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Linear and Curvilinear Sprint Performance Comparison in Footballers With and Without Cerebral Palsy
Matías Henríquez1, María Isabel Cornejo1,2, Sebastián Norambuena-Meza1
1Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago, Chile.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) show reduced sprint performance and inter-limb differences compared to able-bodied players. These findings highlight the need for targeted training programs for para-athletes in CP football.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Para-athletics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) football involves athletes with neuromuscular impairments performing intermittent sprints.
- Understanding sprint mechanics is crucial for optimizing performance in adapted sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze inter-limb performance differences in curvilinear sprints among footballers with CP and able-bodied players.
- To compare linear and curvilinear sprint performance between these groups.
- To investigate the relationship between linear and curvilinear sprint capabilities.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated 28 male footballers (with and without CP).
- Participants completed a 17-m linear sprint and curvilinear sprints on both sides.
- Statistical analyses compared sprint times, velocities, and inter-limb asymmetries.
Main Results:
- Footballers with CP exhibited significantly slower linear and curvilinear sprint times than able-bodied players.
- Both groups showed significant inter-limb differences in curvilinear sprinting.
- Linear sprint performance was associated with curvilinear sprints in the CP group but not the able-bodied group.
Conclusions:
- Players with CP demonstrate reduced sprint performance and notable inter-limb asymmetries.
- Findings suggest distinct biomechanical characteristics in CP football sprints.
- Results can inform tailored training, coaching strategies, and classification research in para-football.
