow, forearm, wrist and fingers have sufficient construct validity for use in WR. MIC were recommended with ST and RMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola C Altmann
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Brenda E Groen
- Sint Maartenskliniek Department of Research, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Groeneweg
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Noël L W Keijsers
- Sint Maartenskliniek Department of Research, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Reina R, Iturricastillo A, Castillo D, Roldan A, Toledo C, Yanci J. Is impaired coordination related to match physical load in footballers with cerebral palsy of different sport classes? J Sports Sci 2021; 39:140-149. [PMID: 33525957 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1880740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Reina
- Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain.,Head of Classification, International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aitor Iturricastillo
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Daniel Castillo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, Spain
| | - Alba Roldan
- Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Carlos Toledo
- Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Javier Yanci
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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van der Linden ML, Corrigan O, Tennant N, Verheul MHG. 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. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:159-166. [PMID: 33337948 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1860360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orla Corrigan
- Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicola Tennant
- Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martine H G Verheul
- Human Performance Science Research Group, Institute for Sport, Physical Education & Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Hutchinson MJ, Phillips JLK, Mason BS, Goosey-Tolfrey VL, Beckman EM. Measures of impairment applicable to the classification of Paralympic athletes competing in wheelchair sports: A systematic review of validity, reliability and associations with performance. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:40-61. [PMID: 32912039 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1815957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental aspect of classification systems in Paralympic sport is having valid and reliable measures of impairment. However, minimal consensus exists for assessing impaired strength, coordination and range of motion. This review aimed to systematically identify measures of upper body strength, coordination and range of motion impairments that meet the requirements for use in evidence-based classification systems in wheelchair sports. Three electronic databases were searched from 2003 until 31 August 2019 for studies that assessed upper body function of participants and used a measurement tool that assessed strength, coordination or range of motion. The body of evidence for each identified measure was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Twenty-three studies were included: ten measured strength and coordination, and six measured range of motion. There was "moderate" confidence in using isometric strength for assessing strength impairment. Tapping tasks for the assessment of coordination impairment received a "low" confidence rating. All other identified measures of coordination and range of motion impairment received a "very low" confidence rating. Several potential measures were identified for assessing upper body strength, coordination and range of motion impairments. Further research is warranted to investigate their use for classification in Paralympic wheelchair sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hutchinson
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Jamie-Lee K Phillips
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Barry S Mason
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Victoria L Goosey-Tolfrey
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Emma M Beckman
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Inter-Rater Reliability, Concurrent Validity and Sensitivity of Current Methods to Assess Trunk Function in Boccia Player with Cerebral Palsy. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030130. [PMID: 32110853 PMCID: PMC7139471 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trunk function is a core factor to allocate Boccia players with cerebral palsy in BC1 and BC2 sport classes, according to the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed). However, the appropriateness of the current test to assess trunk function has never been studied to determine its reliability, validity and sensitivity to discriminate between different levels of impairment. Thirty-six players (BC1 = 13 and BC2 = 23) took part in this study. Trunk control was assessed through the BISFed trunk function scale (TFS) and a posturographic test battery consisting of two static and three dynamic tasks. The inter-rater reliability for the BISFed TFS was set at 94.44% of agreement. Moderate-to-high correlations were obtained between posturographic tasks (0.39 < r < 0.96; p < 0.05–0.01), while the BISFed TFS only correlated with two of the dynamic tasks and the overall dynamic score (−0.38 < r < −0.51; p < 0.05). The BISFed TFS was not able to discriminate between sport classes, whereas the static posturographic task did so (p = 0.004). Even though the current BISFed TFS presented good inter-rater reliability, it does not seem to have enough sensitivity to discriminate between BC1 and BC2. Although the static posturographic tasks were able to discriminate between sports classes, it seems necessary to develop new field tests assessing participants’ trunk stabilization abilities.
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Hogarth L, Payton C, Nicholson V, Spathis J, Tweedy S, Connick M, Beckman E, Van de Vliet P, Burkett B. Classifying motor coordination impairment in Para swimmers with brain injury. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:526-531. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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