Shoulder Movement-Centered Measurement and Estimation Scheme for Underarm-Throwing Motions.

Underarm throwing motions are crucial in various sports, including boccia. Unlike healthy players, people with profound weakness, spasticity, athetosis, or deformity in the upper limbs may struggle or find it difficult to control their hands to hold or release a ball using their fingers at the proper timing. To help them, our study aims to understand underarm throwing motions. We start by defining the throwing intention in terms of the launch angle of a ball, which goes hand-in-hand with the timing for releasing the ball. Then, an appropriate part of the body is determined in order to estimate ball-throwing intention based on the swinging motion. Furthermore, the geometric relationship between the movements of the body part and the release angle is investigated by involving multiple subjects. Based on the confirmed correlation, a calibration-and-estimation model that considers individual differences is proposed. The proposed model consists of calibration and estimation modules. To begin, as the calibration module is performed, individual prediction states for each subject are updated online. Then, in the estimation module, the throwing intention is estimated employing the updated prediction. To verify the effectiveness of the model, extensive experiments were conducted with seven subjects. In detail, two evaluation directions were set: (1) how many balls need to be thrown in advance to achieve sufficient accuracy; and (2) whether the model can reach sufficient accuracy despite individual differences. From the evaluation tests, by throwing 20 balls in advance, the model could account for individual differences in the throwing estimation. Consequently, the effectiveness of the model was confirmed when focusing on the movements of the shoulder in the human body during underarm throwing. In the near future, we expect the model to expand the means of supporting disabled people with ball-throwing disabilities.

Training effect of repeated rolling motions on boccia players with severe cerebral palsy: comparison with the effect of conventional upper-limb training using a crossover test.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to establish evidence regarding comparisons between training methods for boccia players with severe cerebral palsy. [Participants and Methods] Ten boccia players with severe cerebral palsy were enrolled in this study. This intervention had a cross-over design. Participants were divided into two groups based on the training method applied. The study period was divided into an upper extremity training period and an interval rolling training period, which lasted 4 weeks each. Each was separated by a 4-week training detraining period. Joint range of motion and throwing distance were measured before and after the interventions and the effects were compared and verified. [Results] Compared to upper extremity training, interval rolling training significantly expanded the range of motion and improved throwing distance in bocce players with severe cerebral palsy. [Conclusion] Collectively, interval rolling training is more effective than upper limb training in improving the physical function and throwing distance of boccia players with severe cerebral palsy.

Efectos de un programa de visualizatión mental en el rendimiento de atletas de Boccia federados y no federados / Efeitos de um programa de imagery no desempenho de atletas federados e não federados de Boccia / Effects of an imagery programme on the performance of federated and non-federated Boccia athletes

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los efectos y las relaciones a través de la implementación de un programa de entrenamiento de imagery(IM) para participantes federados y no federados de Boccia. Veintiún atletas de Boccia participaron en este estudio. Al comienzo del estudio, y después de un período de entrenamiento de IM de 8 semanas, se evaluó la capacidad de IM de los atletas (MIQ -3) y su desempeño en las tareas de Boccia (distancia al objetivo y distancia a la pelota de color). El análisis de datos se llevó a cabo mediante inferencias basadas en magnitudes no clínicas. Los resultados sugieren que, desde antes hasta después de la prueba, los atletas federados y no federados tuvieron una puntuación de IM más alta y exhibieron un rendimiento mejorado. Los niveles de rendimiento parecen haber sido influenciado por el nivel de experiencia de los participantes, y los atletas no federados revelaron una mayor magnitud de mejora que los atletas federados. Se observó una correlación no significativa entre MI y rendimiento. Aunque la inconsistencia de la relación entre IM y rendimiento, los resultados sugieren que el entrenamiento de IM mejora el desarrollo de la capacidad de IM y también las acciones motoras en los atletas de Boccia. (AU)

