Linear and Curvilinear Sprint Performance Comparison in Footballers With and Without Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) football is an adapted version of mainstream football in which para-athletes with neuromuscular impairments compete, characterized by intermittent physical demands such as linear and curvilinear sprints.

Purpose

This study aimed to examine inter-limb performance during curvilinear running sprints by analyzing the differences and relationships between linear and curvilinear sprinting, and by comparing sprint performance between footballers with CP and able-bodied players.

Research Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, evaluating linear and curvilinear sprint capabilities.

Study Sample and Data Collection

Twenty-eight male football players completed a 17-m linear sprint and two trials per side of a curvilinear sprint for intra- and inter-group comparisons.

Results

Significant differences were observed between footballers with and without CP in linear (p < 0.01) and curvilinear sprint performance on both the good (p < 0.01) and weak sides (p < 0.01). No between-group differences were found for the curvilinear sprint deficit (p > 0.05). Inter-limb comparisons during the curvilinear sprint test showed significant differences in time and velocity for both the CP group and CG (p < 0.01). Across both groups, 17-m linear sprint time was significantly faster than curvilinear sprint performance on either side (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between the good and weak sides in curvilinear sprint performance (p < 0.01). In the CP group, linear sprint performance was significantly associated with curvilinear sprints on both sides (p < 0.05), whereas no such association was found in the CG (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study highlights inter-limb differences and reduced sprint performance in footballers with CP compared to an able-bodied group of players. Identifying specific differences in curvilinear and linear sprint performance may inform targeted training programs, support coaching and training decisions, and inform future classification research based on impairment-related performance effects.