Motion analysis of throwing Boccia balls in children with cerebral palsy

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Pediatric Rehabilitation

Background:

• Boccia is an adaptive sport beneficial for children with cerebral palsy (CP), requiring upper extremity and torso coordination.
• Understanding the biomechanical differences in Boccia throwing between children with CP and typically developing children is crucial for optimizing training and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the biomechanical throwing patterns of Boccia balls between children with bilateral spastic CP and normally developed children.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3D electromagnetic motion tracking system and a force plate to capture and analyze kinematic and kinetic parameters during Boccia throws.
• Assessed participants using a pediatric reach test and Boccia throwing tasks.
• Included 13 children with bilateral spastic CP and 20 normally developed children.

Main Results:

• Children with CP showed significantly poorer results in the pediatric reach test but achieved comparable throwing accuracy (distance to target) as typically developing peers.
• CP participants exhibited longer movement durations, reduced elbow movement amplitude, increased shoulder abduction/flexion, slower torso flexion velocity, and faster head flexion velocity.
• CP group relied more on head and shoulder movements with limited torso involvement, while typically developing peers used greater torso and elbow motion.

Conclusions:

• Children with CP adopt distinct compensatory movement strategies during Boccia throws, primarily utilizing head and shoulder movements.
• Despite altered biomechanics, children with CP can achieve similar throwing accuracy, highlighting the adaptability of motor control in this population.
• Findings suggest potential for targeted interventions to refine throwing technique and further enhance performance in children with CP.