The effect of motor abilities on karate performance

The aim of the study was to identify the motor structures that determine achievement of top results in karate. The study included a sample of 85 karateka aged 18-29 years, competing as senior category athletes of the Croatian Karate Society. Fourteen motor tests (9 basic motor tests and 5 specific motor tests) were used to assess technical efficiency; fighting efficiency was estimated on the basis of results achieved at a number of contests. Factorial analysis of the basic set of motor variables indicated the presence of three major factors of coordination, explosive strength, and movement frequency. Factorial analysis of pooled basic and specific motor variables also pointed to three major factors of speed (basic and specific), controlled power (explosive strength and specific agility), and basic coordination. Regression analysis showed the isolated basic factors to significantly determine both technical and fighting efficiency of the karateka, with the major role of the factor of explosive strength (power). Regression analysis of pooled basic and specific factors revealed the factors of controlled speed and controlled power to predominantly determine the karateka fighting and technical efficiency. In the set of tests used to assess specific motor abilities in karate, the speed of blockade, the speed of moving in multiple directions, and frequency of foot kicking were found to be the best predictors of technical efficiency, whereas the speed of moving in multiple directions, the speed of blockade, and frequency of foot kicking were the best predictors of fighting efficiency.     

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.     

Biomotor development in 1992 and 2002 samples of seven-year-old children

The aim of the study was to determine quantitative and qualitative differences in the morphological-motor status between elementary school first-graders of both sexes in 1992 and 2002. A standard set of 11 variables currently used in the Croatian school system to evaluate the morphological, motor and functional status of school children was employed at the beginning of academic years in a sample of 635 children (325 male and 310 female) in 1992 and a sample of 850 children (430 male and 420 female) in 2002. The mean age of study children was 7 years (+/- 2 months). Results of canonic discriminative analysis revealed the male children enrolled in elementary school first grade in 2002 to show better performance on the tests of aerobic endurance, static strength and explosive strength, and to have greater mass of muscle tissue and less adipose tissue, while achieving poorer results on the test of movement frequency than their 1992 counterparts. Female children tested in 2002 showed better results on the test of aerobic endurance and all tests of strength factors, with greater mass of muscle tissue and less adipose tissue, while yielding poorer results on the tests of flexibility, coordination and movement frequency as compared with their 1992 counterparts. Factor analysis in the morphological-motor system isolated three varimax factors each in children of both sexes tested in 1992 and 2002. First factor showed a pattern of a general morphological factor predominantly defined by body weight and volume in the children of both sexes from both study years. Second factor showed a pattern of a general motoricity factor predominantly defined by explosive strength, coordination and speed in children tested in 1992, whereas in their 2002 counterparts the general motoricity factor was predominantly defined by the factors of strength and endurance. Third factor was defined by flexibility in both 1992 and 2002 children. In female children tested in 1992, second factor mostly defined energy regulation with predominance of explosive and static strength, followed by coordination, whereas third factor was defined by movement frequency and aerobic endurance. In female children tested in 2002, second factor mostly defined energy regulation with predominance of explosive and repetitive strength, followed by aerobic endurance and coordination, whereas third factor was defined by movement frequency followed by muscle tone regulation.     

Morphological, motor and situation-motor characteristics of elite female handball players according to playing performance and position

The aim of the study was to define biomotor characteristics that determine playing performance and position in female handball. A battery of 13 variables consisting of somatotype components (3 variables), basic motor abilities (5 variables) and specific motor abilities (5 variables) were applied in a sample of 52 elite female handball players. Differences in biomotor characteristics according to playing performance and position of female handball players were determined by use of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and discriminative analysis. Study results showed the high-quality female handball players to predominantly differ from the less successful ones in the specific factor of throw strength and basic dash factor, followed by the specific abilities of movement without and with ball, basic coordination/agility and specific ability of ball manipulation, and a more pronounced mesomorphic component. Results also revealed the wing players to be superior in the speed of movement frequency (psychomotor speed), run (explosive strength) and speed of movement with ball as compared with players at other playing positions. Also, endomorphic component was less pronounced in players at the wing and back player positions as compared with goalkeeper and pivot positions, where endomorphic component was considerably more pronounced.     

