Amputee Soccer Players Research Articles

The Response of the Amputee Athlete Heart to Chronic Core Exercise: A Study on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters, and N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide.

Background and Objectives: mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular causes are frequently experienced in amputees. Research on the effects of chronic exercise on biomarkers and cardiac damage indicators in these individuals is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a core training program on brain natriuretic-related peptide, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters in amputee soccer players. Materials and Methods: The participants were randomly allocated to the following two groups: a core exercise group (CEG) and a control group (CG). While the CG continued routine soccer training, the CEG group was included in a core exercise program different from this group. During the study, routine hemogram parameters of the participants, various biochemical markers, and the concentration of brain natriuretic-related peptide (NT-pro-BNP) were analyzed. Results: after the training period, notable improvements in various hematological parameters were observed in both groups. In the CEG, there were significant enhancements in red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values. Similarly, the CG also showed substantial improvements in RBC, HCT, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), MCHC, MCH, red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLCR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW). Moreover, in the CEG, serum triglycerides (TG) and maximal oxygen uptake (MaxVO2) exhibited significant increases. Conversely, TG levels decreased in the CG, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and MaxVO2 levels demonstrated substantial elevations. Notably, the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels did not undergo significant changes in either the CEG or the CG following the core exercise program (p > 0.05). However, in the CEG, a meaningful positive correlation was observed between NT-pro-BNP and creatine kinase (CK) levels before and after the core exercise program. Conclusions: the findings emphasized the potential benefits of core training in enhancing specific physiological aspects, such as erythrocyte-related parameters and lipid metabolism, as well as aerobic capacity. Furthermore, the observed correlation between NT-pro-BNP and CK levels in the CEG provides intriguing insights into the unique physiological adaptations of amputee athletes.

Match Running Performance Profile and Heart Rate Response in Amputee Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was (a) to create a profile of the running performances of male amputee soccer players in different speed zones, (b) to investigate the relationship between heart rate (HR) and running distance in two soccer matches, and (c) to study the effect of the level of amputation on the running distance covered during a match. The participants were male amputee soccer players (n = 10, Greek, n = 5; Belgian, n = 5) who played two international, friendly matches. Distances were measured using a global positioning system, and HRs were recorded using a Polar Team Pro. No differences in the distances covered were observed between participants with different levels of amputation (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was a trend that participants with a below-the-knee amputation tended to cover longer distances in total (difference +262.3 m, Cohen's d = 0.40) and in zones 2 (+324.4 m, d = 0.79), 3 (+ 7.1 m, d = 0.65), 4 (+22.7 m, d = 0.43), and 5 (+0.4 m, d = 0.20) and less distance in zone 1 (-207.2 m, d = 0.88). They also tended to perform more accelerations (+3.9, d = 0.89) and decelerations (+4.2, d = 0.87) and had a higher mean HR (+8.4%, d = 2.04) than those with an above-the-knee amputation. Moreover, the mean HR corresponded to 83.3% of the HRmax and did not correlate with distance in any speed zone. It was concluded that the level of amputation might influence running performance and acute physiological response during a soccer match.

The bone mineral density and isokinetic knee strength in amputee soccer players.

The aim of this study was to examine the isokinetic knee strength, H/Q ratio (%), and bone mineral density values between amputees (n=14; amputee soccer players) and healthy football players (n=14; non-amputee soccer players). A total of 28 amputee soccer players and non-amputee soccer players participated in the study. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine the knee flexion/extension forces of the dominant legs of the athletes at 60, 180, and 240°/s. Bone mineral density scans were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. H/Q ratio and 60º/s flexion and 180 and 240º/s flexion/extension strength (p<0.05) were found to be high (180º/s, p=0.03; 240º/s, p=0.048) in the non-amputee soccer player group. Accordingly, the bone mineral density values of the lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, proximal metaphysis of the femur (p<0.01), tibia/fibula proximal metaphysis, and tibia/fibula distal metaphysis (p<0.05) were found to be high. A correlation was observed between the 60º/s knee extension strength and tibia/fibula diaphyseal bone mineral density (p=0.025; r=0.594) and tibia/fibula distal metaphysis bone mineral density (p=0.017; r=0.623) values in the amputee soccer players group. The Z-scores of the amputee soccer players and non-amputee soccer players were in the expected range according to age (>-2). The bone mineral density, H/Q ratio, and all measured angular velocities of isokinetic strength were high in non-amputee soccer players. This finding made us think that lower extremity amputation may also be associated with losing strength. However, it was observed that the relationship between strength and bone mineral density in amputee athletes might vary according to different angular velocities. It is recommended that isokinetic strength measurement can be evaluated together with bone mineral density in athletes.

