Suitable performance of outfield players in amputee soccer in terms of amputation level and playing position

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to show the reference values of suitable performance for amputee soccer outfield players based on amputation level and playing position through field test and match analysis. Fifteen players with disabilities greater than unilateral femoral amputation (high-level amputation group) and 15 players with disabilities such as unilateral lower leg amputation (low-level amputation group) participated in the study. Both groups consisted of 5 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 5 forwards, respectively. The 20m sprint test and 20m W agility test were used to measure physical fitness. As match analysis, total distance covered, distance covered by speed category, and frequency of acceleration and deceleration were measured using global positioning systems technology, and heart rate response was measured using a short-range radio telemetry device. In the sprint test, the low-level amputation group was significantly faster than the high-level amputation group, but there was no difference in the agility test. The low-level amputation group had significantly higher total distance covered and sprinting values than the high-level amputation group. In both groups, distance covered tended to be significantly higher in the order of defender, midfielder, and forward. In the high-level amputation group, the second half of both acceleration and deceleration tended to be significantly less frequent than the first half. The percentage of duration of ≥95% HRmax was significantly higher in the high-level amputation group than in the low-level amputation group for all positions. The reference values presented could be used to develop an optimal play model as a suitable performance criterion.