The Influence of Anthropometric Characteristics on Kinematic Parameters of Children's Sprinter's Running.

Children's sprinters running differs from the adults' one primarily in their motoric abilities, anthropometric characteristics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as psychological and sociological characteristics. This research's aim was to examine the influence of anthropometric characteristics on kinematic parameters of children's sprinter's running. The sample of variables consisted of variables which determine anthropometric characteristics (14 anthropometric characteristics) and of 5 kinematic parameters'variables of sprinter's running. Kinematic parameters of sprinter's running in the phase of maximal speed have been collected by applying the Optojump technology (Microgate, Italy) and the sprinter's running times were measured every 5 meters on a 50 m lap. The results obtained from the multiple regression analysis between the group of anthropometric characteristics and the 50 m running results indicate that the percentage of fatty tissue is a statistically significant variable with boys, while the same variable with girls is near the limit of statistical significance. In the factor structure of anthropometric characteristics two factors have been set apart with boys and three with girls. The first factor set apart with both boys and girls is the factor of body voluminosity, the second factor with boys is the factor of longitudinal dimensionality, while with girls it is the factor of fatty tissue quantity. The factor of longitudinal dimensionality is the third girls' factor. For most variables a negative correlation has been determined with a higher percentage of fat or a higher quantity of subcutaneous fatty tissue with both boys and girls. Boys having a lower quantity of subcutaneous fatty tissue achieve better results in 50 m running, they have a shorter duration of contact with the pad, a longer duration of the flight phase and a longer step length when compared to boys with a higher quantity of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Boys with a bigger body muscular mass achieve a shorter duration of the contact, a longer duration of the flight and a longer step length. Girls who have a lower quantity of subcutaneous fatty tissue achieve a better 50 m running time, have a shorter duration of contact with the pad and a longer step length. It has been established that taller boys have a longer step length, and longer feet significantly influence the longer duration of contact with the pad and the lowering of the step frequency.

Importance of Hierarchical Structure Determining Tennis Performance for Modern Defensive Baseliner.

Hierarchies are present everywhere (physics, medicine, nature, human needs, etc.) and tennis is no exception. Is counterpuncher's goal just to chase down every ball and force the opponents into long rallies? The aim of this first empirical study is integrate theory and practice about overall quality evaluation and accurately analyze offensive and defensive tennis priorities for counterpunchers. Weight of each criterion was obtained using AHP technique in Expert Choice software. The results indicate that this model is able to provide important training variables in order to control and manipulate training process. Also, issues prior to research indicate that sports scientists and expert coaches need to learn from each other in order to help players maximizing their performance.

Influence of kinematic parameters on pole vault result in top junior athletes.

The aim of the research was to ascertain the level of correlation between some kinematic parameters and the result success in the pole vault, using the sample of the best European female junior athletes. A set of 11 kinematic parameters has been applied, according to the McGinnis model, representing a predictor assemblage of variables. The maximum height vaulted presented a criterion variable. The research was conducted at the European Junior Athletics Championships in 2009. The entities were represented by the vaults in the final part of the competition. A general hypothesis of achieving a positive correlation between the system of predictor variables and the criteria had been set, and later confirmed. The results of the pole vault regression analysis confirmed the multiple correlations between the two groups of variables. The greatest influences on the prediction of pole vault success, regarding all the analyzed kinematic parameters, were the following variables: maximum pole bend, last stride speed and time of pole bend. The results were as expected, and can be used in kinesiology practice, especially during the technique learning process in young pole vaulters, but also in development of motor abilities relevant for success in this track and field discipline.

Influence of kinematic parameters on pole vault results in top juniors.

The aim of this research was to analyse the kinematic parameters and to ascertain the influence of those parameters on the pole vault result. The entity sample of the research consisted of successful vaults of 30 athletes, whose attempts were recorded at the European Junior Athletics Championships. The examinees performed the vaults as part of the qualification competition for the finale and the finale of the competition itself The examinees were 17-19 years old, and the range of their top results was from 4.90 to 5.30 m. The results of the regression analysis showed a significant influence of the predictor variables on the effective pole vault height. The centre of body mass height was mostly influenced by the following variables: TS - takeoff velocity, LSS - last step velocity, PSS - penultimate step velocity, TAPR - trunk angle at the moment of the pole release. The following variables had lesser, but still a significant influence: CBMDM - centre of body mass distance at the pole release moment, and MCMVV - time of pole straightening. Generally, the information gained by this research indicates the significant influence of the kinematic parameters on the pole vault result. Therefore, the conclusion is that the result efficacy in the pole vault is primarily determined by the variables defined by the motor capabilities, but also by the indicators determining the vault activity realization technique. The variables that define the body position during the pole release (trunk angle and centre of mass distance) have heomost significant influence on the vault performance technique, while the motor capabilities influence the last two run up steps velocity, take off speed and the time of pole straightening.

