The Influence of Boccia Classification on the Performance in International-level Events
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17398/1885-7019.21.277Keywords:
adapted sport, ability, strategy, inclusion, wellbeingAbstract
Boccia, played by people with disabilities, is associated with a classification system based on the athletes' functional capacity, aiming to ensure that performance in this adapted sport is only determined by an athlete's sporting excellence. This study aimed to analyse the influence of classification on the performance of Boccia in international-level events. The official results of the 2012 and 2016 Boccia Paralympic Games (PG), 2017 European Championships (EC), and 2018 World Championships (WC) were considered for analysis, a total of 3.962 partials, which represent 47.544 ball throws by players. We found a growing trend of participation when comparing the PG editions and the 2017 EC and 2018 WC, and the majority of partials were adjusted (in the region of 75%, 1-2 balls difference), which indicates a global correct classification of players, which leads to equilibrium in the games. Differences based on the Boccia classification and the type of partial were only observed in individual BC3 and teams BC1 & BC2. These results highlight the need to further and deeper study these classes, characterized by rules related to teams´ constitution and game dynamics that differentiate them from other classes. This is relevant in the perspective of assurance of similar conditions for performance based in specific functional capacity and correct classification, guaranteeing that practice is attractive and motivating to improve the quality of life, opportunities for inclusion in society, and setting an example for other citizens with and without disabilities to get involved in playing Boccia.
Downloads
References
Agresti, A. & Finlay, B. (2009) Statistical methods for the social sciences (4th eds). San Francisco: Pearson.
Altmann, V.C., Groen, B.E., Hart, A.L., Vanlandewijck, Y.C., & Keijsers, N.L.W. (2018). Classifying trunk strength impairment according to the activity limitation caused in wheelchair rugby performance. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 28(2), 649-657. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12921
Ash, T., Bowling, A., Davison, K., & Garcia, J. (2017). Physical activity interventions for children with social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities - A systematic review. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 38(6), 431-445. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000452
Ato, M., López-García, J.J., & Benavente, A. (2013). A classification system for research designs in psychology. Anales de Psicología, 29, 1038-1059. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.29.3.178511
Barak, S., Mendoza-Laiz, N., Fuentes, M.T.G., Rubiera, M., & Huyzler, Y. (2016). Psychosocial effects of competitive Boccia program in persons with severe chronic disability. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 53(6), 973-988. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2015.08.0156
BISFed (2021). About Boccia. BISFed Classification, Boccia Classification Rules. London: Boccia International Sport Federation. Available online: https://www.worldboccia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Boccia-Classification-Rules-5th-Edition-September-2021287 (accessed on 12 December 2024).
Blick, R.N., Saad, A.E., Goreczny, A.J., Roman, K., & Sorensen, C.H. (2015). Effects of declared levels of physical activity on quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 37, 223-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2014.11.021
Braendvik, S.M., Elvrum, A.K., Vereijken, B., & Roeleveld, K. (2010). Relationship between neuromuscular body functions and upper extremity activity in children with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 52(2), e29-34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03490.x
Burtner, P.A., Woollacott, M.H., Craft, G.L., & Roncesvalles, M.N. (2007). The capacity to adapt to changing balance threats: a comparison of children with cerebral palsy and typically developing children. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 10(3), 249-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/17518420701303066
Cho, H.J. & Lee, B.H. (2020). Effect of functional progressive resistance exercise on lower extremity structure, muscle tone, dynamic balance and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Children, 7(8), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/children7080085
Connick, M.J., Beckman, E., Vanlandewijck, Y., Malone, L.A., Blomqvist, S., & Tweedy, S.M. (2018). Cluster analysis of novel isometric strength measures produces a valid and evidence-based classification structure for wheelchair track racing. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(17), 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097558
Crewson, P. (2006) Applied statistics handbook. AcaStat Software, Leesburg.
