ECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP23
INTRODUCTION: Classification of II athletes in Para Karate currently relies on psychological tests and the Functional Assessment Screening Tool (FAST). Functional testing reflecting key determinants of kata performance—strength, power, and balance—may support a more sport-specific system. Little is known about the physical performance of II2/K22 athletes with Down syndrome or other significant additional impairments. Establishing baseline motor profiles is essential for designing sport-specific tests and for distinguishing between II1/K21 athletes with intellectual impairment only and II2/K22 athletes with additional significant impairment. Understanding differences between novice and experienced athletes is equally important, as training exposure and competitive level may substantially influence motor performance. Differentiating training-related adaptations from impairment-related limitations is crucial to ensure accurate and fair classification. Aim To describe motor performance in novice (national) and experienced (international) Para Karate athletes with Down syndrome (K22) or significant additional physical impairment, using tests relevant to kata. METHODS: Twenty-one athletes (9 national, 12 international) were assessed. National-level athletes were tested during a training camp, and international-level athletes during classification prior to the World Karate Championships in Budapest. Tests included mean maximal hand grip strength (average of left and right, N), countermovement jump (CMJ) height (flight-time method, cm), and 30-s bipodal stance with eyes open (mean CoP velocity, CoP area, path length, mediolateral and anteroposterior sway amplitudes). Groups were compared using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Experienced international athletes demonstrated significantly higher CMJ height than novice national athletes (21.7 ± 6.7 vs 10.3 ± 5.9 cm; p = 0.001). Hand grip strength (24.4 ± 7.1 vs 19.4 ± 4.7 N; p = 0.18) and balance parameters also favoured international athletes, with lower CoP velocity (16.2 ± 8.3 vs 21.0 ± 7.4 mm/s) and smaller CoP area (25.2 ± 26.4 vs 41.0 ± 42.1 mm²), although differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Performance variability within K22 was substantial, ranging from novice to highly trained athletes. CONCLUSION: International-level II2/K22 athletes showed greater lower-limb power and trends toward improved balance. The observed performance spectrum highlights the importance of interpreting functional outcomes within the context of training exposure. High motor performance alone should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of ineligibility. Establishing sport-specific performance profiles may support the development of evidence-based cut-off values and reduce the risk of misclassification when distinguishing between II1/K21 and II2/K22 athletes in future classification research. Functional testing should complement psychological and FAST assessments in Para Karate classification. Funding Supported by VEGA No. 1/0611/23.
Read CV Dusana AugustovicovaECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP23
INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is a key determinant of health and quality of life and plays an essential role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Despite well-established benefits, adults with intellectual disability (ID) often experience multiple barriers to engaging in regular PA, resulting in higher levels of sedentary behavior and increased risk of overweight and obesity. While PA patterns have been widely studied in the general population, comparative evidence between adults with and without ID using standardized assessment tools remains limited. Therefore, this pilot study aims to compare levels and patterns of physical activity between adults with intellectual disability and adults without disability. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted including 25 adults divided into two groups: adults with intellectual disability (ID; n=11) and adults without disability (non-ID; n=14). Baseline characteristics, including age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded for all participants. