This study aimed (1) to determine the appropriateness of using decision trees as a classification tool for determining the allocation of sport classes of para-footballers with “moderate vs. mild” cerebral palsy (CP) profiles of spastic diplegia/hemiplegia and ataxia/athetosis based on observational outcomes by international classifiers, and (2) to identify what key observational features were relevant to discriminating among different impairment levels. A sample of 16 experienced international classifiers from five world regions participated in this study, observing activity limitation of a final sample of 21 international CP footballers when performing 16 gross-motor and sports-specific tests for balance (n = 3), coordination (n = 5), running, accelerations and decelerations (n = 3), jumping (n = 4), and change of direction ability (n = 1). For the overall sample (336 observations), the model included eight decision nodes and 24 branches with 17 leaves, including side-step, side-stepping, and triple hop as the tests with the best sensitivity (precision = 67.0%). For those with spastic diplegia (64 observations: Two nodes, six branches with five leaves), the range of motion in the side-step test and the balance in the tandem walk tests correctly classified 89.1% of the observations. In those with athetosis and ataxia (96 observations), the model included five nodes, 15 branches, and 11 leaves (176 observations, precision = 86.5%). For those with spastic hemiplegia, a model containing two nodes, six branches, and five leaves had 90.9% accuracy, including observational features of balance in the side-step test and symmetry in the side-stepping test. The observational tool used in this study, based on the impact of specific impairment measurements of hypertonia, athetosis, and ataxia, can be used to determine which assessments are more appropriate for discriminating between functional profiles in para-footballers with CP.

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; , large). Lower moderate accelerations and decelerations per minute in SSG4/SG compared with SSG2 were also found (p < .01; , 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.

This study examined the effects of eccentric strength training on muscle function and functionality in football players with cerebral palsy (CP). Eight players (M=21.6, SD=5.9 years) performed bilateral lower limb (LL) eccentric strength training for six-week at 80% of one repetition maximum (ECC), three times per week, while nine players (M=20.9, SD=6.6 years) were used as controls (CTL). Knee extensor muscles isometric (MVC) strength, asymmetry between LL, thigh perimeter, balance (Y-balance test) and agility (Illinois agility test) were measured in both LL before and after training. CTL maintained all dependent variables unchanged after six weeks. MVC strength increased in the right (M=22.7, SD=9.6%; p<0.001; ES=1.12) and in the left LL (M=23.7, SD=7.6%; p<0.001; ES=0.93) after ECC. Strength asymmetry decreased (M=-22.7, SD=15.4%; p<0.001; ES=0.58) after ECC. Thigh perimeter increased in the left (M=4.8, SD=1.6%; p<0.001; ES=0.84) and in the right LL (M=4.4, SD=1.5%; p<0.001; ES=0.73) after ECC. Balance improved in the left (M=12.9, SD=3.2%; p<0.001; ES=0.84) and in the right LL (M=10.5, SD=4.5%; p<0.001; ES=0.63) after ECC. The results suggest that eccentric strength training seems to effectively increase muscle strength, balance, and thigh perimeter and decrease strength asymmetry in football players with CP.

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Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue: i) Caracterizar el perfil del rendimiento físico de los futbolistas con parálisis cerebral (PC) de la selección Chilena de fútbol 7 acorde a su clasificación deportiva (CD) y posición de juego; ii) Analizar la relación entre las variables de rendimiento físico con la CD. Método: Participaron 19 jugadores varones con PC pertenecientes a la selección Chilena de fútbol 7 agrupados según CD (FT1, FT2, FT3) y posición de juego. Se realizaron mediciones de agilidad (AG), capacidad de realizar sprint repetido (RSA), distancia recorrida en la prueba Yo-Yo (D), capacidad de salto con las pruebas Squat Jump (SJ) y Countermovement Jump (CMJ). Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas de acuerdo a las CD donde los jugadores FT3 lograron un mayor rendimiento en las pruebas de AG y D comparado con FT2 y FT1, no así para RSA donde solo fue superior a FT1. Mediocampistas lograron un mayor rendimiento con un tamaño del efecto grande en todas las variables en comparación a las posiciones de defensa y delantero. Se observaron relaciones fuertes y muy fuertes entre todas las variables de rendimiento físico, así también para las relaciones con la CD a excepción de SJ y CMJ. Conclusión: Se deben considerar las características específicas de cada CD de los jugadores con PC en conjunto con la posición de juego y la táctica del equipo en sí misma, conjugando una serie de factores que busquen lograr los más altos niveles de rendimiento físico y deportivo. Abstract. Objective: The aims of this study were: i) Characterize the physical performance profile of cerebral palsy (CP) football players of the Chilean national team of football 7 a-Side according to the sport classification (SC) and playing position; ii) Analyze the relationship between physical performance variables and the SC. Method: 19 male football players with CP belonging to the Chilean national team of football 7 a-Side participated and were grouped according to SC (FT2; FT2; FT3) and playing position. Measurements of Agility (AG), repeated sprint ability (RSA), the covered distance in the Yo-Yo test (D), jump ability in Squat Jump (SJ), and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test were made. Results: Significant differences were found according to SC, where FT3 players achieved higher performance in AG and D tests compared to FT2 and FT1, not for RSA, which was only higher than FT1. Midfielder achieved a higher performance with a large effect size in all variables compared with defender and forward positions. Strong and very strong relationships were observed between all the physical performance variables, as well as for relationships with SC except for SJ and CMJ. Conclusion: The specific characteristics of each SC of CP players must be considered in conjunction with the playing position and the team's tactics, combining a series of factors that seek to achieve the highest levels of physical and sports performance.