FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Aim. This paper aimed to assess functional capabilities in football players with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods. Twenty-two football players with CP aged 11–20 underwent comprehensive physiological assessments at the Functional Diagnostics Lab, Ural Federal University (Ekaterinburg, Russia). Anthropometric and physical assessments included body composition analysis, handgrip dynamometry, spirometry, hemodynamic monitoring, resting and exercise ECG with gas exchange measurements, and speed-power analysis. Statistical data analysis was performed to compare football players with CP with those from the control group. Results. Key findings revealed: (1) no pathological ECG changes were observed in athletes with CP; (2) lower LV volume in both supine and standing positions compared to the control group; (3) higher resting HR values but lower HR during maximal exercise lower compared to the control group due to insufficient leg strength as follows from speed-power analysis; (4) better HR recovery in younger players than in experienced athletes; (5) respiratory system limitations, with most spirometry parameters below required levels and decreasing with maturation; (6) lower power performance in adult football players with CP compared to the control group. Conclusions. These results indicate that football players with CP have reduced cardiorespiratory development and muscle strength, which may impact their overall performance.