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which evaluates the frequency and duration of walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity activities performed over the previous seven days. Total physical activity was calculated as metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/week) according to the official IPAQ scoring protocol. RESULTS: Results Adults with intellectual disability (ID) (mean age 29.8 ± 7.1 years; BMI 27.1 ± 5.2 kg/m²) and adults without disability (non-ID) (mean age 66.4 ± 4.5 years; BMI 24.3 ± 2.1 kg/m²) showed significantly different physical activity (PA) profiles (p < .05). Total PA, expressed as MET-min/week, was significantly lower in the ID group (540 ± 210 MET-min/week) compared to the non-ID group. The PA pattern in adults with ID consisted almost exclusively of walking, with minimal contribution from moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities. In contrast, adults without disability demonstrated a more balanced distribution of PA intensities, including moderate and vigorous activities. Despite their younger age, adults with ID presented higher BMI values, suggesting a discrepancy between age-related expectations and actual physical activity behavior. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that adults with intellectual disability (ID) engage in significantly lower and less diverse physical activity than adults without disability. Their activity is predominantly walking, with minimal moderate or vigorous intensity, despite younger age and higher BMI. In contrast, non-ID adults show a more balanced activity profile. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to increase both intensity and variety of physical activity in adults with ID, aiming to improve overall health and reduce disparities. Future research should explore barriers and strategies to promote i
Read CV Elnaz DardashtipourECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP23
INTRODUCTION: Athletes with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit reduced capacity to generate power [1], primarily due to impairments in voluntary activation, motor unit recruitment and firing rate, excessive co-contraction, and muscle weakness [2]. Muscle temperature (Tm) strongly influences neuromuscular function and performance in non-disabled (ND) individuals by altering muscle power generating characteristics, nerve conduction velocity and muscle coordination [3]. However, the effect of Tm in athletes with CP remains unexplored. This study investigated the effects of passive Tm manipulation on maximal sprint power and neuromuscular activity in athletes with CP compared to ND athletes. METHODS: Nine athletes with CP and nine sex and sport-matched ND athletes (ND) performed a maximal 30-s sprint on a cycle ergometer under three Tm conditions; HOT (40.0 ± 0.3oC water immersion), NEUTRAL (21.7 ± 0.9oC passive rest) and COLD (10.9 ± 0.7oC water immersion). Tympanic (Ttymp) and skin (Tsk) temperature were measured throughout. Tm was measured following temperature manipulation in a separate ND subgroup (n=4). Bilateral power output (peak [PPO], mean [MPO], limb asymmetry) and surface EMG of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) were collected throughout the maximal sprint. Data were analysed using ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons, with significance set at p≤0.05. Data are reported as mean ± SD. RESULTS: Tsk decreased from HOT to NEUTRAL to COLD (p<0.001) comparably between groups. Manipulation of Tm was confirmed (COLD 32.4 ± 1.1oC, NEUTRAL 36.3 ± 0.2oC, HOT 38.1 ± 0.1oC). Across conditions, athletes with CP produced lower power output than ND and exhibited greater inter-limb asymmetry (18.5 ± 12.3% vs. 3.8 ± 4.1%, respectively). In CP, PPO was lower in COLD (409 ± 147 W) than HOT (496 ± 182 W) with no differences compared to NEUTRAL (478 ± 187 W). MPO was lower in COLD (313 ± 109 W) than HOT (373 ± 133 W) and NEUTRAL (352 ± 131 W). In ND, PPO was lower in COLD (746 ± 171 W) than HOT (999 ± 199 W) and NEUTRAL (979 ± 239 W). MPO was lower in COLD (562 ± 120 W) than HOT (701 ± 143 W) and NEUTRAL (679 ± 148 W). There was no difference between NEUTRAL and HOT in either group. Normalised EMG amplitude increased as Tm decreased from HOT to NEUTRAL to COLD in CP (p=0.044). In ND, normalised EMG amplitude increased relative to HOT, not from NEUTRAL to COLD. EMG co-activation of the VL and BF was higher in CP than ND throughout (66.8 ± 13.6% vs. 42.6 ± 11.4%, respectively; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In athletes with CP, muscle temperature manipulation induced smaller performance changes than in ND athletes (17.6 vs. 25.4%, respectively), but greater changes in EMG amplitude, particularly at higher power outputs and colder temperatures. Minimising reductions in Tm remains important for athletes with CP. [1] Runciman et al (2015). Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 94(1):28-37 [2] Rose and McGill (2005). Dev Med Child Neurol. 47(5):329-36 [3] Racinais et al (2017). Temperature. 4(3):227-257
Read CV Hannah JohnstonECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP23