Search Results (302)

Background: Dietary advice for Paralympic athletes (PAs) with a spinal cord injury (PAs-SCI) requires particular attention and has been widely studied. However, currently, no particular attention has been addressed to nutritional guidelines for athletes with an amputation (PAs-AMP). This study aimed at filling up this gap, at least partially, and compared veteran PAs-SCI with PAs-AMP. Methods: A sample of 25 male PAs (12 with SCI and 13 with AMP), recruited during two training camps, was submitted to the following questionnaires: allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Starvation Symptom Inventory (SSI), neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), orthorexia (ORTO-15/ORTO-7), alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and Mediterranean diet adherence (MDS). The PAs were also submitted to the following measurements: dietary Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and intakes, body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), basal energy expenditure (BEE), peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), peak power, peak heart rate (HR), post-exercise ketosis, and antioxidant response after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to voluntary fatigue. Results: Compared to PAs-AMP, PAs-SCI had higher NBD and lower VO_2peak (p < 0.05), peak power, peak HR, peak lactate, phase angle (PhA) of the dominant leg (p < 0.05), and ORTO15 (p < 0.05). The latter was related to NBD (r = −0.453), MDS (r = −0.638), and ORAC (r = −0.529), whereas ORTO7 correlated with PhA of the dominant leg (r = 0.485). Significant differences between PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI were not found in the antioxidant response, glucose, and ketone levels after CPET, nor in dietary intake, AUDIT, AQUA, NMQ, SSI, BEE, HGS, and FM%. Conclusions: The present study showed that PAs-SCI and PAs-AMP display similar characteristics in relation to lifestyle, energy intake, basal energy expenditure, and metabolic response to CPET. Based on both the similarities with PAs-SCI and the consequences of the limb deficiency impairment, PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI require personalized nutritional advice. Full article

Objective: Considering the absence of research testing the entire sequence of passion, behavioral regulation, and subjective well-being (SWB), this study aimed to analyze the hypothetical causal relationships between the variables of a model that integrates the Dualistic Passion Model (DMP) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in order to understand the impact of harmonious passion (HP) and obsessive passion (OP) and the regulation of motivation on the SWB of elite athletes with disability. Method: This study includes 143 elite athletes from national adapted sports (36 female; 107 male) aged between 15 and 59 (M = 29.21; SD = 10.45). Weekly training sessions ranged from 1 to 12 (M = 4.52; SD = 2.71), and the years of competitive practice ranged from 1 to 28 (M = 5.55; SD = 6.98). Data were collected using valid and reliable questionnaires for the study population and analyzed using structural equation analysis. The following results were identified: a positive and a significant effect between OP and self-determination motivation (SDM); a positive but not a significant effect between OP and non-self-determination motivation (NSDM); a significant effect between SDM and SWL and SDM and positive affect (PA); and, finally, a positive but non-significant effect between SDM and negative affect (NA). In contrast, there is a positive and significant effect between HP and SDM; a negative and significant effect between HP and NSDM; a positive but non-significant effect between NSDM and SWL; a negative and significant effect between NSDM and PA; and, finally, a positive and significant effect between NSDM and NA. Conclusions: The perception of passion regarding sport can be a positive predictor of SDM, which, in turn, can influence levels of SWB, both from a cognitive point of view (SWL) and from an emotional point of view (PA). This reinforces the positive effect of the self-determination behavior in adapted sport on SWB and its contribution to health and quality of life in people with disabilities. Full article

