Activity profiles of elite wheelchair rugby players during competition

To quantify the activity profiles of elite wheelchair rugby and establish classification-specific arbitrary speed zones. Additionally, indicators of fatigue during full matches were explored. Methods: Seventy-five elite wheelchair rugby players from eleven national teams were monitored using a radio-frequency based, indoor tracking system across two international tournaments. Players who participated in complete quarters (n = 75) and full matches (n = 25) were included and grouped by their International Wheelchair Rugby Federation functional classification: group I (0-0.5), II (1.0-1.5), III (2.0-2.5) and IV (3.0-3.5). Results: During a typical quarter, significant increases in total distance (m), relative distance (m·minˉ¹), and mean speed (m·sˉ¹) were associated with an increase in classification group (P < 0.001), with the exception of group III and IV. However, group IV players achieved significantly higher peak speeds (3.82 ± 0.31 m·sˉ¹) than groups I (2.99 ± 0.28 m·sˉ¹), II (3.44 ± 0.26 m·sˉ¹) and III (3.67 ± 0.32 m·sˉ¹). Groups I and II differed significantly in match intensity during very low/low speed zones and the number of high-intensity activities in comparison with groups III and IV (P < 0.001). Full match analysis revealed that activity profiles did not differ significantly between quarters. Conclusions: Notable differences in the volume of activity were displayed across the functional classification groups. However, the specific on-court requirements of defensive (I and II) and offensive (III and IV) match roles appeared to influence the intensity of match activities and consequently training prescription should be structured accordingly

Structure and organization of sport for people with intellectual disabilities across Europe

Opportunities to participate and compete in sports for athletes with intellectual disability (ID) have increased; however, this group still encounters limitations in accessing a comprehensive range of sports. This study addressed the current knowledge on how sport for people with ID is organized and the relationships between the major sport organizations for people with ID across 10 European countries. The participants were 29 national sport organizations for people with ID. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with representatives from the key organizations and analyzed thematically. From the results, two major themes emerged: (a) connection and networking between sport organizations and (b) organizational landscape of each nation (i.e., ID, multidisability, or mainstream). The results of this study contribute to understanding how sport for people with ID is organized across the participating nations, demonstrating different models of development and examples of good practice

Effect of training on the serum lipid profile in able-bodied and spinal cord injured rugby players

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of rugby training on the serum lipid profile in able-bodied and wheelchair players. The following groups took part in the study: sedentary able-bodied men (Group M, n=10), inactive disabled men using wheelchairs (Group MW, n=10), semiprofessional rugby players (Group R, n=10), and wheelchair rugby players (Group RW, n=10). The serum triacyloglycerols (TG), the total cholesterol (TC), the LDL cholesterol (LDLchol) and the HDL cholesterol (HDLchol) concentrations were assayed. The total cholesterol and the LDL cholesterol concentrations were higher in able-bodied sedentary men compared to non-disable rugby players. There was also a tendency to higher HDL cholesterol concentration in rugby players compared to sedentary men (Group R vs. M). Rugby training resulted in a significant decrease of the LDL cholesterol and an increase in the HDL cholesterol concentration, as well as a tendency for lower total cholesterol levels in wheelchair players compared to sedentary tetraplegic men. The ratio of the total cholesterol to the HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in both groups of rugby players in comparison to the respective groups of sedentary men. The serum triacyloglycerols (TG) concentration was similar in all studied groups. There was no difference in the serum lipid profile and the TC/HDLchol ratio between sedentary able-bodied and disabled men (Group M vs. MW), just as between non-disabled and wheelchair rugby players (R vs. RW). It seems that rugby training had a beneficial effect on the serum lipid profile in able-bodied as well as wheelchair players. These results confirm that active persons are at lower risk of cardiovascular diseases

Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background Exercise is the cornerstone of rehabilitation programmes for individuals with cardiovascular disease (IwCVD). Although conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation (CCVR) programmes have significant advantages, non-conventional activities such as Nordic walking (NW) may offer additional health benefits. Our aim was to appraise research evidence on the effects of Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A literature search of clinical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane) was conducted to identify any randomized controlled trials, including: (i) individuals with cardiovascular disease, (ii) analyses of the main outcomes arising from Nordic walking (NW) programmes. Data from the common outcomes were extracted and pooled in the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated and pooled by random effects models. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included and eight trials entered this meta-analysis. Studies focused on coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart failure and stroke. In coronary artery disease, significant differences between NW+CCVR and CCVR were found in exercise capacity (SMD: 0.49; p = 0.03) and dynamic balance (SMD: 0.55; p = 0.01) favouring NW+CCVR. In peripheral artery disease, larger changes in exercise duration (SMD: 0.93; p < 0.0001) and oxygen uptake (SMD: 0.64; p = 0.002) were observed following NW compared with controls. In heart failure, no significant differences were found between NW and CCVR or usual care for peak VO2 and functional mobility. In post-stroke survivors, functional mobility was significantly higher following treadmill programmes with poles rather than without (SMD: 0.80; p = 0.03). Conclusions These data portray NW as a feasible and promising activity for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Further studies are necessary to verify whether NW may be incorporated within CCVR for individuals with cardiovascular disease

On your feet: protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of pole walking and regular walking on physical and psychosocial health in older adults

Physical activity is associated with better physical and mental health in older adults. Pole walking is a form of walking which may have additional health benefits in older adults, because of the addition of hand held poles, and consequent upper limb involvement. However, few studies have examined the potential additional effects of pole walking on physical and psychosocial health in older adults compared with walking. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a pole walking program with the effects of a walking program, on physical and psychosocial wellbeing, in older adults in assisted living facilitie