Browsing by Person "Verheul, Martine H. G."

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Athlete-perceived impact of frame running on physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes
(2022-03-01) van der Linden, Marietta; Van Schie, Petra E. M.; Hjalmarsson, Emma; Andreopoulou, Georgia; Verheul, Martine H. G.; Von Walden, Ferdinand
Frame Running (RaceRunning) allows people with moderate-to-severe mobility impairments to participate in physical activity using a 3-wheeled frame with a saddle and handlebars. The aim of this study was to investigate athlete-perceived impact of Frame Running on aspects of physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes. Survey. Frame Running athletes aged 5 years and over. A survey was distributed to athletes through their club or sports organization. The survey was completed by 115 athletes (53 females). Median age was 17 years (range 5-62 years) and 64 (57%) used a wheelchair or walker for distances over 50 m. Many felt that Frame Running stretched their muscles (n=93, 87%) and increased their self-confidence (n=63, 93%). Four (4%) reported extreme fatigue or sore muscles after training (n=17, 15%). Of the 110 athletes who had been participating in Frame Running for over 3 months, 46 (47%) reported being less out of breath during mobility tasks and 66 (66%) felt they had improved their functional mobility. However, 7 (7%) reported increased muscle tightness and 4 (4%) reported a Frame Running-related injury lasting more than 4 weeks. Frame Running is a safe physical activity with athlete-perceived benefits on physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes.
Cluster analysis of impairment measures to inform an evidence-based classification structure in RaceRunning, a new World Para Athletic event for athletes with hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-12-18) van der Linden, Marietta; Corrigan, Orla; Tennant, Nicola; Verheul, Martine H. G.
RaceRunning enables athletes with limited or no walking ability to propel themselves independently using a three-wheeled frame that has a saddle, handle bars and a chest plate. For RaceRunning to be included as a para athletics event, an evidence-based classification system is required. This study assessed the impact of trunk control and lower limb impairment measures on RaceRunning performance and evaluated whether clusters analysis of these impairment measures produce a valid classification structure for RaceRunning. The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), the Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale (ASAS), and knee extension were recorded for 26 RaceRunning athletes. Thirteen male and 13 female athletes aged 24 (SD=7) years participated. All impairment measures were significantly correlated with performance (rho=0.55-0.74). Using ASAS, SCALE, TCMS and knee extension as cluster variables in a two-step cluster analysis resulted in two clusters of athlete. Race speed and the impairment measures were significantly different between the clusters (p<0.001). The findings of this study provide evidence for the utility of the selected impairment measures in an evidence-based classification system for RaceRunning athletes.
The influence of lower limb impairments on RaceRunning performance in athletes with hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis
(2018-02-05) van der Linden, Marietta; Jahed, Sadaf; Tennant, Nicola; Verheul, Martine H. G.
Objectives RaceRunning enables athletes with limited or no walking ability to propel themselves independently using a three-wheeled running bike that has a saddle and a chest plate for support but no pedals. For RaceRunning to be included as a para-athletics event, an evidence-based classification system is required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between a range of impairment measures and RaceRunning performance. Methods The following impairment measures were recorded: lower limb muscle strength assessed using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), selective voluntary motor control assessed using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), spasticity recorded using both the Australian Spasticity Assessment Score (ASAS) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (ROM) of the lower extremities and the maximum static step length achieved on a stationary bike (MSSL). Associations between impairment measures and 100-meter race speed were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Results Sixteen male and fifteen female athletes (27 with cerebral palsy), aged 23 (SD=7) years, Gross Motor Function Classification System ranging from II to V, participated. The MSSL averaged over both legs and the ASAS, MAS, SCALE, and MMT summed over all joints and both legs, significantly correlated with 100 m race performance (rho: 0.40-0.54). Passive knee extension was the only ROM measure that was significantly associated with race speed (rho=0.48). Conclusion These results suggest that lower limb spasticity, isometric leg strength, selective voluntary motor control and passive knee extension impact performance in RaceRunning athletes. This supports the potential use of these measures in a future evidence-based classification system.