Research on cerebral palsy football: a scoping review

This study conducts the first scoping review in cerebral palsy (CP) football, a field that has received limited and uneven research attention. While the existing literature has primarily focused on aspects like match load and performance analysis, critical areas such as training interventions and health outcomes have not been consolidated or comprehensively reviewed. This review therefore aims to summarize available evidence, identify key research needs, and provide a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge. This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four selected databases (Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Scopus) were searched on 07/01/2025. Any original research written in FIFA languages published in peer-reviewed journals at any level, any age, and on any subject was eligible for inclusion in this study. All included studies were scoped for authors, journals, titles and abstracts. Population assessed number of participants, age groups, sex groups, level of play and the themes of publication were extracted. Data from the included studies were extracted and then examined to identify key research themes and gaps. A total of 299 records were found, but only 51 met the selection criteria and therefore scoped. The results highlighted the recent interest in the scientific literature. Match load and strength and conditioning topics constituted two top frequently explored areas. Notably, no studies focusing on the theme of medicine or psychology were identified. Regarding the participant population, the majority of studies were focused on professional players, most of whom were male players. The majority of research were conducted by Spanish scholars, showing the need for research in diverse socio-cultural contexts. In recent years, a continuous growth in academic attention has been observed in the field of CP football, reflecting broader trends in para-sport where increased participation, institutional investment, and professionalization, particularly within para-sport, have stimulated expanded research on the performance and physiological characteristics of athletes with disabilities. International competitions such as the IFCPF World Cup further elevate the visibility of the sport and underscore the practical need for evidence-based approaches to training, classification, and performance optimization. This study contributes to identifying the research gaps for further studies in this multifaceted, diverse and evolving area of CP football. More specifically, the findings of this study suggested that future research should address the gaps in the area of medicine and psychology, focus on female players and non-professional players, and conduct investigations within diverse sociocultural contexts, while also providing guidance for practices, such as the optimization of CP football training programs and the establishment of a comprehensive support system for footballers with CP.