Electromechanical delay in a ball release activity with time- and non-time constrained situations performed by boccia players

Introduction: This study assess the electromechanical delay of the fingers extensors during a ball release with and without command constraints, although surface EMG is rarely used to assess the activation and muscle coordination in upper limbs in people with cerebral palsy.Material and Methods: Twenty-eight recreational Boccia players eligible to play Boccia (BC1 and BC2 classes) took part in this study. A Surface Electromyography and a contact sensor were used to assess the electromechanical delay (EMD). The EMD variables calculated in both situations, with and without sound stimulus, were the average and the coefficient of variation (CV).Results: A negative correlation among average and CV in the without sound situation was obtained (cor. = -0.42; p = 0.025); and a positive correlation was obtained among the average scores in with and without sound situations (cor. = 0.63; p < 0.001). No significant differences were obtained within-situations comparisons and in the interaction classes*situations.Dicussion: CV results suggest that EMD could be a variable to analyze the impact of the impairment in persons with CP, but unfortunately did not have enough sensitivity in our study to discriminate between classes. Introducción: En deporte Paralímpico es necesario usar herramientas que puedan discriminar entre las clases deportivas. En nuestro estudio se utilizó el retraso electromecánico de los músculos flexores de los dedos de la mano en la suelta de una bola de Boccia en dos situaciones: con y sin estímulo sonoro para discriminar entre las clases BC1 y BC2. Materiales y método: Veintiocho jugadores de Boccia de nivel recreativo de las clases BC1 y BC2 participaron en este estudio. Se utilizó electromiografía de superficie y un sensor de contacto para medir el retraso electromecánico (REM). Las variables del REM calculadas en ambas situaciones, con y sin estimulo sonoro, fueron el promedio de 10 ensayos y el coeficiente de variación (CV). Resultados: Se obtuvo una correlación negativa entre el REM promedio y el coeficiente de variación en la situación de suelta de la bola sin estimulo sonoro (cor.=-0.42; p=0.025). También se obtuvo una correlación positiva entre los promedios del REM en ambas situaciones (cor.=0.63; p