The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effects of an imagery (IM) training programme in federated and non-federated Boccia athletes. Twenty-one Boccia athletes participated in this study. At the beginning of the study, and after a period of an 8-week IM training, the athletes’ IM ability (MIQ – 3) and their performance in Boccia tasks (distance to target and distance to coloured ball) were assessed. Data analysis was carried out using non-clinical magnitude-based inferences. The results suggests that, from pre to post test, federated and non-federated athletes had a higher IM score and exhibited an improved performance. The performance levels were influenced by the participants’ level of expertise, with the non-federated athletes revealing higher magnitude of improvement than federated athlete’s. A non-significant correlation was observed between IM and performance. Although the inconsistency of the relationship between IM and performance, the results suggests that IM training enhances the development of IM ability and also motor actions in Boccia athletes. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos e as relações através da implementação de um programa de treino de Imagery(IM) para participantes federados e não federados de Boccia em atletas federados e não federados de boccia. Vinte e um atletas de Boccia participaram neste estudo. No início do estudo, e após um período de um treinamento IM de 8 semanas, a habilidade IM dos atletas (MIQ -3) e seu desempenho em tarefas de boccia (distância até o alvo e distância até a bola colorida) foram avaliados. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de inferências não clínicas baseadas em magnitude. Os resultados sugerem que, do pré ao pós-teste, atletas federados e não federados obtiveram maior scorede IM e melhor desempenho. Os níveis de desempenho parecem ter sido influenciados pelo nível de experiência dos participantes, com os atletas não federados revelando maior magnitude de melhoria do que os atletas federados. Uma correlação não significativa foi observada entre IM e desempenho. Apesar da inconsistência da relação entre IM e desempenho, os resultados sugerem que o treino de IM aumenta o desenvolvimento da habilidade de IM e também das ações motoras em atletas de boccia. (AU)

Boccia in Paralympic Games: the evolution from 1984 to 2016 and future perspectives / Bocha en los Juegos Paralímpicos: la evolución de 1984 a 2016 y perspectivas futuras / Boccia nos Jogos Paralímpicos: a evolução de 1984 a 2016 e perspetivas futuras