The ongoing secular changes in human movement development means that an assessment of primitive reflexes is now required not only in disabled but also in neurotypical children. This study had three aims: (1) presenting the TASHUN test battery as suitable for the assessment of primitive reflex activity in normal children and child athletes; (2) analyzing reflex characteristics of neurotypical children; (3) verifying validity and reliability of tests. Spearman’s rank correlation and ROC analysis were used for validation. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and RM ANOVA analyzed reliability. The test on 242 schoolgirls has demonstrated that retained primitive reflexes are present in almost every individual (84.7–95.7%). Correlations showed strong positive association, with all values exceeding 0.8, and ROC analysis demonstrated excellent predictive strength (AUC values over 0.9). Interobserver reliability showed excellent agreement (ICC values above 0.9). No significant offset was present among the scoring by evaluators. Therefore, testing for primitive reflexes is necessary in neurotypical children in order to obtain a realistic image about the physiology of reflexes and their role in motor development. Our screening could be useful for practicing sport professionals, researchers and academics, to identify deficiencies, to further explore reflexes and to train future PE teachers and trainers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability. When traumatic brain injury is repeated over time, it can lead to the development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a chronic neurodegenerative disease commonly observed in individuals who engage in contact sports or military personnel involved in activities with a high risk of repeated head trauma. At autopsy, the examination of the brain reveals regional atrophy, corresponding to high concentrations of glutamate receptors. Microscopically, the primary findings are the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads. The aim of this study is to highlight the clinical and histopathological characteristics of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, providing diagnostic support to forensic pathologists. Additionally, it seeks to aid in the differential diagnosis of similar conditions. Methods: A review of literature was conducted following the PRISMA criteria. Of 274 articles, 7 were selected. Results: According to these papers, most patients were male and exhibited neurological symptoms and neuropsychiatric impairments, and a proportion of them committed suicide or had aggressive behavior. Conclusions: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy remains largely underdiagnosed during life. The definitive diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is established post-mortem through the identification of pathognomonic tauopathy lesions. Early and accurate antemortem recognition, particularly in at-risk individuals, is highly valuable for its differentiation from other neurodegenerative conditions, thereby enabling appropriate clinical management and potential interventions. Full article

Background: Individuals with intellectual disability face an increased risk of mental health issues compared to the general population. Despite the proven efficacy of physical activity (PA) in improving anxiety and depression in the general population, little is known about this relationship in adults with intellectual disability and the factors that influence it. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a correlation exists between PA and perceived levels of anxiety and depression, and assess gender disparities in PA and mental health. Method: People with intellectual disability were recruited from day centers and sports events. The amount of PA was evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Perceived mental health was assessed through the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety (ZAS) and Depression Scale (ZDS). Results: In total, 99 adults (34 females, aged 33 ± 12) participated in the study. A gender disparity was found in anxiety levels, while depression, PA, and type of sport participation did not differ between males and females. Multiple regression analysis highlights how the depression score was significantly predicted by gender (β = −3.57, p = 0.015), intellectual disability level (β =−3.08, p < 0.008), and PA (β =−0.10, p= 0.001), while anxiety was influenced by gender (β = −4.48, p = 0.003) and intellectual disability level (β = −3.23, p = 0.007). Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of physical activity as a factor associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disability, highlighting its potential role in mental health promotion within this population. Full article