Sex differences in motor characteristics of elementary school children included/not included in swimming training

The aim of the study was to assess the development of motor abilities in elementary school fifth- to eighth-graders (age 11-14 years) according to sex, age and physical activity. Study sample included 312 subjects divided according to age and sex into four groups: male subjects aged 11-12 (n = 93) and 13-14 years (n = 84); and female subjects aged 11-12 (n = 65) and 13-14 years (n = 70). Then, differences in basic motor abilities between children included (experimental group) and those not included (control group) in swimming training were analyzed. In male fifth- and sixth-graders, experimental group was superior to control group in the variables of trunk repetitive strength, sprint, flexibility and coordination, while in male seventh- and eighth-graders experimental group showed better performance than control group in agility, aerobic endurance and explosive throw and jump strength. In female fifth- and sixth-graders, experimental group proved superior to control group in the variables of explosive strength, coordination, trunk strength and aerobic endurance, whereas in female seventh- and eighth-graders experimental group had better performance in coordination, endurance, explosive strength, speed and flexibility. Discriminative analysis of motor variables between male and female subjects revealed male subjects to be superior in explosive strength, throw strength in particular, coordination and aerobic endurance, whereas female subjects showed better performance in the variables of flexibility and movement frequency, leg movement in particular. Study results showed the formation of appropriate motor system determining achievement of top results in swimming to be influenced by swimming training from age 11 to 14. In male children, motor system was found to integrate coordination/agility, aerobic endurance and explosive strength, whereas in female children it integrated coordination in terms of cortical movement regulation, aerobic endurance, explosive strength and psychomotor speed.     

Motor abilities at belly dance in elementary female schoolers

The aim of the study was to determine the relation between motor abilities and belly dance performance in elementary school fifth- and sixth-grade female students. A battery of 19 motor tests was used in a sample of 96 students twice, i.e. at the beginning (initial measurement) and at the end (final measurement) of the academic year. On initial measurement, five factors were isolated by the motor space factor analysis: first factor of muscular-aerobic endurance; second factor integrating the strength of legs, coordination of foot and hand movement, and agility; third factor integrating explosive strength of the arms with speed and body coordination; fourth factor defined by flexibility (muscle tone regulation); and fifth factor integrating explosive strength of legs with equilibrium. On final measurement, five factors were isolated as well: first factor as a general one integrating coordination abilities, explosive strength of legs and flexibility; second factor defined by repetitive strength of the trunk and legs; third factor defined by rhythm coordination accompanied by flexibility; fourth factor predominantly defined by equilibrium (accompanied by explosive strength of throwing type and speed); and fifth factor predominantly defined by static strength of arms and legs (accompanied by arm movement frequency). On initial measurement, fourth factor responsible for muscle tone regulation and second factor integrating the strength of legs, coordination of movement frequency of arms and legs, and agility were found to be the best predictors of belly dance performance. In this setting, the tests of forward bow (flexibility) and sit-ups (repetitive strength of abdominal musculature) proved superior in differentiating high performance students and those less successful in belly dance. On final measurement, third factor named rhythm coordination (accompanied by muscle tone regulation) and second factor defined by repetitive strength of the trunk and legs were the best predictors of belly dance performance. In this setting, the tests of rhythm coordination, flexibility tests, tests of repetitive strength of the trunk and legs, and test of aerobic endurance proved superior in differentiating high performance and less successful students in belly dance.     

Biomotor structures in elite female handball players

In order to identify biomotor structures in elite female handball players, factor structures of morphological characteristics and basic motor abilities of elite female handball players (N = 53) were determined first, followed by determination of relations between the morphological-motor space factors obtained and the set of criterion variables evaluating situation motor abilities in handball. Factor analysis of 14 morphological measures produced three morphological factors, i.e. factor of absolute voluminosity (mesoendomorph), factor of longitudinal skeleton dimensionality, and factor of transverse hand dimensionality. Factor analysis of 15 motor variables yielded five basic motor dimensions, i.e. factor of agility, factor of jumping explosive strength, factor of throwing explosive strength, factor of movement frequency rate, and factor of running explosive strength (sprint). Four significant canonic correlations, i.e. linear combinations, explained the correlation between the set of eight latent variables of the morphological and basic motor space and five variables of situation motoricity. First canonic linear combination is based on the positive effect of the factors of agility/coordination on the ability of fast movement without ball. Second linear combination is based on the effect of jumping explosive strength and transverse hand dimensionality on ball manipulation, throw precision, and speed of movement with ball. Third linear combination is based on the running explosive strength determination by the speed of movement with ball, whereas fourth combination is determined by throwing and jumping explosive strength, and agility on ball pass. The results obtained were consistent with the model of selection in female handball proposed (Srhoj et al., 2006), showing the speed of movement without ball and the ability of ball manipulation to be the predominant specific abilities, as indicated by the first and second linear combination.     