This study aimed to analyze the participation in Boccia from 1984 to 2016 in Paralympic Games (PG) and envision future perspectives in the parasport. Data was obtained from official International Paralympic Committee webpage, from the first edition (1984) until 2016 and associated to athlete's classification, competitive format and number of played games, the number, nationality and gender of participants, and also the results. The number of athletes participating in PG has steadily increased between 1984 (19) and 2016 (106), the same was observed with relation to represented countries (1984 = 5 vs 2016 = 21) and medal countries (1984 = 5 vs 2012 and 2016 = 11). With respect to athletes' gender, an evident increase was observed, although not continuous throughout the PG editions (male 1984 = 11 vs 2016 = 73 / female 1984 = 8 vs 2016 = 33). Despite the total number of played games increased between 1984 (19) and 2016 (180), this has not been uniform, having even decreased between 2004 (252) and 2012 (161). This evidence is related to factors such as forms of qualification and competition format, that have changed over time, as well as classification system (BC4 was implement in 2004), and pairs and teams' format. It should also be highlighted that, in 1984 edition, PG were performed separating genders. Boccia is a developing parasport with several challenges, namely: i) the continuous increase in participants; ii) gender equally; iii) improvement of classification system; and iv) the competitions format to accommodate an increasing number of participants. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la evolución de la Bocha de 1984 a 2016 en los Juegos Paralímpicos (JP) y vislumbrar perspectivas futuras en el paradeporte. Los datos se obtuvieron de la página oficial del Comité Paralímpico Internacional, de 1984 a 2016 y asociados a la clasificación de atletas, formato competitivo y número de partidos disputados, número, nacionalidad y sexo de los participantes, así como resultados. El número de atletas que participaron en el JP aumentó de manera constante entre 1984 (19) y 2016 (106), lo mismo se observó para los países representados (1984 = 5 vs 2016 = 21) y países que ganan medallas (1984 = 5 vs 2012 y 2016 = 11). En cuanto al género, se observó un aumento evidente, aunque no continuo a lo largo de las ediciones (masculino 1984 = 11 vs 2016 = 73 / femenino 1984 = 8 vs 2016 = 33). A pesar de la cantidad total de juegos ha aumentado entre 1984 (19) y 2016 (180), este no fue uniforme, incluso disminuyó entre 2004 (252) y 2012 (161). Esta evidencia está relacionada con factores como el modelo de clasificación y el formato de la competición, que ha cambiado con el tiempo, así como el sistema de clasificación (BC4 implementado en 2004) y el formato de parejas y equipos. Cabe señalar también que, en la edición de 1984, los JP se realizaron con separación de género. La Bocha es un paradeporte en desarrollo con varios desafíos, a saber: i) el aumento continuo de participantes; ii) igualdad de género; iii) mejoría del sistema de clasificación; y iv) formato competitivo para acomodar a un número cada vez mayor de participantes. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a evolução do Boccia de 1984 a 2016 nos Jogos Paralímpicos (JP) e vislumbrar futuras perspetivas na modalidade paralímpica. Dados foram obtidos da página oficial do Comité Paralímpico Internacional, de 1984 até 2016 e associados à classificação dos atletas, formato competitivo e número de jogos disputados, número, nacionalidade e género dos participantes, e também resultados. O número de atletas participantes nos JP aumentou constantemente entre 1984 (19) e 2016 (106), o mesmo foi observado relativamente aos países representados (1984 = 5 vs 2016 = 21) e países medalhados (1984 = 5 vs 2012 e 2016 = 11). No que respeita ao género, um aumento evidente foi observado, embora não contínuo ao longo das edições (masculino 1984 = 11 vs 2016 = 73 / feminino 1984 = 8 vs 2016 = 33). Apesar do número total de jogos ter aumentado entre 1984 (19) e 2016 (180), este não foi uniforme, tendo mesmo diminuído entre 2004 (252) e 2012 (161). Esta evidência está relacionada com fatores como modelo de qualificação e formato da competição, que mudaram ao longo do tempo, bem como sistema de classificação (BC4 implementada em 2004) e formato de pares e equipas. De realçar ainda que, na edição de 1984, os JP foram realizados com separação de géneros. O Boccia é uma modalidade paralímpica em desenvolvimento com vários desafios, nomeadamente: i) o aumento contínuo de participantes; ii) igualdade de género; iii) melhoria do sistema de classificação; e iv) formato competitivo para acomodar um número crescente de participantes. (AU)

Arbitragem da bocha paralímpica: competências profissionais de árbitros internacionais / Paralympic boccia arbitration: professional competences of internacional referees / Arbitrar paralímpico la boccia: competencias profesionales de árbitros internacionales

Objetivo: analisar as competências profissionais dos árbitros internacionais de Bocha Paralímpica que atuaram nos Jogos Paralímpicos Rio 2016. Metodologia: Participaram do estudo onze árbitros, em que forneceram informações por meio de questionário online. Resultados e discussão: Os resultados apontam que as competências profissionais se caracterizaram pelo domínio das regras, estudo da modalidade, troca de informações entre os pares, participação no comitê de árbitros, domínio da regra no idioma oficial da modalidade, participação em competições internacionais. Conclusão: Com estes dados, foi possível aplicá-los no modelo de competências profissionais de Cheetham e Chivers(1996), em que descreve a competência cognitiva, funcional, pessoal e social e valores e ética, e, as metacompetências caracterizada pela competência que podem auxiliar na obtenção ou análise de outras competências, sendo estas atribuídas pela comunicação, autodesenvolvimento, criatividade, análise, solução de problemas, reflexão e agilidade mental.

Objective: The objective was to analyzethe professional skills of the international Boccia referees who participated in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Methodology: Eleven referees participated in the study, in which they provided information through an online questionnaire. Results: The results show that professional competences were characterized by the mastery of the rules, study of the modality, exchange of information between peers, participation in the committee of referees, mastery of the rule in the official language of the modality, participation in international competitions. Conclusion: With these data, it was possible to apply them in the model of professional competences of Cheetham and Chivers (1996), in which it describes the cognitive, functional, personal and social competence and values and ethics, and the metacompetences characterized by the competence that can assist in the obtaining or analyzing other competences, which are attributed by communication, self-development, creativity, analysis, problem solving, reflection and mental agility.