Darainy, M. & Ostry, D.J. (2008). Muscle cocontraction following dynamics learning. Experimental Brain Research, 190(2), 153-63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-008-1457-y
Diaz, R., Miller, E.K., Kraus, E., & Fredericson, M. (2019). Impact of adaptive sports participation on quality of life. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 27(2), 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0000000000000242
Dickson, M.J., Fuss, F.K., & Wong, K.G. (2010). Benchmarking of boccia balls: Roll distance, accuracy, stiffness, rolling friction, and coefficient of restitution. Sports Technology, 3(2), 131-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/19346182.2010.540474
Ferreira, C., Gamonales, J.M., Aleluia, M., Oliveira, A., Pardana, F., Santos, F., Espada, M., & Muñoz-Jiménez, J. (2022). Boccia in Paralympic Games: The evolution from 1984 to 2016 and future perspectives. Cuadernos de Psicologia Del Deporte, 22(1), 205-214. https://doi.org/10.6018/CPD.492031
Ferreira, C.C., Gamonales, J.M., Espada, M.C., Muñoz-Jiménez, J. (2023). Current status of sport performance in Boccia: systematic review of the literature. Retos, 48, 1070-1077. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v48.95110
Field, A. (2009). Discovering statistics using SPSS (3th eds). Sage Publications: London, UK.
Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics; Sage Publications: London, UK.
Fong, D.T., Yam, K.Y., Chu, V.W., Cheung, R.T., & Chan, K.M. (2012). Upper limb muscle fatigue during prolonged Boccia games with underarm throwing technique. Sports Biomechanics, 11(4), 441-51. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2012.699977
Gamonales, J.M., Gómez-Carmona, C.D., León, K., García-Santos, D., Gamero-Portillo, M.D.G., & Muñoz-Jiménez, J. (2019). Analysis of training task in grassroots: Differences between two months during the competitive period in under-19 football players. Sportis. Scientific Journal of School Sport, Physical Education and Psychomotricity, 5, 30-52. https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2019.5.1.3469
Gamonales, J.M., Hernández-Beltrán, V., Ocete, C., Franco, E., & Mendoza Laiz, N. (2023). Evolution of sports-related manuscripts for people with intellectual disability. Bibliometric review. Revista Nacional e Internacional de Educación Inclusiva, 16(1), 104-118.
Gamonales, J.M., León, K., Muñoz, J., González-Espinosa, S., & Ibáñez, S.J. (2018a) Validación del IOLF5C para la eficacia del lanzamiento en fútbol para ciegos. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, 18(70), 359-379. https://doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2018.70.010
Gamonales, J.M., Muñoz, J., León, K., & Ibáñez, S.J. (2018b) Entrenamiento y confiabilidad entre observadores en el análisis del fútbol para ciegos. Retos, 34(2), 155-161. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v0i34.55651
Gamonales, J.M., Muñoz-Jiménez, J., Gómez-Carmona, C.D., & Ibáñez, S.J. (2021). Comparative external workload analysis based on the new functional classification in cerebral palsy football 7-a-side. A full-season study. Research in Sports Medicine, 30(3), 295-307. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2021.1888105
Gormley, M.E. Jr. (2001). Treatment of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems in cerebral palsy. Pediatric Rehabilitation, 4(1), 5-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13638490151068393
Granata, K.P., Ikeda, A.J., & Abel, M.F. (2000). Electromechanical delay and reflex response in spastic cerebral palsy. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81(7), 888-94. https://doi.org/10.1053/apmr.2000.5578
Hogarth, L., Nicholson, V., Spathis, J., Tweedy, S., Beckman, E., Connick, M., van de Vliet, P., Payton, C., & Burkett, B. (2019). A battery of strength tests for evidence-based classification in Para swimming. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(4), 404-413. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2018.1504606
Huang, P.C., Pan, P.J., Ou, Y.C., Yu, Y.C., & Tsai, Y.S. (2014). Motion analysis of throwing Boccia balls in children with cerebral palsy. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 35(2), 393-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2013.11.017
Hutchinson, M.J., Phillips, J.K., Mason, B.S., Goosey-Tolfrey, V.L., & Beckman, E.M. (2021). Measures of impairment applicable to the classification of Paralympic athletes competing in wheelchair sports: A systematic review of validity, reliability and associations with performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(1), 40-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1815957
International Paralympic Committee - IPC. (2015a) Classification. Athlete Classification Code, IPC Athlete Classification Code. Bonn: International Paralympic Committee.
