Article

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.
- cyclisme

Langue : ANGLAIS