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Effects of Task-Oriented Training on Sport-Specific Motor Performance in Para-Athletes with Lower Limb Impairment

Document Type : Original Article

Author

دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد اسلامشهر Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr

APSS/apss.2026.2093163.1027
Abstract
Para-athletes with lower limb impairment require effective motor training strategies to optimize sport-specific performance. This study investigated the effects of task-oriented training (TOT) on sport-specific motor skill performance in para-athletes with lower limb impairment. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design was used. Fifty competitive para-athletes were allocated to a TOT group (n=25) or a conventional technical training (CTT) group (n=25). Both groups completed a 10-week intervention consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Sport-specific motor performance was assessed before and after the intervention using standardized measures of multidirectional agility, dynamic balance, sport-specific technical accuracy, and a composite motor performance score. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Both groups improved significantly; however, the TOT group showed greater gains across all outcomes. Significant group × time interactions were observed for agility, dynamic balance, skill accuracy, and composite motor performance (p<.001). Compared with CTT, TOT resulted in greater improvements in agility, dynamic balance, skill accuracy, and composite motor performance, with large between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d=0.93–1.08). TOT was more effective than CTT for improving sport-specific motor performance. Integrating functional and sport-specific tasks with changing task and environmental demands may provide a more representative practice environment for competitive sport.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 September 2026

  • Receive Date 09 July 2026
  • Revise Date 12 September 2026
  • Accept Date 19 September 2026
  • First Publish Date 19 September 2026
  • Publish Date 19 September 2026