The effects of boccia training load on emotional intelligence and quality of life in individuals with cer-ebral palsy

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the correlation between the load (volume) of boccia training and emotional intelligence and quality of life in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). 165 individuals with CP who had severe activity limitations in their legs, arms and trunk (BC1) were voluntarily enrolled in this study. The type of design is characterized by being sectional-correlational. The participants were assigned to one of the boccia groups: G2 (2 hours/week), G4 (4 hours/week) and G6 (6 hours/week). The Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and WHOQOL-Bref world health organization's quality of life questionnaire assessed these patients' emotional intelligence and quality of life of these patients respectively. To determine the degree of association, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used, and one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni were applied to compare the variables between the groups. The normality of the sample was tested through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results showed how the training load is a conditioning factor for the levels of quality of life and emotional intelligence, identifying that the greater the load, the better the levels of the indicated parameters. The dimensions of quality of life: physical and psychological health are those with the greatest difference between group G2 (physical health: 19.61±6.83; psychological= 18.71±5.37) and group G4 (physical health: 58.25±16.61; psychological= 54.17 ±16.24) and G6 (physical health: 61.56±8.85; psychological= 56.29±3.48). Regarding emotional intelligence, we must highlight the emotion perception dimension as the one that is most influenced by the weekly training load (G2: 27.78±3.51, G4: 38.20±1.90, G6: 39.76±2.66). The results have indicated a moderate to strong evaluation between boccia training volume and emotional intelligence (0.842>r>0.744). and quality of life (0.899>r>0.770). Based on the results, and with the aim of optimizing the effects, it is recommended to practice Boccia in individuals with CP for four days a week. Keywords: Para-sport, Physical exercise, Brain impairment, Emotional.