Influence of kinematic parameters on result efficiency in javelin throw.

The aim of the research was to define the influence of the kinematic parameters in the javelin throw success in the top junior athletes at the European Junior Athletics Championships in Novi Sad. A set, consisting of 17 kinematic variables, was applied on a sample of 16 athletes, and the same variables were registered at the 2009 Novi Sad European Junior Championships. The criteria variable was the achieved throw length (javelin throw). The subjects were represented by 113 successful javelin throws. The results of the chosen kinematic variables correlation analysis showed the existence of multiple significant relations between the observed variables. Based on the observed kinematic variables correlation analysis, the next conclusion can be made: the javelin release speed has the most important role, followed by the fast front support leg placing. The results are expected and logical, and can be used in kinesiology practice, especially in the process of young throwers' technique learning and in development of motor abilities relevant for this athletic discipline.

Impact of game elements on tennis match outcome in Wimbledon and Roland Garros 2009.

The aim of the study was to assess the correlation among particular tennis game elements and match outcomes specifically at Wimbledon and Roland Garros tournaments 2009. Study results showed the winners to differ statistically significantly from the losers in total sample including players from both tournaments in all variables except for those describing service speed. Like the sample in total, the winners at Wimbledon were superior in all variables, which was most pronounced in the percentage of points won to the opponent's service, percentage of points won by first and second service, percentage of break points, percentage of net points, and number of aces and winners. The winners at Roland Garros may be efficient due to the high quality of play to their own and the opponent's service. In conclusion, Wimbledon winners are characterized by the variables related to service which the players rely on, while Roland Garros winners are characterized by baseline play predominated by basic strokes.

Shunt in the diagnosis of initial lung lesion in smokers.

Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for all respiratory tract diseases. Unfortunately, the symptoms develop slowly, thus patients feel the consequences of the slowly developing inflammation too late. The inflammation first develops in the area of respiratory bronchioles. In this stage, the disease is asymptomatic. The study included a sample of 31 smokers, mean age 36.38 years, with normal spirometry indices, acid-base status and arterial blood gases. The mean smoking index was 11.28 smoking/years. All subjects were healthy, without any subjective health problems or disease indicators. The aim was to define dead lung area (V/Q) as an early indicator of changes in smokers. Study results demonstrated the mean shunt value in smokers of 8.25%, which showed positive correlation with smoking. The shunt size yielded negative correlation with the forced expiratory volume in one second and midexpiratory flow in smokers. In conclusion, determination of lung shunt is a simple method that is sensitive enough in the diagnosis of initial lung lesion due to cigarette smoking.

The impact of basic motor abilities on the specific motoricity performance in elite karateka.

The aim of the study was to identify motor structures that determine high performance in karate. The study included a group of 85 karateka aged 18-29 years, competing as senior category athletes within the Croatian Karate Society. A battery of 22 motor tests (9 basic motoricity tests and 13 specific motoricity tests) were used. Factor analysis of the basic motor variables pointed to the existence of three significant factors: coordination, explosive strength and movement frequency; whereas factor analysis of the specific motoricity area indicated two significant factors, i.e., factor of technical efficiency and factor of specific agility. Canonical correlation analysis showed the isolated set of basic motor factors to significantly determine both technical efficiency and specific agility-mobility of the karateka, with a predominance of the explosive strength (force) factor, followed by the speed and coordination factors.

Sex differences in morphological dimensions in twelve-year-old children from Imotska krajina.

The aim of the study was to identify and compare morphological characteristics of 12-year-old male and female children from Imotska krajina. The structure of a set of 23 morphological space variables were determined in a sample of 75 male and 67 female children by use of factor analysis for each sex in separate. Factor structure showed two basic superior latent dimensions responsible for directly measurable manifestations of morphological parameters in both male and female children. One of these two dimensions behaved as a general mechanism of growth and development, whereas the other showed a bipolar pattern. Bipolarity was almost exclusively determined by adipose tissue on one pole, and by skeletal longitudinal growth on the opposite pole. Rotation of the main components to varimax position yielded two morphological dimensions that were well balanced in both sexes (slightly better in girls); besides the predominant increase in adipose tissue, one of these dimensions was also responsible for the development of muscular tissue and skeletal transverse development, whereas the other was responsible for skeletal transverse development and muscular tissue development in addition to the predominant longitudinal skeletal growth. These observations suggested two developmental processes, i.e. transverse morphological development (first factor) and longitudinal morphological development (second factor), to be almost equally involved in the morphological development of 12-year-old male and female children. These developmental processes are highly genetically determined and can only in part be explained by the intensity of kinesiologic engagement. Based on the morphological structures defined, discriminative function of the morphological space primarily differentiated two developmental processes, i.e. longitudinal skeletal development (hand length in particular) in female children relative to transverse skeletal development (knee diameter in particular) in male children, pointing to the presence of full-swing puberty in female children, while yet to be expected in male children; thereafter, the differences in the ectomesomorphic morphological characteristics would be by far more pronounced in favor of male children.