Impact of motor abilities on belly dance performance in female high school students

The aim of the study was to determine the relation of motor abilities and belly dance performance in female high school students, 1st to 4th graders aged 15-18 years. A battery of 19 motor tests were used and nine belly dance elements evaluated in the study sample that included 148 students aged 15-16 (1st and 2nd graders) and 123 students aged 17-18 (3rd and 4th graders). Factor analysis of the motor space isolated six factors in either study group: in 1st and 2nd graders, the first factor integrated coordination, trunk strength, aerobic and muscle endurance, and speed of lower extremity movements; second factor defined explosive strength; third factor defined flexibility; fourth factor defined rhythm coordination; fifth factor defined equilibrium; and sixth factor defined back musculature strength; in 3rd and 4th graders, the first factor integrated coordination and lower extremity explosive strength; second factor defined flexibility; third factor integrated trunk strength and aerobic-muscular endurance; fourth factor defined equilibrium; fifth factor defined rhythm coordination; and sixth factor defined lower extremity strength. Factor analysis of the scores allocated to particular belly dance elements isolated only one factor as a factor of the general specific ability for belly dance performance. Regression analysis in the latent space indicated the factor of flexibility, which is responsible for muscle tone regulation, to be the best predictor of belly dance performance in 1st and 2nd graders. In 3rd and 4th graders, the factor of rhythm coordination was found to be superior in predicting belly dance performance, followed by the factor of trunk strength and aerobic-muscular endurance, the factor integrating coordination and lower extremity strength, and factor of equilibrium.     

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

In order to identify biomotor systems that determine performance of competitive gymnastics elements in elementary school female 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 126 female children aged 12 years +/- 3 months. Factor analysis of 17 morphological measures yielded three morphological factors: factor of mesoendomorphy and/or adipose body voluminosity; factor of longitudinal body dimensionality; and factor of transverse arm dimensionality. Factor analysis of 16 motor variables produced four motor factors: general motoricity factor (motor system); general speed factor; factor of explosive strength of throwing type (arm explosiveness); and factor of arm and leg flexibility. Three significant canonical correlations, i.e. linear combinations, explained the association between the set of seven latent variables of the morphological and basic motor system, and five variables evaluating the knowledge in competitive gymnastics. The first canonical linear combination was based on a favorable and predominant impact of the general motor factor (a system integrating whole body coordination, leg explosiveness, relative arm strength, arm movement frequency and body flexibility) on performance of gymnastics elements, cartwheel, handstand and backward pullover mount in particular, and to a lesser extent front scale and double leg pirouette for 180 degrees. The relation of the second pair of canonical factors additionally explained the role of transverse dimensionality of arm skeleton, arm flexibility and explosiveness in performing cartwheel and squat vault, whereas the relation of the third pair of canonical factors explained the unfavorable impact of adipose voluminosity on the performance of squat vault and backward pullover mount.     

Gender differentiations of cognitive-motor functioning in prepubertal and pubertal children

The aim of this study was to determine cognitive and motor status factors in female and male children aged 10-14, as well as developmental and/or integration functions according to gender. The study included 162 girls and 134 boys aged 10-14, divided into four groups: 84 girls aged 10-12 (mean age 11.26, SD 0.68), 84 boys aged 10-12 (mean age 11.41, SD 0.50), 78 girls aged 13-14 (mean age 13.52, SD 0.63) and 50 boys aged 13-14 (mean age 13.21, SD 0.53). The significance of quantitative differences between boys and girls in the overall system of variables was defined based on the results of canonic discriminant analysis of variance, and within each variable based on the results on univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). In the younger age group (10-12 years), girls were superior to boys in a test assessing flexibility (Seated straddle stretch), whereas, compared to girls, boys had greater strength of the trunk (Crossed-arm sit-ups), greater explosive strength ofjump and sprint type (Standing broad jump and 20 m dash), and coordination (Obstacle course backwards and Steps laterally). In the older age group (13-14 years) differences in flexibility were even more prominent in favor of girls, whereas the differences in explosive strength increased in favor of boys, especially of the throwing type with better agility (Steps laterally), balance (Board balance) and greater static strength of arms and shoulders (Bent-arm hang). In order to determine qualitative differences between pubertal and prepubertal girls and boys, the matrix of variable inter-correlations was factorized by the procedure of principal components procedure, that were then transformed to promax solution. The results showed that cognitive functioning had a significant role in the motor efficacy of girls and boys aged 10 to 14. In the age group of 10-12 years, in females, cognitive functioning is related to the motor system which integrates the regulation of muscle tone with agility/coordination, whereas in males there is a relation between cognitive abilities and the regulator of speed of upper extremities movement frequency. In the age group of 13-14 years, in females, cognitive functioning is involved in forming the factors for regulation of coordination and the intensity of energy mobilization in lower extremities, and to some degree, in the factor for regulation of intensity of energy mobilization in upper extremities and strength of the trunk, whereas in males the integration of synergetic regulation of movement in terms of balance and agility in terms of speed of direction change is carried out with significant involvement of cognitive 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.     