Match characteristics of professional outfield amputee soccer players during official amputee soccer matches

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate physiological responses and movement profiles of amputee soccer players during official matches. Material and Methods: Five outfield amputee soccer players with a 9.20±0.81 years of amputee soccer experience (age 28.60±5.32 years; height 1.71±0.05 m; body mass 71.54±9.39 kg) volunteered for this study. Physiological responses [blood lactate (BLa), heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)] and activity profiles [peak speed, total distance covered (TD), TD at five speed categories (SC), percentages of TD at five SC and time spent in four maximal heart rate (HRmax) zones] were analyzed during seven official amputee soccer matches. Results: Mean game BLa, RPE, HR and HRmax were 5.58±1.63 mmol.L-1, 9.43±2.62, and 151.77±16.05 bpm and 180.74±9.23 bmp, respectively. HRmax was higher in the first half than in the second half (p=0.02). Players covered 102.62±7.24 m.min-1 and this did not change between the halves during amputee soccer matches (p=0.40). TD at very low SC was 73.86±0.57 m.min-1 whereas TD at very high SC accounted only for 0.24±0.04 m.min-1. Similarly, the percentage of the TD at very low SC was 70.18±10.30% and the percentage of the TD at very high SC was 0.24±0.04%. Amputee soccer players spent ~31 min and ~15 min at high intensity and moderate HRmax zones, respectively. These accounted only about ~5 min at very low and low intensity HRmax zones during whole matches. Conclusion: These results showed that amputee soccer played at the professional level is a high-intensity exercise, which could be used to prescribe amputee soccer specific training regimes.

The relationship between scapular endurance and core endurance in elite amputee football players

Background: Body structure constitutes a kinetic chain with thoracolumbar fascia and this chain may induce a relationship between scapular and spinal stabilizers. Amputee soccer players use crutches during the game and, considering that the crutch use may also activate different muscle groups, the possibility of the relationship between scapular and spinal stabilizers becomes important for organizing training programs. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between scapular endurance and core endurance in elite amputee players. Material and methods: Fifteen male amputee national football team players took part in the study. The players’ scapular endurance was evaluated by a dynamometer, and the modified side bridge test was used to evaluate core endurance. Results: The relationship between scapular and core endurance was investigated via the Linear Regression Model. The analysis revealed a positive association between scapular endurance and core endurance (B: 0.501, β: 0.561, p: 0.029). Conclusions: This study shows the relationship between scapular and core endurance in amputee football players. Given the assumptions about scapular and core endurance weakness, including scapular muscle exercises along with core exercises in the training programs might be useful for improving performance.

Assessment of the upper limbs maximum power and the locomotion speed in amputee football players

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess upper limbs’ maximum power and locomotion speed among amputee football (amputee soccer) players. Methods: The 30-s Wingate Anaerobic test and the 20-m sprint test were performed. Anthropometric measurements and body composition (Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (% BF), and lean body mass (LBM)) were examined. Results: BMI significantly differentiated forwards and defenders (p < 0.05). Peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were related to LBM (p < 0.05), thus defenders reached higher values of PP, in comparison to forwards. % BF and BMI were related to relative mean power (rMP) (p < 0.05). Field position differentiated players in terms of upper limbs’ relative peak power (rPP) in favour of forwards (p < 0.05). Age was a significant factor for speed velocity on 10 m and 20 m (p < 0.05). There was no relationship between upper limbs’ power and locomotion speed. Conclusion: Body composition, especially % BF may influence on the anaerobic performance of amputee football players.

Postural Control during Progressively Increased Balance-Task Difficulty in Athletes with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation: Effect of Ocular Mobility and Visuomotor Processing.

