A Field-Based Predictive Model for Evidence-Based Classification in Male Footballers With Cerebral Palsy

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Disability Sport Classification
• Clinical Biomechanics

Background:

• Accurate classification of athletes with cerebral palsy (CP) is crucial for fair competition in para-sports.
• Existing classification systems require refinement to better reflect functional abilities and sport-specific limitations.
• A 6-year research effort led to the development of new sport classes (FT1-FT3) for CP football.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sensitivity of activity limitation tests in discriminating between CP football sport classes.
• To identify predictors of activity limitation outcomes to enhance the accuracy of sport class allocation.
• To provide empirical support for classifiers' decision-making in CP football.

Main Methods:

• 177 international male CP footballers completed 11 field-based tests measuring balance, coordination, jumping, agility, and dribbling.
• Classification and regression tree analysis were employed to develop predictive models for sport class allocation.
• The study analyzed data from 111 players and a subsample of 101 players (excluding goalkeepers).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in test performance were found between sport classes, with exceptions in one-leg stance acceleration.
• Dribbling skills, inter-limb coordination, and static balance tests predicted sport class allocation with 72.1% accuracy (75.2% excluding goalkeepers).
• The dribbling speed test is key for FT1/FT2 classes, while the one-leg stance test is more predictive for FT3 class.

Conclusions:

• The study validates new activity limitation tests for classifying CP footballers.
• Distinct patterns of sport-specific limitations exist across FT1-FT3 sport classes.
• These findings enhance the objectivity and accuracy of sport class allocation in CP football.