The quantification of game-induced muscle fatigue in amputee soccer players.

BACKGROUND: This study quantified the degree of game-induced muscular fatigue in amputee soccer players.

METHODS: Thirty-three male amputee soccer players performed muscular tests (Push Up Test [PUT], Countermovement Jump Test [CMJ] and medicine-ball throw [MBT]) before and after a competitive match. Five players served as a control group. The rating of perceived exertion was recorded after each battery.

RESULTS: Control group demonstrated no differences between the two testing batteries (P>0.05, effect size [ES]: 0.1-0.4). However, match group illustrated markedly lower performances for PUT (-17%, P<0.01, ES: 0.9) with less pronounced declines in MBT (-8%, P<0.01, ES: 0.7) and CMJ (-5%, P<0.01, ES: 0.3) compared to pre-match values. The rating of perceived exertion were higher after the match compared to baseline values (+60%, P<0.01, ES: 2.4).

CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that the fatigue experienced after amputee soccer matches causes impairments in muscular performance and this could be different to able-bodied players.