This study examined postural control during single leg stance test with progressively increased balance-task difficulty in soccer players with unilateral transfemoral amputation (n = 11) compared to able-bodied soccer players (n = 11). The overall stability index (OSI), the anterior/posterior stability index, and the medial/lateral stability index during three balance tasks with increasing surface instability were estimated. The oculomotor and visuomotor contribution to postural control in disabled athletes was analyzed. Oculomotor function, simple and choice reaction times, and peripheral perception were assessed in a series of visuomotor tests. The variation in OSI demonstrated significantly greater increases during postural tests with increased balance-task difficulty in the able-bodied soccer players compared to amputees (F(2,40) = 3.336, p < 0.05). Ocular mobility index correlated (p < 0.05) with OSI in conditions of increasing balance-task difficulty. Moreover, speed of eye-foot reaction has positive influence (p < 0.05) on stability indexes in tasks with an unstable surface. Amputee soccer players displayed comparable postural stability to able-bodied soccer players. Disabled athletes had better adaptability in restoring a state of balance in conditions of increased balance-task difficulty than the controls. The speed of visuomotor processing, characterized mainly by speed of eye-foot reaction, significantly contributed to these results.

Morphofunctional characteristics of amputee soccer players of the Mexican league

Morphofunctional characteristics of amputee soccer players of the Mexican league

Relationships between change of direction performance and fitness factors in amputee soccer players

Relationships between change of direction performance and fitness factors in amputee soccer players

Oculomotor Control in Amputee Soccer Players.

The authors investigated the dynamics of saccadic parameters during a stationary oculomotor target task in amputee soccer players (n = 16), able-bodied soccer players (n = 16), and nonathletic control subjects (n = 16). Eye movements during the visual-search tasks were recorded binocularly using a mobile eye-tracking system, and the gaze parameters were analyzed (fixation duration, saccade duration, saccade amplitude, saccade average acceleration, saccade peak deceleration, saccade average velocity, and ocular mobility index). The average saccade acceleration in the amputee soccer players was significantly lower than in the able-bodied players (p = .021). Other saccade characteristics in disabled athletes were comparable to those of the able-bodied groups. Moreover, the able-bodied soccer players presented faster saccadic parameters than nonathletes in terms of saccade acceleration (p = .002), deceleration (p = .015), and velocity (p = .009). The modification of oculomotor functions may result from extensive practice and participation in ball games. The authors' hypothesis that oculomotor functions in amputee soccer players may be impaired was not fully confirmed.

The relationship between sprint speed and sprint motion in amputee soccer players

Sprint performance plays an important role in amputee soccer. Sprint motion such as step length and frequency are generally accepted as one of the determining factors of sprint performance. However, there is a paucity of sprint motion studies. Here we sought to analyze sprint motion in outfield positioned amputee soccer players using crutches and to clarify the relationship between sprint speed and sprint motion. Twelve male Japanese outfield players participated; they performed a 30-m sprint with maximum effort. Sprint times and speeds were recorded using electronic timing gates. A high-speed video camera recorded sprint motion. The time and distance of each crutch and step were determined via image analysis. Sprint speed was significantly positively correlated with body mass (r=0.692, p=0.013), length and frequency of one running cycle(r=0.817, p=0.001; r=0.666, p=0.018, respectively), 1st-2nd step length (r=0.890, p=0.001), and crutch-1st step length (r=0.659, p=0.020). In addition, sprint speed was significantly negatively correlated with time taken for each 10-m interval as well as with contact time of first foot (r=-0.881, p=0.001) and crutch stance time (r=-0.670, p=0.017). Our results suggest that improving sprint speed requires increasing the step length within a shorter time frame in first foot step and crutch stance.

