Characteristics of Anaerobic Performance in Japanese Amputee Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of the anaerobic performance in Japanese amputee soccer players compared with those reported in previous studies. Moreover, this study examined factors related to sprint performance. Subjects were 18 male Japanese amputee soccer players. The 30 m sprint test, countermovement jump (CMJ) test, and the push-up test were used to evaluate anaerobic performance. Assessments of anthropometric characteristics were body height and body weight. All measurements were performed while the participant was not wearing an artificial leg. In addition, the number of years of experience participating in competition and since amputation were investigated. Body height, body weight, and body mass index were 171.9±6.6 cm, 63.2±9.7 kg, and 21.4±3.3, respectively. Average age was 37.7±5.7 years. The number of years of experience participating in competition and since amputation were 4.3±2.4 years and 14.6±8.7 years, respectively. The average time for the 30 m sprint test was 6.66±0.38 seconds. The average CMJ height was 31.0±4.4 cm. The average number of push-ups was 52.3±16.1. There was a significant correlation between the duration of the 30 m sprint and the number of push-ups (r=-0.701, p<0.01). There was also a significant correlation between the duration of the 30 m sprint and the number of years since amputation (r=-0.565, p<0.01). The results of this study suggest the need to improve sprint performance to enhance competitive abilities.