Activity profiles of elite wheelchair rugby players during competition

To quantify the activity profiles of elite wheelchair rugby and establish classification-specific arbitrary speed zones. Additionally, indicators of fatigue during full matches were explored. Methods: Seventy-five elite wheelchair rugby players from eleven national teams were monitored using a radio-frequency based, indoor tracking system across two international tournaments. Players who participated in complete quarters (n = 75) and full matches (n = 25) were included and grouped by their International Wheelchair Rugby Federation functional classification: group I (0-0.5), II (1.0-1.5), III (2.0-2.5) and IV (3.0-3.5). Results: During a typical quarter, significant increases in total distance (m), relative distance (m·minˉ¹), and mean speed (m·sˉ¹) were associated with an increase in classification group (P < 0.001), with the exception of group III and IV. However, group IV players achieved significantly higher peak speeds (3.82 ± 0.31 m·sˉ¹) than groups I (2.99 ± 0.28 m·sˉ¹), II (3.44 ± 0.26 m·sˉ¹) and III (3.67 ± 0.32 m·sˉ¹). Groups I and II differed significantly in match intensity during very low/low speed zones and the number of high-intensity activities in comparison with groups III and IV (P < 0.001). Full match analysis revealed that activity profiles did not differ significantly between quarters. Conclusions: Notable differences in the volume of activity were displayed across the functional classification groups. However, the specific on-court requirements of defensive (I and II) and offensive (III and IV) match roles appeared to influence the intensity of match activities and consequently training prescription should be structured accordingly

Structure and organization of sport for people with intellectual disabilities across Europe

Opportunities to participate and compete in sports for athletes with intellectual disability (ID) have increased; however, this group still encounters limitations in accessing a comprehensive range of sports. This study addressed the current knowledge on how sport for people with ID is organized and the relationships between the major sport organizations for people with ID across 10 European countries. The participants were 29 national sport organizations for people with ID. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with representatives from the key organizations and analyzed thematically. From the results, two major themes emerged: (a) connection and networking between sport organizations and (b) organizational landscape of each nation (i.e., ID, multidisability, or mainstream). The results of this study contribute to understanding how sport for people with ID is organized across the participating nations, demonstrating different models of development and examples of good practice

Analysis of preparation for the Paralympics Games in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 of athletes with visual impairment, practicing athletics middle distance runs

Abstract Introduction: Paralympics Games (PG) are most important sports event for athletes with disability. Preparation to the most important start in the season, requires from the coach knowledge about methods and forms of training, the use of which is the foundation for success. Meet the expectations of practitioners (coaches and trainers) and cognitive purposes, one analyzed and evaluated, training in preparation for the IP in 2004 and 2008 athletes with visual impairment (V.I.). Material and methods: The evaluation assessed the two annual cycles of athletes with V.I. (n = 4), practicing athletics middle distance runs, followed the PG in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. The method was based on an analysis of trainings documentation which included: number of repetitions used in the training and the way of their implementation. For the analysis was used program TREOB 4.0. Identification and classification of the training was done on the basis of the register groups of training in the middle and long distance runs. Results:Structure of the workout was characterized by intensive use of special means of preparation, carried out in 2 and 3 level of intensity, in both analyzed cycles (respectively 60 and 14 and 56, and 12% of the total loads). It was observed global decline in the volume of training loads, by the increase of training realized in the higher levels of intensity (3 - 5) in the cycle 2007/08 compared to 2003/04 cycle. The dynamics of the dominant groups in both cycles, shows a similar course. It was observed a large volume of training loads during the preparatory period, then its decline as one approach to the starts season. Comparison of results obtained by the athletes in 2004 and 2008, shows increasing levels of their performance in the analyzed group. Conclusions: Comparing the results obtained in 2008, progress has been made in respect of 2004, which may indicate a properly planned and completed the training cycle. The nature (type of work and intensity), the dominant means of training, satisfy the requirements.</jats:p

Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background Exercise is the cornerstone of rehabilitation programmes for individuals with cardiovascular disease (IwCVD). Although conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation (CCVR) programmes have significant advantages, non-conventional activities such as Nordic walking (NW) may offer additional health benefits. Our aim was to appraise research evidence on the effects of Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A literature search of clinical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane) was conducted to identify any randomized controlled trials, including: (i) individuals with cardiovascular disease, (ii) analyses of the main outcomes arising from Nordic walking (NW) programmes. Data from the common outcomes were extracted and pooled in the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated and pooled by random effects models. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included and eight trials entered this meta-analysis. Studies focused on coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart failure and stroke. In coronary artery disease, significant differences between NW+CCVR and CCVR were found in exercise capacity (SMD: 0.49; p = 0.03) and dynamic balance (SMD: 0.55; p = 0.01) favouring NW+CCVR. In peripheral artery disease, larger changes in exercise duration (SMD: 0.93; p < 0.0001) and oxygen uptake (SMD: 0.64; p = 0.002) were observed following NW compared with controls. In heart failure, no significant differences were found between NW and CCVR or usual care for peak VO2 and functional mobility. In post-stroke survivors, functional mobility was significantly higher following treadmill programmes with poles rather than without (SMD: 0.80; p = 0.03). Conclusions These data portray NW as a feasible and promising activity for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Further studies are necessary to verify whether NW may be incorporated within CCVR for individuals with cardiovascular disease

On your feet: protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of pole walking and regular walking on physical and psychosocial health in older adults

Physical activity is associated with better physical and mental health in older adults. Pole walking is a form of walking which may have additional health benefits in older adults, because of the addition of hand held poles, and consequent upper limb involvement. However, few studies have examined the potential additional effects of pole walking on physical and psychosocial health in older adults compared with walking. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a pole walking program with the effects of a walking program, on physical and psychosocial wellbeing, in older adults in assisted living facilitie

O “rugby” em cadeira de rodas no âmbito da universidade: relato de experiência da Universidade Estadual de Campinas

O “Rugby” em Cadeira de Rodas (RCR) é uma modalidade paralímpica praticada por pessoas com deficiência física e a participação das universidades é importante para seu crescimento. Este estudo descreveu o desenvolvimento do RCR na extensão universitária, através do estudo de caso no projeto de extensão da Faculdade de Educação Física da UNICAMP. O RCR relaciona-se com o ensino, pesquisa e extensão; através do contato com a modalidade nas disciplinas; realização de estudos; oportunidade de prática e contato com a comunidade. A extensão universitária é um espaço importante para a vivência prática de alunos de Educação Física e contato com a comunidade. Através da aproximação da ciência com a prática, o RCR é trabalhado de forma consistente, alcançando bons resultados esportivos