Objetivo: El objetivo fue analizar las habilidades profesionales de los árbitros internacionales de Bochas Paralímpicas que participaron en los Juegos Paralímpicos de Río 2016. Metodología:En el estudio participaron once árbitros, en el que brindaron información a través de un cuestionario en línea. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que las competencias profesionales se caracterizaron por el dominio de las reglas, estudio de la modalidad, intercambio de información entre pares, participación en el comité de árbitros, dominio de la regla en el idioma oficial de la modalidad, participación en competencias internacionales. Conclusión: Con estos datos, fue posible aplicarlos en el modelo de competencias profesionales de Cheetham y Chivers (1996), en el que se describenlas competencias y valores cognitivos, funcionales, personales y sociales y la ética, y las metacompetencias caracterizadas por la competencia que puede ayudar en la obtener o analizar otras habilidades, que se atribuyen a la comunicación, el autodesarrollo, la creatividad, el análisis, la resolución de problemas, la reflexión y la agilidad mental.

Research of training method using repeated rolling movement for Boccia players with severe cerebral palsy / 体力科学

Boccia is a targeted sport that has been devised in Europe for people with severe cerebral palsy (CP) or similar severe limbs dysfunction. In the target sport, it is important that the parasympathetic nerve becomes dominant during the competition, and it is said that the parasympathetic nerve activity tends to become dominant by training to raise the heart rate. The training protocol incorporates a rolling movement, which is an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) that can be performed even with severe CP. The purpose of this study is to verify whether interval rolling movement (IR), which repeats rolling movement at the maximum speed, is effective as training for increasing heart rate associated with effort exercise for people with severe CP. One workout consisted of 1minute rolling movement and 30seconds of rest, and three times of this workout were as 1set of IR. Subjects performed 3sets of IR with a 5minutes rest and performed this training for 6months. Six severe CP boccia players were divided into two groups, 1/week group and 1/month group, depending on the frequency of intervention. As a result, the post-exercise heart rate and the number of turns per minute increased significantly in the weekly group, and no significant change was observed in the monthly group. For severe CP boccia players, it was suggested that conducting IR at least once a week is an effective method of training aimed at increasing heart rate associated with effort exercise.

Relationship between Pre-Competition Mental State and Sport Result of Disabled Boccia Athletes.

The relationship between sport result and pre-competition mental state of 109 boccia athletes was analyzed. Mental state was described by: athletic identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy for sports, hope for success, fear of failure, anxiety, and expectancy of success. Correlation analyses were made for all four boccia classes (BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4) and revealed that only athletic identity was associated with sport result in class BC4. Four hierarchical multiple regression models (for BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4 boccia classes) were created, with sport result as the dependent variable. Only the BC4 model was significant and included athletic identity, anxiety, self-efficacy for sports, and expectancy of success, which explained 49% of variance in sport result. BC4 class results indicate that psychological variables have a potential impact on sport performance in boccia, and the type and level of disability should be taken into account.

Throwing distance and competitive performance of Boccia players.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between throwing distance and competitive performance in Boccia players in order to establish a training program based on this evidence. [Participants and Methods] In total, 40 athletes, who competed in the Japan Boccia Championships and are certified players of the Japan Boccia Association, participated in the study. Participants threw the Boccia ball as far as possible, and throwing distances were compared between certified players (Group I, n=8), those who participated in the final round (Group II, n=9), and those who lost in the preliminary round (Group III, n=23). [Results] The maximum throwing distances were 16.38 ± 5.17 m (Group I), 10.67 ± 2.66 m (Group II), and 8.34 ± 2.73 m (Group III). Group I threw the ball significantly farther than Groups II and III. [Conclusion] Boccia is a target sport and throwing farther distances requires more effort. In addition, being able to throw at a longer distance means that Boccia players can throw a stronger ball and use this for various tactics. The results of this study suggest that long-distance throwing training would be effective in improving the competitive performance of Boccia players.

