A Descriptive Comparison of Sprint Cycling Performance and Neuromuscular Characteristics in Able-Bodied Athletes and Paralympic Athletes with Cerebral Palsy. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Runciman, Phoebe; Derman, Wayne; Ferreira, Suzanne; Albertus-Kajee, Yumna; Tucker, Ross
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. Volume 94:Number 1(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Wingate -- Elite -- Disability -- Electromyography -- Fatigue -- Spasticity -- Muscle Activation; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Periodicals; 617.062
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9115

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: This study investigated the sprint cycling performance and neuromuscular characteristics of Paralympic athletes with cerebral palsy (CP) during a fatiguing maximal cycling trial compared with those of able-bodied (AB) athletes. Design: Five elite athletes with CP and 16 AB age- and performance-matched controls performed a 30-sec Wingate cycle test. Power output (W/kg) and fatigue index (%) were calculated. Electromyography was measured in five bilateral muscles and expressed in mean amplitude (mV) and median frequency (Hz). Results: Power output was significantly higher in the AB group (10.4 [0.5] W/kg) than in the CP group (9.8 [0.5] W/kg) ( P < 0.05). Fatigue index was statistically similar between the AB (27% [0.1%]) and CP (25% [0.1%]) groups. Electromyographic mean amplitude and frequency changed similarly in all muscle groups tested, in both affected and nonaffected sides, in the CP and AB groups ( P < 0.05). Neuromuscular irregularities were identified in the CP group. Conclusions: The similarity in fatigue between the CP and AB groups indicates that elite athletes with CP may have a different exercise response to others with CP. The authors propose that this may result from high-level training over many years. This has rehabilitative implications, as it indicates near-maximal adaptation of the CP body toward normal levels.