Development of biomotor characteristics and athletic abilities of sprint and throw in boys aged six to eight years.

The aim of this research was to examine the influences of specially programmed physical education lessons on biomotor development in boys, as well as the influence of those changes on relations between the set of morphological and motor variables and athletic variables for the assessment of sprint and throw abilities. For this purpose, an overall sample of 325 primary school first grade pupils from the city of Split area, aged 6-8 years, was divided into control group of subjects (N=140) attending regular physical education lessons and experimental group attending specially programmed lessons based on athletics, sports gymnastics and games elements as well as on general preparatory exercises. The relations between the predictor set of variables composed of 4 morphological measurements and 6 motor tests with the criteria of sprint and ball throwing were established by the regression correlation analysis at the beginning and at the end of the academic year Both groups of subjects achieved positive quantitative resultant shift between the two points of measurements, whereas this shift was more significant in the experimental group in relation to the control group, especially in motor abilities coordination of flexibility, movement frequency and of explosive, repetitive and static strength. The number of significant predictors for criteria variables of sprint and ball throwing increased in the final measurement in relation to the first one in both groups of subjects. While in the control group the best results predictor in sprint were the motor abilities of explosive strength and trunk strength, the best results predictor in sprint in the experimental group were coordination, trunk strength, flexibility and explosive strength. As far as the morphological characteristics are concerned muscle mass has a positive and body mass a negative effect on the sprint result. The best results predictor in ball throwing are explosive strength and trunk strength which, in the experimental group of pupils are additionally followed by coordination development as well as the overall body mass development. By comparison of these and the earlier obtained results, a new work model for the disciplines of sprint and throws within the athletic sport school, has been proposed.

Effects of biomotor structures on performance of competitive gymnastics elements in elementary school male sixth-graders.

In order to identify the biomotor systems that determine performance of competitive gymnastics elements in elementary school male sixth-graders, factor structures of morphological characteristics and basic motor abilities were determined first, followed by relations of the morphological-motor system factors obtained with a set of criterion variables evaluating specific motor skills in competitive gymnastics in 110 male children aged 12 years +/- 3 months. Factor analysis of 17 morphological measures produced three morphological factors: factor of mesoectoendomorphy (general morphological factor) and factor of pronounced endomorphy, i.e. excessive adipose tissue, along with low skeleton longitudinality. Factor analysis of 16 motor variables yielded four motor factors: factor of general motoricity; factor integrating leg flexibility and arm explosiveness; factor juxtaposing body flexibility and repetitive leg strength; and factor predominantly defining leg movement frequency. Three significant canonical correlations, i.e. linear combinations, explained the association between the set of six latent variables of the morphological and basic motor system, and five variables assessing the knowledge in competitive gymnastics. The first canonical linear combination was based on the favorable and predominant impact of the general motor factor (a system integrating leg explosiveness, whole body coordination, relative arm and trunk strength, and arm movement frequency), along with unfavorable effect of morphological factors on the gymnastics elements performance, squat vault and handstand in particular The relation of the second pair of canonical factors pointed to the effects of leg flexibility and arm explosiveness on the cartwheel and backward pullover mount performance, whereas the relation of the third pair of canonical factors showed a favorable impact of the general morphological factor and leg movement frequency regulator on the forward shoulderkip from increase, cartwheel and handstand performance.

The impact of football training on motor development in male children.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of football school program and physical education curriculum on changes in the motor abilities of 7- and 8-year-old boys. The study included a sample of 180 boys divided into group 1 (7-year-old boys), subdivided to experimental (n = 40) and control (n = 50) groups, and group 2 (8-year-old boys), subdivided to experimental (n = 40) and control (n = 50) groups. Experimental groups included children attending three training units of football training over a 9-month period, in addition to the conventional physical education curriculum. Control groups included children attending only conventional physical education curriculum. All study subjects underwent testing with a battery of 12 motor tests at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results obtained by discriminative canonic analysis showed no statistically significant between-group difference in motor abilities at the beginning of the study. However, significant differences in favor of experimental groups were recorded at the end of the study. Favorable changes in all motor variables were observed in both experimental and control groups of children from the initial through the final state. These changes were more pronounced in experimental groups. Analysis of variance for difference variables (final to initial measurement) indicated programmed education in the form of football training in addition to regular physical education curriculum to predominantly influence the development of aerobic endurance, agility, speed and flexibility in 7-year-old boys, and of explosive strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility and speed in 8-year-old boys. In the latter, football training led to the formation of a motor complex integrating explosiveness, speed, coordination, endurance and flexibility as a general motor factor determining future quality development in football.