Boccia as a Rehabilitation Intervention for Adults With Severe Mobility Limitations Due to Neuromuscular and Other Neurological Disorders: Feasibility and Effects on Upper Limb Impairments.

PURPOSE: Scant research exists regarding the effects of playing Boccia as a rehabilitation strategy for people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. This study is aimed at identifying the feasibility and effects of playing Boccia on the upper limb impairments of people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven people played Boccia three times per week for 20 weeks as part of the rehabilitation process, while other seven kept up with their usual rehabilitation schedule. Attrition, adherence, adverse effects, participation and completion rate were registered to assess feasibility. The effects of the program on grip, pinch strength and upper-limb active range of motion were assessed by means of a dynamometer and a goniometer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The program was feasible, although no effects were observed after its completion on variables assessed, except for hand flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion. In a group of people with severe disability due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders, playing Boccia as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was shown to be a feasible therapy. However, practicing this game did not lead to significant improvements in upper limb impairments, except for wrist flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion.

Relationship between pulmonary function, throw distance, and psychological competitive ability of elite highly trained Japanese boccia players via correlation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Boccia players have severe quadriplegia; nonetheless, detailed aspects of the physical function of individual players have not been evaluated. AIMS: This study aimed to detetmine the relationship between pulmonary function, pitching distance, and psychological competitive ability of Japanese boccia players. METHODS: Participants were athletes from the Japan Boccia Association (10 males, 3 females; average age, 32.9 ± 12.0 years) who could independently perform pitching motions. We measured pulmonary function, respiratory muscle force, and diaphragm movement using ultrasonography, pitching distance, and psychological competitive ability. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: In all participants, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle force, and diaphragm displacement were low, whereas respiratory function was very low compared to the normal range (i.e., the value calculated from the subjects' height, weight, and age). However, boccia players with high level of competitive ability performed well. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results raise the question as to whether focusing on the development of boccia players' competitive ability and physical function will improve their overall performance. This question warrants future investigation.

"Here everyone is the same" - A qualitative evaluation of participating in a Boccia (indoor bowling) group: Innovative practice.

This qualitative study explored the impact of a Boccia (modified indoor bowls) group on the lives of people with dementia and their carers. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N = 6), carers (N = 10) and the group organisers (N = 6) analysed using thematic analysis revealed four main themes. 'The struggle of being a carer' was relieved by participating in the group and benefitting from the caring support and social aspects of "This group is a family". "The unique nature of Boccia" helped it to provide physical and mental stimulation as well as being an inclusive and enjoyable group. These aspects contributed to many participants describing the group as a Dementia friendly environment where "Here everyone is the same": treated as equals, without feeling hindered or defined by dementia. Boccia appears an exciting initiative but further research is needed to see if these findings can be replicated with other groups.

Psychosocial effects of competitive Boccia program in persons with severe chronic disability.

People with severe physical disabilities may experience psychosocial problems. Boccia is one sport that athletes with severe disability can engage in, but no information on the effects of Boccia on psychosocial outcomes for participants with severe disability is available. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of Boccia on psychosocial outcomes in persons with severe disabilities. The study included two competitive Boccia groups: independent competitive (IC) (n = 9) and nonindependent competitive (NIC) (n = 7), as well as a recreational Boccia group (n = 14) and control subjects (n = 13) (mean age = 46.46 +/- 10.75). All participants underwent a rehabilitation program. Between-group differences in change scores were assessed using analysis of variance/multivariate analysis of variance. Within-group differences were compared using t-tests and effect sizes (ESs). Change in psychosocial parameters was not significantly influenced by study group (p > 0.05). All groups presented moderate-to-large ESs in physical and psychological quality of life (ES > 0.51). In comparison to the control group, who presented small-to-trivial ESs in General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Profile of Mood States-Tension, the IC and recreational group presented moderate ESs in GHQ-28, whereas the NIC group presented moderate ESs in anxiety and tension. In conclusion, the rehabilitation program had a general positive effect on the psychosocial status of individuals with severe physical disabilities. However, the competitive Boccia groups demonstrated a greater number of favorable changes, suggesting an added value of participation in Boccia.