Characteristics of the competitive loads of Polish National Amputee Football Team. Pilot studies

BACKGROUND: Information about competitive loads of amputee soccer players are very limited. This element should be one of the base to prepare appropriate training program according to individual needs of players, as well aims of season. The main aim of this pilot study was to describe the characteristics of selected elements of the internal competitive load of football players after unilateral amputations.METHODS: The subject involved a group of 15 Polish National Amp Football (PNAF) players after unilateral amputations of the upper or lower limbs. The age, height and weight were 27.1±8.4 years, 176.2±7.3 cm, 72.0±14.2 kg, respectively. The information were recorded during match between PNAF Team and representative of Polish Clubs, using Polar Team 2Pro System. The data base was analyzed using standard tools and differences among variables was checked by Wilcoxon test.RESULTS: During whole games value of HRmean was 132.6±10.56 bpm with a range from 87.3±10.6 bpm to 182.3±10.69 bpm and energy expenditure was 612.7±164.86 kcal. General, Values of observed variables were higher in the 2nd part of the match but differences among them was not significance.CONCLUSION: Characterizing the competitive effort will allow to diagnose and determine the nature of the work to use it as specific requirements of the discipline. It can be expected that these information will contribute to the improvement the training process for AMP Footballers and optimize training of the disabled people.

Acute effects of different warm-up methods on free kick performance in amputee soccer players

Acute effects of different warm-up methods on free kick performance in amputee soccer players

Mental Skill Usage of Athletes with Physical Disabilities

Mental skills training strategies should be beneficial for a variety of different skills, age groups and special populations. The purpose of the present research were twofold; initially to examine performance strategies in various sport situations used by volleyball, sitting volleyball and amputee soccer players, and comparing it among the sports; and secondly, whether the current performance level of athletes and the years participating in sport would show a significant difference in their application o f psychological skills during practice and competition. The refined version of Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) was administrated to athletes (N=309) competing across a range of performance standards in volleyball, sitting volleyball and amputee soccer sports. Results revealed that, relative to competition strategies, participants scored highest on activation and lowest on relaxation (4.10±0.52; 3.03±0=1.04, respectively) and in practice environment they scored highest on self-talk and lowest on relaxation (3.84±0=.91; 2.80±0.98, respectively). Examination of the results showed moderately strong correlations among many of the strategies in both competition and practice environments (P<0.01). Additionally, comparison of mental skills and strategies usage according to sports, discovered significant sport specific variations both in competition and practice settings (P<0.01). Investigation of current performance level differences in psychological skills and strategies explored differences among international, national and club level athletes (P<0.01). Exploration of years participating in sport comparison has also discovered differences among groups (P<0.01). These findings provide a unique insight into the mental skill usage of athletes with physical disabilities and their application to practise and environment settings.

The Demands of Amputee Soccer Impair Muscular Endurance and Power Indices But Not Match Physical Performance.

We investigated the match demands (distances covered and acute physiological responses) of amputee soccer and its impact on muscular endurance and power. Measures such as heart rate, blood lactate concentration, subjective rating of perceived exertion, and time-motion characteristics were recorded in 16 Brazilian amputee soccer players during matches. Before and after matches, players completed a battery of tests: push-ups, countermovement vertical jump performance, and medicine ball throwing. Small differences were found between the first and second half for the distance covered in total and across various speed categories. Heart rate responses, blood lactate concentrations, and peak speed did not differ between halves, and all neuromuscular performance measures decreased after the match particularly after push-ups, although the rating of perceived exertion increased markedly compared with prematches. Although match physical performances were consistent across halves, the overall demands impaired test performance, especially for upper limb and closed kinetic chain exercise.

Characteristics of Anaerobic Performance in Japanese Amputee Soccer Players

Characteristics of Anaerobic Performance in Japanese Amputee Soccer Players

Biomechanics of single-leg running using lofstrand crutches in amputee soccer.

[Purpose] Amputee soccer is a game for individuals with amputations. Players use lofstrand crutches to move around the field and kick the ball. Scoring quick goals during a match requires players to have maximum running skills. Notably, a few parameters affect the running speed in players; however, no study has reported the biomechanical analysis of running in amputee soccer. Thus study aimed to analyze the biomechanics of single-leg running using lofstrand crutches in 12 healthy adult males (6 with prior amputee soccer experience and 6 without such experience). [Participants and Methods] The kinematics of the lower limb and the pelvis, the ground reaction force, and skill in using the crutches were evaluated using 3 dimensional motion analysis combined with 8 force plates. Lower leg amputation was simulated in all participants by maintaining the non-dominant knee in a position of maximum flexion using an elastic band. [Results] Significant differences were observed between experienced and non-experienced participants with regard to the angle of the pelvis and the crutch stance phase. Specifically, higher running speed was associated with an increased forward tilt of the pelvis and a shorter crutch stance phase. [Conclusion] These findings will be useful to improve the running speed of amputee soccer players.