Inclusion in play, physical education, outdoor life, organized sports, and other movement-based activities can promote resilience and support physical, emotional, and social well-being. These arenas are particularly important for reducing health disparities and preventing social marginalization across the lifespan. Yet, children and adolescents from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds encounter persistent barriers to participation, rooted in broader inequalities related to their socioeconomic position, disability, gender, ethnicity, and access to supportive environments. This perspective outlines how inclusive movement contexts, when informed by developmental systems theory and resilience frameworks, can interrupt trajectories of marginalization and promote long-term equity in health, education, and work inclusion. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches, combining longitudinal and qualitative methods, to uncover how vulnerability and participation interact dynamically over time. By integrating insights from developmental science, education, public health, and spatial ecology, we identify strategic pathways for research and action. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts across sectors and stakeholders to co-create inclusive, context-sensitive interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Participation in sports activities is one of the risk factors for traumatic dental injuries. Nevertheless, little data are available in the literature on such problems in persons with disabilities. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of traumatic dental injuries in athletes with intellectual disabilities and other coexisting chronic diseases, as well as the use of mouthguards and the level of treatment of injuries in this population. Methods: The research was carried out in seven special needs schools. Two calibrated dentists performed dental examinations in 100 subjects practicing sports, aged 8–30 years (study group), and in 128 individuals, aged 8–25 years, who do not perform systematic physical activity (control group). Statistica Software v.10 was used for statistical analysis, with the level of statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The majority of individuals had one tooth affected by traumatic injury in the study and control individuals, with the results amounting to 14% and 5%, respectively; the difference between both groups was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Only one athlete used a mouthguard during training and competitions. Restorative treatment of traumatically damaged teeth was performed in six athletes (37%) out of the total sixteen subjects affected by dental injuries from the study group and in two (15%) out of thirteen participants from the controls. Conclusions: This study reveals that dentists should be professionally prepared to meet the special needs of the population with disabilities and chronic disorders to minimize the burden of dental trauma. There is an urgent need for preventive programs for special needs athletes, their parents/caregivers, and trainers concerning the use of mouthguards. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patellar instability in adolescents is a significant cause of short- and long-term morbidity and disability. Traditionally, patients with first-time patellar dislocation are managed nonoperatively, although most studies are not focusing on the adolescent athletic population. The primary objective of the current study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and complications in adolescent athletes who underwent surgery either after the first patellar dislocation or after the recurrence of the dislocation with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 48 months (48–75 months). Methods: A total of 39 adolescent athletes who underwent medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction (Group A, after the first dislocation, and Group B, recurrent patella dislocation) were included in this study. In all the patients, the same MPFL reconstruction technique was applied using a semitendinosus autograft. The graft was fixed on the patella using a transverse tunnel and adjustable loop button fixation and, in the femur, using a tunnel and absorbable screw fixation. The tunnel was drilled obliquely to prevent penetration of the distal femoral physis. The preoperative and postoperative clinical and functional evaluations of the patients were conducted via the visual analog scale (VAS), the Lysholm Knee Scoring System, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, and the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC), and the return to sports score was assessed via the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS). Results: At the latest follow-up, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the Lysholm scores, with Group A achieving a mean of 92.57 ± 6.21 and Group B achieving a mean of 90.53 ± 8.21 (p = 0.062). Postoperatively, Group A achieved a mean Kujala score of 94.21 ± 9.23, whereas Group B reached 92.76 ± 12.39, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.08). The Pedi-IKDC score improved postoperatively in both groups. In Group A, it increased from 67.98 ± 12.29 to 93.65 ± 4.1, and in Group B, from 56.21 ± 13.6 to 91.67 ± 6.21 (p = 0.067). The preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was significantly lower in Group A (3.1 ± 1.13) than in Group B (4.2 ± 3.01, p < 0.01). At the latest follow-up, the VAS scores improved in both groups, with Group A reporting a mean score of 0.47 ± 1.01 and Group B 0.97 ± 1.32 (p = 0.083). The Tegner activity scores were similar between the groups preoperatively, with Group A at 7.72 ± 1.65 and Group B at 7.45 ± 2.09 (p = 0.076). Postoperatively, Group A had a mean score of 7.28 ± 2.15, whereas Group B had a mean score of 6.79 ± 3.70 (p = 0.065). The mean time to return to sports was significantly shorter in Group A (5.1 ± 1.3 months) than in Group B (7.6 ± 2.1 months) (p < 0.01). Overall, 84.61% of the patients returned to their previous activity level. Specifically, 95.2% (20/21) of patients in Group A achieved this outcome, whereas 72.22% (13/18) achieved it in Group B. Patient satisfaction was generally high, with 76% (16/21) of patients in Group A reporting being satisfied or very satisfied, compared with 77% (14/18) in Group B. Conclusions: MPFL reconstruction is a safe and effective procedure for both acute and recurrent patellar dislocation in adolescent athletes. While patients who underwent acute reconstruction returned to sport more quickly and showed higher absolute postoperative scores, the greatest overall improvement from preoperative to final follow-up was observed in those treated for recurrent instability. Both surgical approaches demonstrated high satisfaction rates and minimal complications, supporting MPFL reconstruction as a reliable option in both acute and recurrent cases. Full article