International Paralympic Committee - IPC. (2015b) IPC Athlete Classification Code: Rules, Policies and Procedures for Athlete Classification.
Ju, Y.H., You, J.Y., & Cherng, R.J. (2010). Effect of task constraint on reaching performance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 31(5), 1076-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2010.04.001
Khalili, M.A. (2004). Quantitative sports and functional classification (QSFC) for disabled people with spasticity. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(3), 310-3. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2002.004267
Khoo, S., Li, C., & Ansari, P. (2018). The top 50 most cited publications in disability sport: A bibliometric analysis. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 125(3), 525-545. https://doi.org/10.1177/0031512518760350
Lai, B., Lee, E., Wagatsuma, M., Frey, G., Stanish, H., Jung, T., & Rimmer, J.H. (2020). Research trends and recommendations for physical activity interventions among children and youth with disabilities: A review of reviews. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 37(2), 211-234. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2019-0081
Mann, D.L., Tweedy, S.M., Jackson, R.C., & Vanlandewijck, Y.C. (2021). Classifying the evidence for evidence-based classification in Paralympic sport. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1955523
Marszalek, J., Molik, B., Gomez, M.A., Skučas, K., Lencse-Mucha, J., Rekowski,W., Pokvytyte, V., Rutkowska, I., & Kaźmierska-Kowalewska, K. (2015). Relationships between anaerobic performance, field tests and game performance of sitting volleyball players. Journal of Human Kinetics, 48, 25-32. https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2015-0088
Morriss, L. & Wittmannová, J. (2011). The effect of blocked versus random training schedules on Boccia skills performance in experienced athletes with cerebral palsy. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 3, 17-28. https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2010.006
Muñoz-Jiménez, J., Gamonales, J.M., León, K., & Ibáñez, S.J. (2018). Formación de codificadores y fiabilidad de los registros. Una aplicación al goalball. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, 18(72), 669-691. http://doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2018.72.005
Newell, J., Aitchison, T., & Grant, S. (2014). Statistics for sports and exercise science: a practical approach. Routledge.
O’Donoghue, P. (2015). An introduction to performance analysis of sport; Routledge Taylor & Francis Group: London, UK; New York, NY, USA.
O'Sullivan, S.B. (2001) Assessment of motor function. In: S.B. O'Sullivan & T.J. Schmitz (eds.), Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment. Philadephia: F.A. Davis Company.
Oskoui, M., Coutinho, F., Dykeman, J., Jetté, N., & Pringsheim, T. (2013). An update on the prevalence of cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 55(6), 509-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.12080
Papoutsi, C., Drigas, A., & Skianis, C. (2022). Serious games for emotional intelligence’s skills development for inner balance and quality of life - A literature review. Retos, 46, 199-208. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v46.91866
Paulson, T. & Goosey-Tolfrey, V. (2017). Current perspectives on profiling and enhancing wheelchair court sport performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12, 275–286. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0231
Perez, C. & Cancela Carral, J. (2008). Benefits of physical exercise for older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease. Geriatric Nursing, 29, 384-391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2007.12.002
Purohit, A.K., Raju, B.S., Kumar, K.S., & Mallikarjun, K.D. (1998). Selective musculocutaneous fasciculotomy for spastic elbow in cerebral palsy: a preliminary study. Acta Neurochirurgica, 140(5), 473-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s007010050127
Randolph, J.J. (2005). Free-Marginal Multirater Kappa (multirater Kfree): An alternative to Fleiss´ Fixed-Marginal Multirater Kappa. Joensuu Learning and Instruction Symposium 2005, University of the Joensuu, Finland.