Profile of match performance and heart rate response in Japanese amputee soccer players

The purpose of this study was to profile the match performance and heart rate response in Japanese amputee soccer players. Twelve amputee soccer players participated in this study. Match data were collected 20 samples in 4 matches. Match performances data such as total distance, high-intensity running (HIR: ≥13 km·h-1) were collected using a global positioning systems technology. Heart rate (HR) was recorded using short-range radio telemetry. In addition, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed immediately using Borg's original after the first half and the second half. This study showed that the distance covered over the 50 minutes of the match was 2984.2±56.1 m, and it was significantly shorter in the second half than the first half (P<0.05). The distance covered by HIR was 205.3±100.5 m, and there was no significant difference between the first half and the second half. Moreover, the mean HR during match was 176.8±7.9 beats·min-1, which corresponded to 96.3% of HRmax. RPE was a high value of more 15 in both of the first half and the second half. This study was the first to evaluate competitive performance during matches in amputee soccer. Results of this study indicated that the exercise intensity was high in amputee soccer. It would be considered that causes were amputee soccer own rules and exercise style. These findings would serve as the reference when advance the future studies of amputee soccer.

Study of the quality of life in amputee soccer players

Introduction: Although a number of aspects related to amputation have a negative impact on quality of life, sports can prevent disease and promote health in this population just as it can among the nondisabled. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in amputee soccer players (n=25). Method: We compared scores on the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: observing that the physical (PHY: 71±16), psychological (PSY: 76±18) and social domains (SOC: 72±22) showed higher values (p &lt;0.05) than the environment domain (ENV: 55±17). There was a positive correlation between PHY and PSY (r: 0.8), PHY and SOC (r: 0.7) and PHY and ENV (r: 0.7). Moreover, PHY showed a positive correlation with SOC (r: 0.9) and ENV (r: 0.8). In addition, the adapted sport improved the overall quality of life index (GQOLI= 71.50). Conclusion: These results show that amputee soccer improves the quality of life of its players.

Determination of the effects of playing soccer on physical fitness in individuals with transtibial amputation

The aim of this paper is to determine the effects of playing soccer on various components of physical performance such as body composition, muscular endurance, anaerobic power, flexibility, balance, and speed of individuals with transtibial amputation. Twelve amputee football players aged 26.67±7.76 years and twelve sedentary individuals aged 33±6.7 years were involved in this study. Body composition, and isotonic and isometric endurance of trunk muscles were assessed. Vertical jump test, sit-and-reach test, modified Thomas test, Berg Balance Scale, L test, and figure-of-eight walk (F8W) test were used to assess other physical fitness parameters. The Body Mass Index, waist circumference and body fat percentages of the amputee soccer players were significantly lower than the sedentary amputees (P<0.05). The endurance of back extensors was significantly higher in the soccer group (119.33±47.15 s) than the endurance in the control group (26.25±15.96 s) (P<0.001). Subjects belonging to the soccer group had significantly higher anaerobic power than those in the control group (P<0.05). Flexibility, as assessed by the sit-and-reach test was significantly higher for the soccer group (P=0.002), whereas the modified Thomas test, which is also used to measure flexibility, indicated no significant difference among both groups (P>0.05). Balance was higher in the soccer group (P=0.023). The completion period of the F8W test was significantly lower in the soccer group (4.54±0.9 s) than in the control group (7.71±2.25 s) (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the numbers of steps measured during the F8W test (P=0.231). This is the first study which investigates the effects of sports on the physical fitness of individuals with transtibial amputation with the inclusion of a control group. Overall findings present the benefits of participating in playing soccer on physical fitness parameters of amputees, but further studies with randomized controlled trials, with larger populations, and with other sport branches should be conducted to motivate all amputees to participate in sports.