Criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness and physical state of football players with cerebral paralysis, taking into account their sports classes

Abstract

Background and Study Aim.  The article is devoted to finding ways to optimize the training of players with cerebral palsy (CP). It is determined that testing and elaboration of criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness of football players with cerebral palsy can be used as a mean of evaluation the sportsmanship of football players of this nosology in training and competitive activities. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of physical and functional preparedness of football players with cerebral paralysis and to develop criteria for their evaluation during the intensive training period, taking into account the functional classes of athletes. Material and Methods. 25 football players with cerebral palsy, candidates and members of the national team of Ukraine, three-time Paralympic champions, multiple world and European champions took part in the study voluntarily. Athletes of the selected group have 5-8 classes of the adapted classification of the International Association of Cerebral Palsy (CP-ISRA) for CP-Football. Biochemical parameters were studied before and after training work of different focus. The value of maximum oxygen consumption (MOC) was determined by means of bicycle ergometric testing. The physical state and level of physical fitness of football players were monitored during the study. The research was conducted on the basis of the research laboratory of Prydniprovsk State Academy of Physical Culture and Sport and on the basis of the Municipal Institution "Dnipropetrovsk Medical and Physical Dispensary" of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council. Results. It was found that athletes with cerebral paralysis are able to adequately tolerate heavy physical loads. Football players with disabilities had biochemical parameters of blood sampling and registration of recovery processes of the cardiovascular system after training activities of different focus within the permissible norm for both healthy athletes. Obtaining such data became the basis for the intensification of training process, which promoted the development of motor skills of football players. Conclusions. Obtained data were the basis for creation the criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness of football players depending on their sports classes. In future, this will allow coaches to determine the effectiveness of the training period, obtain information about the condition of players in training, in the recovery process. On this basis it will help to individualize the workload of players and adjust the training process. The analysis of a direction of preparation and decision-making about educational process correction for football players with disabilities can be realized according to the received data in various structural formations of an annual macrocycle.