Reina, R., Domínguez-Díez, M., Urbán, T., & Roldán, A. (2018). Throwing distance constraints regarding kinematics and accuracy in high-level boccia players. Science & Sports. 2018, 33(5), 299-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2018.03.078
Reina, R., Caballero, C., Roldán, A., Barbado, D., & Sabido, R. (2015). Electromechanical delay in a ball release activity with time- and non-time constrained situations performed by boccia players. European Journal of Human Movement, 35, 125-36.
Roldan, A., Sabido, R., Barbado, D., Caballero, C., & Reina, R. (2017). Manual dexterity and intralimb coordination assessment to distinguish different levels of impairment in Boccia players with cerebral palsy. Frontiers in Neurology, 8, 582. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2017.00582
Sadowska, M., Sarecka-Hujar, B., & Kopyta, I. (2020). Cerebral palsy: Current opinions on definition, epidemiology, risk factors, classification and treatment options. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 16, 1505-1518. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S235165
Silva, P.L., Fonseca, S.T., Ocarino, J.M., Gonçalves, G.P., & Mancini, M.C. (2009). Contributions of cocontraction and eccentric activity to stiffness regulation. Journal of Motor Behavior, 41(3), 207-18. https://doi.org/10.3200/JMBR.41.3.207-218
Shikako-Thomas, K., Majnemer, A., Law, M., & Lach, L. (2008). Determinants of participation in leisure activities in children and youth with cerebral palsy: systematic review. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 28(2), 155-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942630802031834
Steenbergen, B. & Meulenbroek, R.G. (2006). Deviations in upper-limb function of the less-affected side in congenital hemiparesis. Neuropsychologia. 44(12), 2296-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2006.05.016
Swartz, L., Hunt, X., Bantjes, J., Hainline, B., & Reardon, C.L. (2019). Mental health symptoms and disorders in Paralympic athletes: a narrative review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(12), 737-740. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-100731
Tweedy, S.M., Beckman, E.M., & Connick, M.J. (2014). Paralympic classification: conceptual basis, current methods, and research update. PM & R: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, 6(8), S11-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2014.04.013
Tweedy, S.M., & Vanlandewijck, Y.C. (2011). International Paralympic Committee position stand--background and scientific principles of classification in Paralympic sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(4), 259-269. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.065060
Vanlandewijck, Y.C., Verellen, J., Beckman, E., Connick, M., & Tweedy, S.M. (2011). Trunk strength effect on track wheelchair start: implications for classification. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(12), 2344-2351. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318223af14
Van Thiel, E., Meulenbroek, R.G., Hulstijn, W., & Steenbergen, B. (2000). Kinematics of fast hemiparetic aiming movements toward stationary and moving targets. Experimental Brain Research, 132(2), 230-42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002219900331
Wang, Y., Huang, Z., & Kong, F. (2020). Parenting stress and life satisfaction in mothers of children with cerebral palsy: The mediating effect of social support. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(3), 416-425. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105317739100
Winnick, J.P. & Porretta, D.L. (2016). Adapted physical education and sport; Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL, USA.
Woollacott, M., Shumway-Cook, A., Hutchinson, S., Ciol, M.; Price, R., & Kartin, D. (2005). Effect of balance training on muscle activity used in recovery of stability in children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 47(7), 455-61. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0012162205000885
Ying, K., Rostenberghe, H.V., Kuan, G., Mohd, Yusoff M.H.A., Ali, S.H., & Yaacob, N.S. (2021) Health-related quality of life and family functioning of primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in malaysia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2351. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052351
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 E-balonmano com Journal Sports Science
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
