Abstract des Autors

The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility and the effects of a weekly training programme including biofeedback swimming hand paddles on swimmer skill with cerebral palsy subjects (CPS). Eight top level CPS performed pre and post training assessment sessions which consisted of a 50m test, a functional maximal aerobic power test (FMAPT) and a maximal swim power test (MSPT). Pre and post FMAPT blood lactate concentrations ([La]) and maximal swim power (MSP) were assessed. The velocity (V), the stroke length (SL), the stroke rate (SR) and the stroke index (SI) were recorded in all testing conditions. Significant decreases in SR and post FMAPT [La] (P<0.05), and the increases in SL and SI (P<0.05) showed changes in stroking characteristics and swimming skills. The increases in swimming performances (noticed three weeks after training) and MSP indicated an improvement in swimming skills. The individual analysis showed that the degree of disability was not a discriminating factor in the improvement achieved. This study introduced an effective and feasible training method which seemed to have great effect, especially in younger and less skilled CPS. Verf.-Referat