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Las personas con discapacidad pueden correr un mayor riesgo de sufrir el impacto psicosocial de la pandemia por la enfermedad de coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en su calidad de vida (CV) debido al aislamiento y las restricciones sociales. El propósito de este estudio fue describir el impacto del confinamiento provocado por la pandemia de COVID-19 en la CV de para-futbolistas chilenos con lesión cerebral. Cuarenta jugadores de fútbol masculino con lesión cerebral participaron en este estudio. Todos los participantes completaron el cuestionario de calidad de vida WHOQOL-BREF en dos momentos diferentes (antes y durante el confinamiento). Se encontró una reducción significativa en la percepción de la CV entre los diferentes períodos. Además, los dominios físico, psicológico, social y ambiental presentaron puntajes más bajos durante la pandemia. Estos resultados sugieren que el impacto del encierro redujo la percepción de la CV en todos los dominios. Son necesarias estrategias diferenciadas con apoyo profesional multidisciplinar para hacer frente a las consecuencias psicosociales de la pandemia por COVID-19 en para-futbolistas con lesión cerebral. Palabras clave: Pandemia, discapacidad, coronavirus, calidad de vida, paradeporte, salud deportiva Abstract. People with disabilities might be at a higher risk of suffering from the psychosocial impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on quality of life (QoL), due to isolation and social restrictions. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the QoL of Chilean para-footballers with brain impairment. Forty male football players with brain impairment participated in this study. All participants completed the WHOQOL-BREF QoL questionnaire at two different moments (before and during confinement). A significant reduction in the perception of QoL was found between the different periods. Moreover, the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains presented lower scores during the pandemic. These results suggest that the impact of confinement reduced the perception of QoL in all domains. Differentiated strategies with multidisciplinary professional support are necessary for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic’s psychosocial consequences on para-footballers with brain impairments. Keywords: Pandemic, disability, coronavirus, quality of life, para-sport, sports health

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la funcionalidad motriz de bomberos por medio de la batería Functional Movement Screen (FMS), e identificar su relación con factores antropométricos de riesgo cardiovascular (RC). Método: Participaron un total de 139 bomberos, de los cuales 122 corresponden a hombres y 17 a mujeres pertenecientes a 16 compañías de bomberos de la comuna de Valparaíso, Chile. Se aplicó la batería de evaluación FMS y se tomaron medidas de perímetro cintura (PC), índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el índice cintura-estatura (ICE). Resultados: Para las mujeres se reportaron correlaciones bajas entre el FMS y las variables antropométricas de RC, mientras que para los hombres estas correlaciones fueron significativas y negativas entre FMS y las variables PC, ICE e IMC (r = -,37, p < ,001; r = -,34, p < ,001; –-,40, p < ,002), respectivamente. El 64,02% de los participantes en ICE se clasificó en un alto RC (≥ ,50) y en el IMC un 73% en las categorías de sobrepeso y obesidad. De acuerdo con los resultados de la evaluación FMS, el 45,33% de los participantes presentan una baja funcionalidad motriz. Conclusión: La baja funcionalidad motriz y los elevados valores en parámetros antropométricos de RC son factores que debería preocupar a comunidades como las compuestas por bomberos, quienes desarrollan labores de alta exigencia física y mental, en condiciones extremas que muchas veces pueden poner en peligro la salud de los propios voluntarios. Abstract. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the motor function of firefighters by using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) battery and to identify its relationship with anthropometric factors of cardiovascular risk (CR). Methods: A total of 139 firefighters participated, of those 122 were men and 17 were women, belonging to 16 fire companies of the municipality of Valparaíso, Chile. The FMS evaluation battery was applied, and waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-height index (WHI) measurements were taken. Results: For women, low correlations were reported between FMS and CR anthropometric variables, while for men, these correlations were significant and negative between FMS and the variables of PC, ICE, and IMC (r = -,37, p < ,001; r = -,34, p < ,001; -,40, p < ,002). The 64.02 % of the participants were classified in high CR (≥,50) and by BMI index 73% were in the overweight and obese category. According to the results of the FMS assessment, 45.33% of the participants present low motor functionality. Conclusion: The low motor functionality and the high values in anthropometric parameters of CR are factors that should be of concern to communities such as those composed of firefighters, who perform physically and mentally demanding work in extreme conditions that can often endanger the health of the volunteers themselves.

