European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 2010 (vol. 3), issue 2
SELECTING AND MODIIFYING METHODS OF MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING FOR CLASSIFICATION IN PARALYMPIC SPORT
Sean M. Tweedy, Gavin Williams, John Bourke
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 3, 7-16 (2010) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2010.005 
Many Paralympic sports classification systems use unspecified manual muscle testing (MMT) methods to assess impairment of muscle strength. This is a potential source of inconsistency in classification, and could be eliminated by nominating a single, published set of MMT methods. Additionally, four modifications can enhance the validity, reliability and utility of conventional MMT methods for classification: 1) limiting assessment to movements that are important to performance in the sport concerned; 2) specifying a single preferred technique for assessment of movement strength; 3) changing the reference range of movement from normal anatomical range...
THE EFFECT OF BLOCKED VERSUS RANDOM TRAINING SCHEDULES ON BOCCIA SKILLS PERFORMANCE IN EXPERIENCED ATHLETES WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Luke Morriss, Julie Wittmannová
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 3, 17-28 (2010) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2010.006
Efficiently maximising sporting performances through structuring of training sessions has become a very important focus over the past twenty years. Very little study directly related to boccia exists for athletes with cerebral palsy (CP) and consequently information on performance measures is scarce. The aim of study was to measure the effect of blocked versus random training schedules on boccia skills performance. Fourteen experienced national-level athletes with CP (M = 23.6 years) participated in this study. Athletes were divided in two intervention groups and followed prescribed blocked (n = seven athletes) and random (n = seven athletes) training...
THE INFLUENCE OF SHORT TERM, INTENSIVE HIPPOTHERAPY ON GAIT IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Markku Honkavaara, Pauli Rintala
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 3, 29-36 (2010) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2010.007
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short term hippotherapy on functional gait changes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Participants were two boys (ages 12 and 13) with spastic diplegia and a girl (14 yrs) with athetoid CP. Single-subject (ABA) design was used to determine quantitative changes in functional gait parameters (velocity, stride length, and cadence) following three weeks of hippotherapy. The two boys demonstrated improvement in stride length and gait velocity without sustained improvement in cadence. There was increase in stride length and cadence, but most noticeable improvements in velocity for the girl. The...
PHYSICAL DISABILITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON CORRELATES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Martin Saebu
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 3, 37-55 (2010) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2010.008
The purpose of this article was to examine the literature on correlates and associations of physical activity among adults (age 16-65 years) with physical disabilities. Electronic searches were conducted to identify research articles published from 1980 to 2009. Specific inclusion criteria were identified. The search produced 4,189 articles; however, only 57 met all specified criteria. They represented seven different disability groups, including one cross-over category with two or more disabilities. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health developed by the World Health Organization was used as a structural framework for...