Background/Objectives: In powerlifting, velocity indicators and skin temperature have been utilized to control training loads for both conventional athletes and athletes with disabilities. Therefore, the present study evaluated maximum velocity (Vmax), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), power (POWER) output, and skin temperature (ST) following a 5 × 5 training session at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in conventional powerlifters (CP) and paralympic powerlifters (PP). Methods: A total of 24 male athletes (12 CP and 12 PP) underwent a 5 × 5 training session at 80% 1RM. Post-session, velocity indicators, power output, and ST were assessed at 45% 1RM. Results: Only the CP group exhibited significant differences in Vmax (p < 0.015), MPV (p < 0.007), and power output (p < 0.022) between time points. Regarding ST, only the PP group showed differences (p < 0.004) in the sternal portion of the pectoral major. For the long head of the triceps brachii, differences were observed between groups in the post-session measurement (p > 0.024) and for the PP group only in the post-session measurement (p < 0.002). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that in following a traditional training session (80% 1RM), assessments at 45% 1RM revealed different effects in velocity, power output, and ST measures between CP and PP groups. These findings suggest that within the same sport discipline, training variables may have distinct impacts across different categories of athletes, and further research is needed to evaluate these different responses. Full article

Wheelchair basketball (WB) grants important benefits for people with disabilities but also presents a relevant risk of injury. Wheelchair straps are restraint devices that can improve safety and performance, but limited research has explored their use in WB. This study aims to analyze the use of different types of straps among professional WB players, according to classification score. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups based on classification score: low-point players (LPPs; 1.0–2.5), who have greater physical impairment, and high-point players (HPPs; 3.0–4.5), who have lower physical impairment. A total of 82 WB players participated (43 LPPs; 39 HPPs). The Chi-squared test was used to compare variables between groups. Significant differences emerged: chest (p = 0.036), abdominal (p = 0.036), and foot (p = 0.016) straps were more frequently used by LPPs, while thigh (p = 0.020) and leg (p = 0.050) straps were more common among HPPs. No significant difference was found for pelvic strap. Straps used in WB vary with classification score, reflecting the influence of functional ability. These findings offer insights into individualized wheelchair setup and classification procedures. Further studies are needed to expand knowledge on this topic. Full article

Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the positive impact of full and equal participation in sport on the quality of life (QoL) of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). However, access to mainstream sports remains limited due to persistent barriers, which leads to low participation levels among people with IDs. In this context, the Mixed Ability (MA) model offers an innovative approach by promoting the inclusion of people with and without disabilities in the same mainstream teams, without classification processes or modifications to the rules of the sport. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between rugby MA and the QoL and the needs of players with IDs. Using a convergent mixed methods design, the quantitative aspect involved 46 participants aged 18–57, engaged in eight different rugby teams, while the qualitative component included a focus group with four ID players from a rugby team. The findings revealed a positive correlation between higher QoL and the duration of participation in mainstream sports among the participants. Furthermore, a positive trend was also observed among individuals with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities. Qualitatively, participants highlighted the model’s emphasis on inclusivity, familial bonds, enjoyment, community spirit, active engagement, and opportunities to experience new activities. The shift towards inclusion requires modifying the community so that every person has opportunities to lead a valuable, meaningful, and self-determined life. In this sense, the MA sports model emerges as a potent instrument for fostering inclusive communities and enhancing the QoL of people with IDs. Full article

