Alba Roldan

Interpreting match load relative to individual capacity may be particularly relevant in cerebral palsy (CP) football, where impairment affects both capacity and match output. This exploratory study examined how the distance covered during high-intensity acceleration and deceleration (ACCDEC) relates to acceleration capacity (average 5-m sprint velocity, V5), whether the ratio ACCDEC/V5 meets the conditions for ratio scaling, and whether ACCDEC and ACCDEC/V5 differ between sport classes. GNSS/IMU match data (273 player–match observations; 63 male players; seven Spanish National League teams) were analysed with linear mixed-effects models. Between players, ACCDEC/V5 was nearly identical to ACCDEC (r = 0.97) and uncorrelated with V5 (r = 0.08), and the ACCDEC–V5 relationship was compatible with proportionality (intercept −0.52 m·min⁻¹; 95% CI −4.06 to 3.01). Higher V5 was associated with greater ACCDEC (B = 0.91 m·min⁻¹ per m·s⁻¹; p = 0.029). ACCDEC tended to be lower in FT1 than in FT3 players (p = 0.056), whereas ACCDEC/V5 did not differ between classes (p = 0.304); neither class effect was robust in sensitivity analyses. ACCDEC/V5 is a capacity-scaled descriptor of match demands rather than a measure of physiological cost, and its added value for load monitoring and classification remains to be established.

Bullying towards students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) remains a persistent problem in school contexts, yet the psychosocial mechanisms underlying bullying perpetration in inclusive settings are still insufficiently understood. Primarily grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as a complementary framework for considering attitudinal variables, this study examined a predictive model of bullying perpetration towards students with SEND in Physical Education (PE), focusing on the role of motivational and attitudinal processes. A total of 356 secondary school students (M age = 13.77; SD = 1.34) completed measures assessing perceived teaching style, basic psychological needs satisfaction, self-determined motivation, tolerance, attitudes towards disability, and bullying perpetration towards peers with disabilities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and path analysis. Results showed that higher levels of self-determined motivation were positively associated with tolerance and more positive attitudes towards disability. In turn, tolerance and attitudes towards disability negatively predicted bullying perpetration. In this case, self-determined motivation did not directly predict bullying perpetration but showed an indirect association through its effects on tolerance and attitudes. These findings highlight the importance of motivational and attitudinal pathways in explaining disability-related bullying and suggest that prevention efforts in PE should move beyond behaviour-focused approaches to address the motivational climate and the development of tolerance and positive attitudes towards disability.

Background: Inter-limb asymmetry has been widely studied as a potential determinant of physical performance in able-bodied athletes; however, its functional relevance in athletes with neurological impairments such as spastic hemiparesis remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations between lower-limb isometric strength, inter-limb asymmetry, physical performance, and match external-load variables in elite CP football players. Methods: Eleven male football players with spastic hemiparesis from the Spanish national team competing at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup participated in this observational cross-sectional study. Maximal isometric strength of the plantar flexors, adductors, and hamstrings was assessed using a belt-stabilised dynamometer. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated as a percentage difference between affected and non-affected limbs. Physical performance was evaluated using sprint, change-of-direction, dribbling, and intermittent endurance tests. Match external-load variables were collected during official competition using inertial measurement units. Associations were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlations, and between-group comparisons were conducted using a median split based on asymmetry magnitude. Results: Inter-limb asymmetry did not significantly differentiate physical performance outcomes across any field-based tests (p > 0.05). Associations between isometric strength or asymmetry and field-based performance were limited and did not remain statistically significant after false discovery rate correction. In contrast, plantar flexor asymmetry showed significant negative associations with mechanical work (ρ = −0.84; q = 0.010) and metabolic power (ρ = −0.83; q = 0.010), which remained robust after multiple-comparison control. Conclusions: Inter-limb strength asymmetry did not appear to be a primary determinant of field-based physical performance in CP football players with spastic hemiparesis. Most associations between strength, asymmetry, and performance should be considered exploratory. However, plantar flexor asymmetry showed a consistent association with selected mechanical and metabolic match-load variables, suggesting that neuromuscular asymmetry may influence specific aspects of match demands. Given the exploratory team-study design and limited sample size, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in larger cohorts.

