Match vs. Training Physical Requirements and Their Association with Field-Based Physical Tests in International CP Football.

Abstract

Objetives: This study aimed to (1) describe and compare the external physical requirements of international cerebral palsy (CP) football players during training sessions and official matches at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup, and (2) analyze the relationships between standardized field-based physical performance tests and the physical requirements recorded in both contexts.

Methods: Twelve international outfield players from the Spanish national CP football team were monitored throughout the tournament. Physical performance was evaluated two weeks prior using 5-m and 30-m sprints, a Modified Agility Test (MAT), a dribbling test, and the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (vIFT). Match and training physical requirements were assessed using inertial devices, including total and relative distances, velocity metrics, and acceleration/deceleration outputs.

Results: Matches imposed significantly greater demands than training sessions in terms of peak velocity, total distance per minute, and distance at moderate (>12-18 km/h) and high (>18 km/h) intensities (t = 2.79 to 8.06; p = 0.01; ES(d) = 0.50 to 1.45). Training sessions exhibited greater variability in load while match requirements were consistent across games. Performance in the MAT and dribbling tests correlated with several physical indicators in both training and competition. In contrast, vIFT and sprint tests showed limited associations, especially with match variables.

Conclusions: Match play elicits higher and more stable physical requirements than training. The MAT and dribbling tests appear to be ecologically valid tools for assessing functional readiness in CP football. These findings support the integration of specific physical tests and tailored training designs to better replicate the competitive requirements of international CP football.