Introducción: El entrenamiento físico en la formación militar tiene por objetivo desarrollar la preparación física y psicológica frente a condiciones ambientales adversas. Objetivo: Determinar los cambios en la composición corporal y el somatotipo, producto del periodo de entrenamiento físico básico, en la formación militar de cuatro semanas de duración en soldados conscriptos. Método: Se evaluaron 28 varones (edad: 18,9 ± 0,9 años; estatura: 1,75 ± 0,1 m; masa corporal: 67 ± 8,7 kg; índice de masa corporal: 22,5 ± 2,4 y 70,88±26,57 de ∑6 pliegues) que ingresaron al periodo de formación militar en la Fuerza Aérea de Chile, Base Quintero. Se entregó un consentimiento informado previo a la realización del estudio y se siguieron las indicaciones establecidas en la declaración de Helsinki. Los participantes fueron sometidos a un plan de entrenamiento físico con una duración de 4 semanas, en las instalaciones del centro militar. Resultados: Con posterioridad al entrenamiento físico, hubo una disminución significativa de la masa adiposa (p < 0,01), con un aumento de la masa muscular (p < 0,01). No se observaron diferencias significativas en los componentes del somatotipo (Pre: 3,29 - 4,78 - 2,59 vs. Post: 2,73 - 4,72 - 2,73; p = 0,24). Conclusiones: Se concluye que el entrenamiento físico en militares, durante un periodo corto de cuatro semanas, provoca cambios rápidos y significativos en la composición corporal de los soldados; cambios que no alcanzaron a observarse en el somatotipo.

Introduction: The objective of physical training in military training is to develop physical and psychological preparation in adverse environmental conditions. Objective: Determine the changes in body composition and somatotype product of basic physical training in military training for four weeks in conscript soldiers. Methods: 28 men were evaluated (age: 18.9 ± 0.9 years; height: 1.75 ± 0.1 m; weight: 67 ± 8.7 kg; BMI: 22.5 ± 2.4 and ∑6 folds 70.88 ± 26.57) who entered the period of military training in the Chilean Air Force, Quintero headquarters. Informed consent was given before the study; the indications established in the Declaration of Helsinki were followed.The participants were incorporated into a physical training plan for 4 weeks. The program was carried out in the facilities of a military center. Results: After physical training there was a significant decrease in adipose mass (p

Abstract This study aimed to determine the physical performance profile (ability to change direction, vertical and horizontal jump, sprint ability, and dribbling-specific skills) of the first women football players with cerebral palsy (CP) who participated in an international CP football competition, accounting for their sport classes. We also examined the relationships between the different physical performance variables. Forty-five female players with CP (24.9 ± 7.5 years) were categorised into three sport classes based on their impairment severity: 19 were FT1 (severe impairments); 21 FT2; and 5 FT3 (mild impairments). Various physical performance tests were conducted, including the 505 change of direction test; vertical and horizontal jumps; 10 m sprint test; and the dribbling speed test. Significant correlations were observed between the change of direction ability, sprint (r = 0.89; p

The aims of this study were 1) to examine differences in knee flexor and knee extensor muscle strength between lower limbs and 2) to compare the hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) muscle strength ratio and asymmetries, considering more and less affected legs in para-footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) and unilateral spasticity impairment profile. This cross-sectional design study included nine male para-footballers with CP who participated in this study. Participants performed an isometric knee extension and flexion for 5 seconds, and the force was registered with a load cell. The maximum peak force for the hamstring and quadriceps was registered for the more and less affected leg. The difference between legs, between muscle groups, and the hamstring and quadriceps ratio (H/Q ratio) was calculated. The knee extension of the less affected leg showed significantly greater strength than the more affected leg (p = 0.014, d = 0.63), but there were no differences between knee flexors (p = 0.35, d = 0.13). The H/Q ratio was significantly lower in the less affected leg than in the more affected leg (p = 0.03, d = -0.75). The majority of participants (77%) showed asymmetry in lower limb strength levels by more than 10%. Para-footballers with CP showed asymmetries and strength deficits which could be related to a higher prevalence of injury risk factors. The characteristics of this population should be taken into account, and this type of test should be implemented in order to design appropriate training programs to counteract the neuromuscular consequences of CP and improve physical performance.

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.

BackgroundPeople with disabilities usually face barriers to regularly engaging in physical activities. Estimating physical activity patterns are necessary to elaborate policies and strategies to facilitate active lifestyles, considering the particular access difficulties experienced by this population.PurposeThis study aimed (i) to describe the prevalence of physical activity levels and (ii) to examine the associations of physical activity levels with socio-demographic variables and type of disability in the 2020 Chilean National Physical Activity and Sports Habits in Populations with Disabilities (CNPASHPwD) survey during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional data from 3,150 adults (18–99 years old), 59.8% female, were analyzed from November to December 2020. Self-reported age, gender, type of disability (i.e., physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, or mixed), socio-economic status, area and zone of residence, and physical activity levels (0 min/week, < 150 min/week, ≥ 150 min/week) were obtained.Results11.9% of the participants were classified as active (≥ 150 min/week), and 62.6% declared no involvement in physical activity. A larger proportion of females (61.7%) did not meet the current guidelines (≥ 150 min/week of physical activity) in comparison with males (p

