Relationship between physical fitness parameters and match time motion performance in international footballers with cerebral palsy

The goal of this study was to describe the physical performance of international football players with cerebral palsy (CP) using commonly employed field tests to determine whether these characteristics are correlated with, or even predictive of, physical performance during competitive matches. Ten international footballers with CP performed a physical performance assessment that included anthropometry, sprint capacity, change of direction ability and intermittent endurance conducted before a worldwide competition. Match running performances were recorded using global positioning system devices during five official matches, including speed and distance variables. Moderate-to-high correlations were found between 5-m and 30-m sprints with maximal acceleration, deceleration and distances covered at moderate-to-high intensities. The change of direction capacity correlated to maximal deceleration and high-intensity variables. Furthermore, intermittent endurance correlated with average velocity, total distance and distances covered at varying intensities. Multiple linear regression showed predictive relationships for maximal acceleration, average velocity, total distance and intensity-specific distances. Practitioners must consider the main test that correlates with the demands of the sport and key performance parameters in CP football. The results offer practical insights for optimising training strategies tailored to specific performance variables for match football performance.