Inclusive Education emphasizes equal opportunities for all students by reducing or eliminating barriers that hinder participation and learning, encompassing cultural, social, practical, and political dimensions. In this context, the development of positive attitudes towards disability is a key component for the success of inclusive educational practices, particularly in adapted physical education. Following a prior analysis of the impact of academic curricula on attitudes toward disability, the need to implement training programs focused on attitudes toward disability becomes evident. The aim of this study is to analyze how a training program, with a specific focus on attitudes toward disability, affect the attitudes among university students. A quasi-experimental approach with a control group was employed to evaluate the impact of the training. A total of 137 University students from Extremadura, across Physical Activity and Sport Science and Early Childhood Education programs within the same educational department, participated in this study. The Spanish Attitudes Toward People with Disabilities Scale for Professionals was administered to students at the beginning, after the theoretical intervention, and after having a guided contact with people with disability. Results revealed improvements in attitudes in the social relationships and normalized life dimensions, as well as in the total score, particularly among students from Early Childhood Education. No significant changes were observed in the intervention program dimension. Within-group analysis indicated significant longitudinal improvements in normalized life for both experimental groups, Sports Science and Early Childhood Education students, and in the total score for Early Childhood Education students by the end of the intervention. These findings highlight the importance of targeted training interventions in promoting inclusive attitudes, especially when direct contact with individuals with disabilities is incorporated. Full article

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can support the evaluation of assistive technology outcomes in adaptive sports, focusing on elite boccia athletes with disabilities. Using a multi-stage motion analysis framework, we integrated OpenPose, ViTPose, and Lifting to estimate seated joint kinematics with greater precision. Match footage from 12 athletes at the 2018 Asia-Pacific Boccia Open was analyzed across five biomechanical phases: preparation, acceleration, peak, release, and follow-through. AI-enhanced 2D and 3D pose estimation methods were applied to assess throwing strategies and motor variability. ViTPose outperformed OpenPose in joint detection accuracy (F1-score: 85% vs. 79.5%), while Lifting improved 3D estimation by reducing joint position error by 16%. Principal Component Analysis revealed greater movement consistency in overhand throws compared to underhand techniques. The proposed pipeline provides an interpretable and scalable method for measuring performance, motor control, and strategy-specific movement outcomes in boccia, offering practical applications for evidence-based coaching, athlete classification, and the design of inclusive assistive sport technologies. Full article

Youth sport has been recognized as a unique learning context for positive youth development (PYD); yet, as society’s critical consciousness continues to progress, limitations of PYD have been acknowledged. Thus, youth sport scholars have begun to embrace critical perspectives to interrogate the systems and institutions of sport and society that influence the healthy development of all youth. This has included researchers and practitioners alike, adopting critical PYD (CPYD) as a means to empower young people to question and challenge their histo-contemporary experiences and support collective action towards social change. Our article explores the concept of CPYD and social justice life skills within ‘non-traditional’ sport spaces, including practice examples from the fields of youth disability sport and sport in youth justice. The first practice example provides an in-depth discussion of the theoretical principles of CPYD and their applicability within youth disability sport. The second practice example outlines the practical use of social justice life skills in sport programs within the youth justice system. Together, the practice examples from the field highlight both the theoretical and practical applications of CPYD and social justice life skills within real-world settings, and valuable implications are identified for research and practice moving forward. Full article

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the application of adaptive sports programs, initially designed for children with disabilities, can have a positive effect on physical fitness and body composition in healthy primary school children; (2) Methods: The sample comprised 80 participants, equally divided by gender (50% male, 50% female), with a mean age of 11.5 (SD = 0.03). They were divided into two groups, an experimental and a control group, with an even gender distribution. The research lasted 12 weeks, with additional classes allocated for the initial and the final measurements. The Eurofit test battery assessed physical fitness; (3) Results: ANCOVA revealed significant group differences in body composition variables within the total sample and gender distribution (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in handgrip strength (HGR), flamingo balance test (FBL), shuttle run 10 × 5 m (SHR) (p < 0.001), and also hand tapping (HTP) (p = 0.01). Participants in the experimental group outperformed the control group, highlighting the effectiveness of the intervention program. Specifically, boys in the experimental group showed significant improvements in HGR and SHR (p < 0.001), while girls improved significantly in HGR, FBL, and SHR (p < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: The experimental program, which incorporates sports elements for disabled individuals, led to significant improvements in the physical fitness parameters of children. Full article