Background: Inter-limb asymmetry has been widely studied as a potential determinant of physical performance in able-bodied athletes; however, its functional relevance in athletes with neurological impairments such as spastic hemiparesis remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations between lower-limb isometric strength, inter-limb asymmetry, physical performance, and match external-load variables in elite CP football players. Methods: Eleven male football players with spastic hemiparesis from the Spanish national team competing at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup participated in this observational cross-sectional study. Maximal isometric strength of the soleus, adductors, and hamstrings was assessed using a belt-stabilised dynamometer. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated as a percentage difference between affected and non-affected limbs. Physical performance was evaluated using sprint, change-of-direction, dribbling, and intermittent endurance tests. Match external-load variables were collected during official competition using inertial measurement units. Associations were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlations, and between-group comparisons were conducted using a median split based on asymmetry magnitude. Results: Inter-limb asymmetry did not significantly differentiate physical performance outcomes across any field-based tests (p > .05). Isometric strength showed limited associations with performance variables, with a significant correlation between non-affected adductor strength and intermittent endurance (ρ = 0.63; p < .05). Soleus asymmetry was negatively associated with dribbling performance (ρ = −0.64; p < .05) and showed moderate-to-strong correlations with several match external-load variables, including mechanical work (ρ = −0.84; p < .01) and metabolic power (ρ = −0.83; p < .01). Conclusions: Inter-limb strength asymmetry did not appear to be a primary determinant of physical performance in CP football players with spastic hemiparesis. These findings suggest that asymmetry may represent a structural characteristic rather than a modifiable constraint, with athletes developing compensatory strategies to maintain performance. However, asymmetry in plantar flexor strength may influence match-specific physical demands, highlighting the importance of context-specific interpretation.

Background: Spasticity is a common feature in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) that may impair muscle function and affect explosive movements such as jumping. Although vertical jump performance is a key indicator of neuromuscular capacity in para‐athletes, the specific effects of lower‐limb spasticity remain unclear, particularly when comparing unilateral and bilateral profiles. Objective: To compare spasticity scores between less and more affected legs as well as across CP profiles, examine differences in vertical jump performance variables between CP participants with unilateral spasticity (US) and bilateral spasticity (BS) profiles and footballers without disabilities, and determine the association between spasticity and jump force–time variables during a countermovement jump (CMJ). Methods: In total, 53 parafootballers with CP and 33 footballers without disabilities as a control group (CG) were recruited. Spasticity was assessed in lower limb muscle groups using the Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale, focusing on knee and ankle plantar flexion. Performance variables were evaluated using the CMJ test on a force platform. Results: Significant differences in spasticity of the more affected leg were found between the subgroups with BS and US ( p < .01). In addition, significant differences in jump height were observed between footballers with CP and the CG ( p < .01). A negative correlation was found between spasticity scores and vertical jump performance ( ρ = −0.27 to −0.28, small), and a positive correlation was found between spasticity scores and the maximal rate of force development ( ρ = 0.28 to 0.33, small to moderate). Conclusions: Lower‐limb spasticity differs across CP profiles and negatively affects CMJ height performance. This study offers new insights into how spasticity influences sport‐specific actions in para‐athletes with CP, particularly those requiring muscle power for high‐speed movements such as jumping.

Physical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving, physical fitness, and cognitive function among individuals with SUD. Aerobic exercises, particularly those of moderate intensity, demonstrate a consistent efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, and cravings, while also enhancing cardiovascular health and psychosocial well-being. Strength training and concurrent programs provide additional benefits for muscular and cognitive function, although their effects on mental health are less consistent. Mind–body disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi offer accessible entry points for individuals with low baseline fitness but exhibit variable outcomes, especially in sleep and craving management. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows potential for craving reduction and cardiovascular improvements but may pose challenges for individuals with low initial fitness. This review underscores the importance of tailored, well-structured programs that align with participants’ needs and capabilities. Future research should prioritize standardizing protocols, incorporating technological tools, and exploring hybrid intervention models to maximize adherence and therapeutic impact. Physical exercise remains a vital, multifaceted tool in comprehensive SUD rehabilitation strategies.

This study aimed to create a new throwing test for assessing technical performance (accuracy) in boccia among female international players with cerebral palsy. Five international athletes (100% of a National Team) representing different functional classes participated. The test, conducted twice over two days, involved throwing 8 or 12 balls at five ground targets. Time to complete the test was recorded, along with average radial error (ARE) and constant errors (CE) in the X and Y axes for each throwing zone and the total test. Results indicated consistent performance between repetitions but decreased execution time. Reliability indicators showed acceptable consistency (ICC = 0.44 to 0.71; SEM = 1.23 to 3.19; MDC = 2.44 to 6.33). This novel test demonstrates validity and reliability for evaluating technical proficiency in boccia BC1, BC2, and BC3 classes, offering practical implications for coaches in designing training programs.

Background: Substance use disorders pose unique challenges, affecting individuals physiologically and socially. This study addresses the fundamental question of how adherence to exercise programs impacts those with substance use disorders, examining both in-person and online interventions. Methods: A 12-week analysis involving 26 participants assessed physical fitness, strength, and quality of life. Participants were categorized into in-person and online exercise groups, with their adherence tracked through attendance and a dedicated app. Results: The in-person group exhibited higher adherence rates and significant improvements, in contrast to the challenges encountered by the online groups, particularly in substance use disorder cohorts. Statistical analyses highlighted these differences, emphasizing the pivotal role of the exercise program delivery format. Conclusions: This research advocates for hybrid models, blending professional supervision with online flexibility, recognizing the distinct challenges of substance use disorders. Insights from this study will contribute to shaping more effective, personalized interventions in the complex landscape of substance use disorders, offering guidance for advancing treatment strategies.