{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Evaluating the Validity of Tests to Predict Sprint and Change of Direction Speed in Para-Athletes With Brain Impairments.
{Author}: Reina R;Beckman EM;Connick MJ;Spathis JG;Tweedy SM;
{Journal}: Adapt Phys Activ Q
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 2
{Factor}: 2.741
{DOI}: 10.1123/apaq.2023-0197
{Abstract}: Maximum running speed is a performance determinant in para-athletics and cerebral palsy football. Sixty international para-athletes with brain impairments completed five activity-limitation tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, 10-m speed skip, and running in place) and two criterion tests (40-m sprint and modified agility test). The same three tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, and 10-m speed skip) that correlated with running performance in nondisabled runners (.67 < r < -.82; p < .05; 75% of variance) also correlated in para-athletes with brain impairments (.41 < r < -.62; p < .01; 55% of variance). Standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, and running in place also correlated with change-of-direction speed (.43 < r < -.63; p < .01; 58% of variance). Results indicate that methods of classification for para-athletics with nondisabled runners are also valid with para-athletes with brain impairments, and new sport-specific relationships were found for assessing the performance of rapid and short sprints toward different directions, specific of a team para-sport like cerebral palsy football.