Influence of ball pressure on the external load of padel players with intellectual disability

Abstract

Modifying sports equipment is a common strategy for adapting the demands of the game in racket sports. However, there is a lack of objective data on how these adaptations affect the physical load in adapted padel. The goa lof this study was to analyse how modifying the ball’s pression affects the external load on padel players with an intellectual disability (ID). Twelve male players (25.6 ± 5.23 years) with ID participated. A total of 53 records from 16 matches played under two experimental conditions were analysed: low-pression ball (green dot) and standard ball. Various external load variables were quantified relative to playing time using Wimu Pro™ electronic tracking devices. Statistical analysis was performed in RStudio using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the calculation of effect size (ε²). Results: No statistically significant differences were found in any of the external load variables analysed (p > .05). Relative Distance (2076 ± 996 vs 1955 ± 573 m/h) and Relative Player Load (22.0 ± 5.43 vs 23.0 ± 5.79 u.a./h) remained stable between the green ball and standard ball conditions, respectively. The effect size was null for all comparisons (ε² < .01). The external load on recreational players with intellectual disabilities is not significantly affected by the type of ball used. The use of a standard ball is a suitable option that does not increase the physical demands of the game, allowing coaches to select equipment based on pedagogical or technical criteria without risking changes to the athletes’ workload.