Relationships between Different Field Test Performance Measures in Elite Goalball Players

Abstract

Goalball is a Paralympic sport involving people with visual impairment. Little is known about the physical fitness of elite players of this sport, as previous studies only evaluated body composition and aerobic capacity. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the performance of elite goalball players in different physical tests and to look for relationships between them. Eleven elite Brazilian goalball players, seven males and four females, were evaluated for body composition, maximal handgrip isometric force (MHGF), countermovement jump (CMJ), throwing velocity (TV) and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Players produced 41.54 ± 8.41 kgf in MHGF, 34.81 ± 7.2 cm in CMJ, 14.21 ± 1.89 m∙s−1 in TV, and 505 ± 313 m in Yo-Yo IR1, with an estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) of 40.64 ± 2.63 mL∙kg−1∙min−1. Most performance tests exhibited moderate to high correlations among them, while the percentage of body fat correlated with both the CMJ and Yo-Yo IR1 results. The current study reveals that CMJ could be a valuable monitoring tool as it was correlated with all other performance tests. The highest correlation observed was with TV (r = 0.754; p < 0.05), which is a key capacity in goalball. Moreover, high levels of body fat could be detrimental to anaerobic performance.

Physical fitness assessment in Goalball: A scoping review of the literature

“…Regarding the tests included in the BPFT, a point by point discussion is provided. Indeed, although skinfold thickness measurement with seven different sites ( Goulart-Siqueira et al., 2019 ) or five ( Caliskan et al., 2011 ) gives more reliable values, this evaluation requires time to be obtained, reducing the test feasibility. For this reason, the two-points skinfold thickness (calf and triceps) adopted by two authors ( Furtado et al., 2016 ; Karakaya et al., 2009 ) is a faster and feasible solution to obtain information regarding the participants' body fat status.…”

“…Goalball is a widely practiced sport by in different levels ranging from school and leisure time ( Caliskan, 2010 ; Caliskan et al., 2011 ; Colak et al., 2004 ; Furtado et al., 2016 ; Karakaya et al., 2009 ) to the national Paralympics level setting ( Akinoğlu and Kocahan, 2018 ; Alves et al., 2018 ; Bednarczuk et al., 2017 ; Goulart-Siqueira et al., 2019 ). Regardless of the sporting level, the evaluation of physical performance is fundamental for monitoring both the athletes' health status and the team's preparation for the competition.…”

Influence of Certain Motor Abilities on Ball Throwing Velocity in Goalball: A Pilot Study

“…The test which is used to evaluate explosive strength (the standing long jump) is important in the selection of Goalball players (Abdullah, Hassan, Pilus & Fauzee, 2018). In addition, (Goulart-Siqueira et al, 2019) using the counter movement jump test (another test used to evaluate explosive strength), determined that the ball throw has a high correlation (r = 0.754; p < 0.05) with the explosive strength of the legs.…”

The effectiveness of bandwidth knowledge of results on a throwing task in goalball players with visual impairments

“…Unfortunately, there is limited evidence-based information on how goalball players can improve processes of motor skill acquisition, such as by practicing throwing a ball at the goal (Morato et al, 2017). In fact, available research on goalball has mainly focused on a small number of game-related aspects, among them (a) the effects of morphological measurements and body composition of goalball players and their relationship to successful performance (Aslan, Karakollukçu, & Ürgüp, 2018;Romanov, Medovic, Stupar, Jezdimirovic, & Garunovic, 2017;Scherer, Karasiak, Silva, & Petroski, 2012); (b) aerobic capacity and physiological attributes of elite goalball players (Goulart-Siqueira et al, 2018;Gulick & Malone, 2011); (c) dynamic postural stability and balance abilities of goalball players (Aydoǧ, Aydoǧ, Çakci, & Doral, 2006); and (d) psychological strategies used by goalball players (Eddy & Mellalieu, 2003). Additional research is needed to explore how goalball players can improve their skills, particularly their main offensive maneuver -the throw at the goal.…”