L a calidad de vida (CV) y la actividad física son aspectos relevantes en la salud de la población, y esta última con un impacto positivo en las personas con discapacidad. Debido a esto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar las características e identificar la asociación entre los dominios de la percepción de la CV entre un grupo de personas con lesión cerebral que practican fútbol, para-deportistas (PD) y personas con lesión cerebral no para-deportistas (NPD), además determinar si existen diferencias en la percepción de la CV según las diferentes clases deportivas (FT1, FT2 y FT3). El estudio se desarrolló en Chile, donde se aplicó el cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF para determinar la CV de los participantes. Los resultados identificaron una relación positiva y significativa entre los distintos dominios de la CV (p < .001,r = .44 - .67). Además, se observó una mejor percepción de la CV en los PD (p < .001, TE = 1.18, grande) en comparación con lo reportado por el grupo NPD. Por otro lado, no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas entre los dominios para las diferentes clases deportivas en el grupo PD. Estos datos refuerzan la idea de que la práctica deportiva influye en la participación social y en la percepción de la CV en PD con lesión cerebral. El desarrollo conjunto de los factores asociados entre la salud y el bienestar socioemocional podrían colaborar con la consolidación de la práctica deportiva y de actividad física, los cuales, a su vez son beneficiosos para las personas con discapacidad tal como lo plantean los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible en su agenda de trabajo provista al año 2030.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was 1) to determine and compare kinetic parameters during the realization of a countermovement jump (CMJ) between footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) and non-impaired footballers, and 2) to analyze the differences in this action between different players’ impairment profiles and a group of non-impaired footballers.Methods: This study involved 154 participants comprising 121 male footballers with CP from 11 national teams and 33 male non-impaired football players recruited as the control group (CG). The footballers with CP were described according to the different impairment profiles (bilateral spasticity = 10; athetosis or ataxia = 16; unilateral spasticity = 77; minimum impairment = 18). All participants performed three CMJs on a force platform to record kinetic parameters during the test.Results: The group of para-footballers presented significantly lower values than the CG in the jump height (p < 0.01, d = −1.28), peak power (p < 0.01, d = −0.84), and the net concentric impulse (p < 0.01, d = −0.86). Concerning the pairwise comparisons between CP profiles and the CG, significant differences were found for the bilateral spasticity, athetosis or ataxia, and unilateral spasticity subgroups compared to the non-impaired players for jump height (p < 0.01; d = −1.31 to −2.61), power output (p < 0.05; d = −0.77 to −1.66), and concentric impulse of the CMJ (p < 0.01; d = −0.86 to −1.97). When comparing the minimum impairment subgroup with the CG, only significant differences were found for jump height (p = 0.036; d = −0.82). Footballers with minimum impairment presented higher jumping height (p = 0.002; d = −1.32) and concentric impulse (p = 0.029; d = −1.08) compared to those with bilateral spasticity. Also, the unilateral spasticity subgroup reports a higher jump height performance than the bilateral group (p = 0.012; d = −1.12).Conclusion: These results suggest that the variables related to power production during the concentric phase of the jump are crucial for the performance differences between groups with and without impairment. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of kinetic variables that would differentiate CP and non-impaired footballers. However, more studies are necessary to clarify which parameters better differentiate among different profiles of CP. The findings could help to prescribe effective physical training programs and support the classifier’s decision-making for class allocation in this para-sport.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivos caracterizar, comparar y relacionar las variables de rendimiento físico según clase deportiva de los para deportistas de elite de baloncesto en silla de ruedas de la región del Biobío-Chile, en el inicio del período preparatorio. La muestra estuvo formada por 22 para-deportistas varones de baloncesto en silla de ruedas (BSR) con discapacidad física que participan en torneos a nivel nacional. Los atletas fueron agrupados según la clasificación funcional: puntos altos (PA) (3.0 hasta 4.5) y puntos bajos (PB) (1.0 hasta 2.5). Se evaluó la potencia muscular por medio del Lanzamiento de Balón Medicinal (LBM), la capacidad de aceleración/propulsión y velocidad máxima en la silla de ruedas por medio de la prueba de Velocidad 20m (T20m), el manejo de la silla de rueda sin y con control de balón por medio de las Pruebas Eight y Eight-ball y la potencia aeróbica con la prueba continuo e incremental Octagon Multistage Fitness Test (OMFT). No se observaron diferencias significativas para las variables de rendimiento motor entre los grupos PB y PA (p< .05). Por otro lado, el LBM presentó relaciones significativas con T20m (r=-.66, p=.001) y la prueba Eight (r=.55, p=.015), el T20m con la prueba Eight (r=-.73, p=.000) y, el OMFT con las pruebas Eight (r=.58, p=.018) y Eight-ball (r=.73, p=.001). En conclusión, la clase deportiva, que se asocia a la funcionalidad muscular de los atletas, no presentó diferencias con el desempeño de los atletas investigados. Abstract. The present study aimed to characterize, compare, and correlate the physical performance variables according to sport class of elite wheelchair basketball athletes from the Biobío-Chile region at the beginning of the preparatory period. Twenty-two male athletes from BSR with physical disabilities participated in national tournaments. The athletes were grouped according to sport class: high points - PA (3.0 to 4.5) and low points - PB (1.0 to 2.5). Muscle power was evaluated by means of the Medicine Ball Throw (LBM), the acceleration / propulsion capacity and maximum speed in the wheelchair by means of the 20m Speed ​​test (T20m), the handling of the wheelchair without and with ball control through the Eight and Eight-ball Tests and aerobic power with the continuous and incremental Octagon Multistage Fitness Test (OMFT). No statistical difference was observed for the motor performance variables between the PB and PA groups (p