Successful pole vault influenced by certain kinematical parameters.

The objective of the research was to determine the pole vault kinematics parameters at Croatian vaulter in junior category, and to determine the relationship between kinematics parameters and maximum accomplished vault's altitude. Further on, the goal was to gain an insight in stability and technique quality in vaulting. To that purpose, kinematics parameters of the vaults were registered (totally 13 out of 24 vaults performed on three separate trainings). The style and conditions of vaults were the same (the same pole, grip height and approach length was used). Received results of the analysis of kinematics parameters emphasised certain constancy of vault performing, therefore higher discrepancy in values of kinematics parameters between vaults was not detected. The exceptions were two vaults where difference was more than obvious. The accomplished values of kinematics parameters in this research were different and lower than those done by the world's best junior vaulters. Further on, the best competitive results lagged behind the best young vaulters. According to these facts, it was clear that examinee vaulter lagged behind in the development of basic and specific motoric as well as in level of adopted technique. Results of regression analysis showed that only one parameter (MPB-maximum pole bending) positively influenced on variable (MABA-maximum accomplished body altitude). The speed of second to last and last step (SSLS and SLS) had relatively high regression coefficients, but those coefficients weren't statistically important. The research gives entire new approach toward entire kinematics description of vault techniques which determines: stability of technique realisation i.e. its adaptation by multiplying the vaults of one vaulter, comparison with the technique of the most qualitative world's vaulters, and quality assurance of the technique of the same vaulter in time function connected to development of basic and specific motoric abilities.

Development of biomotor characteristics and sprint and throw athletic abilities in six- to eight-year-old girls.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of programmed physical education on biomotor changes in girls, and the impact of these changes on relations between the set of morphological and motor variables, and athletic variables evaluating the sprint and throw abilities. Study sample included 310 six- to eight-year-old girls, elementary school first-graders from the Split area, divided into control group (n = 138) attending regular physical education classes and experimental group (n = 172) attending programmed physical education classes based on the elements of athletics, apparatus gymnastics, games and general preparatory exercises. Relations between the predictor set of variables consisting of 4 morphological measures and 6 motor tests, and the sprint and ball throw criteria were determined by regression correlation analysis at the beginning and at the end of the academic year. Both groups achieved favorable quantitative result improvement between the two measurement points, however, the improvement was considerably more pronounced in experimental group, especially in the motor abilities of coordination, flexibility, movement frequency, and explosive, repetitive and static strength. On final measurement, the number of significant predictors for the criterion variables of sprint and ball throw increased from the initial measurement in both experimental and control group of subjects. In control group, trunk strength, explosive strength and movement frequency as motor abilities and body height as a morphological characteristic were found to be the best result predictors in sprint. In experimental group, coordination, flexibility, static arm strength and trunk strength as motor abilities were the best result predictors in sprint. In the study sample as a whole, explosive strength and trunk strength were identified as the best predictors of ball throw as a criterion variable. In experimental group, it was accompanied by muscle mass development and adipose tissue reduction. Based on comparison of these results and those obtained in previous studies, a new model of work in the athletics events of sprint and throw in elementary school physical education is proposed.

The impact of cognitive processors and conative regulators on specific motor abilities in boxers.

The aim of the study was to analyze the relations of cognitive processors and conative regulators with specific motor abilities of elite boxers. Three sets of variables including 3 cognitive and 6 conative variables as predictors, and 6 specific motor (boxing) variables as criteria were used in a sample of 92 boxers. A series of regression analyses between the set of cognitive variables and particular criterion variables revealed a predominant impact of serial processor on specific motor abilities based primarily on specific speed (frequency of boxing technique performance). The series of regression analyses also showed a predominant negative impact of dysregulation of the organ function regulators from the set of conative variables on the manifestation of specific motor abilities in boxers. The data obtained in the study were used to develop an alternative model of the motor - cognitive - conative processes in boxing.

A new model of selection in women's handball.

The aim of the study was to assess the basic motor abilities that determine top performance in women's handball, and to identify test panel for primary selection at handball school. The study included 155 female attendants of the Split Handball School, mean age 12.5 years. Differences in the basic motor abilities between the subjects that developed into elite handball players after 7-year training process and those that abandoned handball for being unable to meet the competition criteria were evaluated by use of discriminative analysis. The former were found to have also been superior initially in all variables analyzed, and in arm coordination, overall body coordination, throw and jump explosive strength, arm movement frequency and repetitive trunk strength in particular. Motor superiority based on the abilities of coordination, explosive strength and speed determines performance in women's handball, qualifying these abilities as reliable selection criteria. Based on this study results, a new model of selection in women's handball, with fine arm coordination as the major limiting factor of performance, has been proposed.