ORIGINAL ARTICLE  EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS 

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2017 June;57(6):766-72

DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06299-X

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

The quantification of game-induced muscle fatigue in amputee soccer players

Mário A., SIMIM ^{1, 2}, Paul S. BRADLEY ³, Bruno V., da SILVA ⁴, Edmar L. MENDES ², Marco T., de MELLO ¹, Moacir MAROCOLO ², Gustavo R., da MOTA ² ✉

¹ School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; ² Human Performance and Sport Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil; ³ Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK; ⁴ Department of Environmental, Biological and Health Sciences, University Center of Belo Horizonte (Uni-BH), Belo Horizonte, Brazil

BACKGROUND: This study quantified the degree of game-induced muscular fatigue in amputee soccer players.
METHODS: Thirty-three male amputee soccer players performed muscular tests (Push Up Test [PUT], Countermovement Jump Test [CMJ] and medicine-ball throw [MBT]) before and after a competitive match. Five players served as a control group. The rating of perceived exertion was recorded after each battery.
RESULTS: Control group demonstrated no differences between the two testing batteries (P>0.05, effect size [ES]: 0.1-0.4). However, match group illustrated markedly lower performances for PUT (-17%, P<0.01, ES: 0.9) with less pronounced declines in MBT (-8%, P<0.01, ES: 0.7) and CMJ (-5%, P<0.01, ES: 0.3) compared to pre-match values. The rating of perceived exertion were higher after the match compared to baseline values (+60%, P<0.01, ES: 2.4).
CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that the fatigue experienced after amputee soccer matches causes impairments in muscular performance and this could be different to able-bodied players.

KEY WORDS: Exercise - Sports for persons with disabilities - Muscle strength