Vertical jump (VJ) capacity is a common assessment for monitoring athletes' neuromuscular function and has been proposed as a differentiating indicator between competitive levels of football players. This study aimed to compare the VJ capacity of Chilean footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) with international and national levels of proficiency, also according to their sport classes (i.e., FT1‒FT3). A total sample of 41 male footballers with CP were divided into international-level (n = 18) and national-level (n = 23) groups. All the participants performed two maximal squat jumps (SJs) and countermovement jumps (CMJs), where the best height obtained was registered. The VJ performance was significantly different between competitive levels, and players at international level had better scores (p < .001) than the national level in SJ (dg = 1.83, large) and CMJ (dg = 2.08, large). Considering the sport classes, significant differences were found in SJ (p = .024) and CMJ (p = .035), in which FT3 players performed higher jumping heights than FT1 players (dg = -.84 to -1.01, large). These results provide a deeper understanding of the differences in the motor impairment-specific performance of para-footballers with CP, where coaches and strength-conditioning professionals should consider VJ assessment for monitoring training and as a component for talent detection in this para-sport.

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.

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.

Introducción: La preparación militar en sus distintas aristas es uno de los procesos más duros que viven los sujetos que desarrollan labores en pro de la defensa y mantenimiento de la paz de las naciones. Se espera que esta preparación impacte de manera progresiva en la condición física y composición corporal de los soldados con la finalidad de aportar a un mejor desenvolvimiento en sus labores diarias. Objetivo: Comparar el perfil antropométrico de varones militares chilenos en situación de soldados conscriptos y personal cuadro permanente. Método: Se valoraron 83 sujetos militares varones con edades entre los 18,91 ± 1,76 y 51,19 ± 7,96 años, se estimó el índice de masa corporal, la composición corporal y el somatotipo. Resultados: Se encontraron valores más elevados de índice de masa corporal (28,64 ± 3,56), tejido muscular (37,57 ± 5,02 kg) y tejido adiposo (24,95 ± 7,88 kg) en el personal cuadro permanente y menores valores en soldados conscriptos (22,53 ± 2,39) p < 0,000, tejido muscular (33,85 ± 4,11 kg), tejido adiposo (18,12 ± 5,01 kg), p < 0,024. En los componentes del somatotipo, de igual forma, hubo diferencias significativas (p < 0,000) en endomorfía, mesomorfía y ectomorfia. Conclusiones: Los sujetos militares presentan diferencias significativas en cuanto a la composición corporal, el somatotipo y el estado ponderal según su situación contractual. El uso del índice de masa corporal sería complejo de utilizar en sujetos militares, ya que pueden ser erróneamente clasificados en las categorías establecidas para este índice.

The aim of this study was 1) to compare anthropometric characteristics, jumping ability, and running endurance according to age and 2) to determine the relationship between age and physical performance parameters in Chilean adult firefighters in active service from the Valparaíso region. Sixty-eight healthy male firefighters, in active service, were divided into two groups according to age; < 30 years (n = 36; 22.9 ± 3.2 years) and > 30 years (n = 32; 40.6 ± 8.5 years) participated. The anthropometric variables of body mass (BM), height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI = weight/height2 [m]) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were evaluated. Vertical jumping ability was assessed with the Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and Abalakov Jump protocols. Running endurance was estimated with the Course Navette test and oxygen consumption (VO2) was calculated indirectly. Anthropometric variables for the > 30 years group were higher compared to the younger age group in BM (p = 0.027), BMI (p = 0.015), WC (p < 0.01), and WHR (p < 0.01). Both groups found no significant differences between running endurance tests and vertical jumping ability (p > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between age and the variables of BM (r = 0.252), BMI (r = 0.307), WHR (r = 0.431) y WC (r= 0.401). When comparing both age groups, there were anthropometric differences, but not in physical condition. It is suggested to reinforce training programs to optimize the body composition and physical capacity of firefighters in active service in order to respond to the demanding tasks demanded by this work environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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