Comparative external workload analysis based on the new functional classification in cerebral palsy football 7-a-side. A full-season study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The evolution of functional classification (FT) is important for promoting competitive balance. Technological advances allow the objective monitoring of competitive demands that is required to manage and individualize workloads. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize external workload in all matches from the 2018/2019 season of the CPF7 Spanish National League and to compare demands based on the new FT (FT1, FT2 yFT3) in time-motion (locomotion and speed changes) and accelerometer-based workload (impacts). Statistical analysis was composed of one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc and omega partial squared effect size. Differences were found among all FT in total distance, running, high-intensity, sprinting, very high accelerations and decelerations (FT3> FT2> FT1; p < .01; ωp 2= 0.29-to-0.43); and with respect to the highest functional limitation (FT3 = FT2> FT1) in maximum sprinting, moderate-high accelerations and decelerations, total impacts and at very-low intensity (ωp 2= 0.13-to-0.29). In conclusion, FT3 players presented a physical advantage with respect to FT2-FT1 players in competition, especially in high-intensity actions that are crucial in team-sports performance. The present results facilitate designing specific training workloads according to FT, players’ disability and competition demands, being the first approach to characterize match demands with inertial devices based on the new FT.