Effect of motor abilities on performing the Hvar folk dance cicilion in 11-year-old girls

A battery of 21 motor tests as predictor variables and evaluation of motor performance of cicilion, a Croatian folk dance from the island of Hvar as a criterion variable, were used in a sample of 101 female fifth-grade students aged 11 years. Regression analysis showed the changed group of motor variables to be a good predictor of success in performing the cicilion folk dance with multiple correlation of 0.63. The flexibility variable of astride trunk bending forwards and frequency variable of hand tapping had greatest impact on the criterion. A considerable favorable impact was also recorded for the variables for assessment of rhythmic coordination, balance, agility on ground, and repetitive strength of the trunk.     

Biomotor structures in elite female handball players according to performance

In order to identify biomotor structures in elite female handball players, factor structures of morphological characteristics and basic motor abilities, and of variables evaluating situation motor abilities of elite female handball players (n = 53) were determined first, followed by determination of differences and relations of the morphological, motor and specific motor space according to handball performance. Factor analysis of 16 morphological measures produced three morphological factors, i.e. factor of absolute voluminosity, i.e. mesoendomorphy, factor of longitudinal skeleton dimensionality, and factor of transverse hand dimensionality. Factor analysis of 15 motor variables yielded five basic motor dimensions, i.e. factor of agility, factor of throwing explosive strength, factor of running explosive strength (sprint), factor of jumping explosive strength and factor of movement frequency rate. Factor analysis of 5 situation motor variables produced two dimensions: factor of specific agility with explosiveness and factor of specific precision with ball manipulation. Analysis of variance yielded greatest differences relative to handball performance in the factor of specific agility and throwing strength, and the factor of basic motoricity that integrates the ability of coordination (agility) with upper extremity throwing explosiveness and lower extremity sprint (30-m sprint) and jumping (standing triple jump). Considering morphological factors, the factor of voluminosity, i.e. mesoendomorphy, which is defined by muscle mass rather than adipose tissue, was found to contribute significantly to the players'performance. Results of regression analysis indicated the handball performance to be predominantly determined by the general specific motor factor based on specific agility and explosiveness, and by the morphological factor based on body mass and volume, i.e. muscle mass. Concerning basic motor abilities, the factor of movement frequency rate, which is associated with the ability of ball manipulation, was observed to predict significantly the handball players' performance.     

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.     

Motor abilities in dance structure performance in female students

The aim of the study was to analyze the relation between motor abilities and performance in folk dances originating from the island of Hvar and modern social dances. Two groups of variables were used in a sample of 78 female students of the Teacher Training College from Split: 7 motor variables as a battery of predictors, and performance evaluation of 4 dances (2 folk dances, i.e. ciciliona and pasavijen, and 2 social dances, i.e. cha-cha-cha and rock-'n'-roll) as criterion variables. Canonical correlation analysis between the groups of variables yielded two canonical correlations of 0.94 and 0.73, with a level of significance of p<0.001. The first canonical correlation was based on marked determination of coordination and ciciliona dance, and the second one on explosive strength of the running type with below-average coordination and the cha-cha-cha, rock-'n'-roll and pasavijen dances. Regression analysis indicated the battery of motor variables used to be a good predictor of performance in all study dances, with multiple correlation of 0.93 in ciciliona, 0.84 in pasavijen, 0.75 in rock-'n'-roll and 0.73 in cha-cha-cha. In ciciliona and pasavijen, the latent dance structure is predominantly explained by coordination, in rock-'n'-roll by explosive strength, and in cha-cha-cha by explosive strength and speed. Discriminative analysis revealed the general dance performance to mostly depend on coordination, then on explosive strength, and to a lesser extent on speed (movement frequency). Dance is an irreplaceable educational tool in kinesiologic education of female students, among others for its considerable contribution to the development and maintenance of basic motor abilities.     

Morphological structures of elite Karateka and their impact on technical and fighting efficiency

The aim of the study was to identify the morphological structures that determine achievement of top results in karate. The study included a sample of 85 karateka competing as senior category athletes within the Croatian Karate Society, aged 18-29 years. Sixteen morphological parameters were used; technical efficiency was assessed using 8 variables, i.e. evaluation of particular karate techniques, whereas fighting efficiency was estimated on the basis of results achieved at a number of contests. Factorial analysis of morphological space revealed the presence of four major factors: factor of muscle mass, followed by skeleton transverse dimensionality, factor of skeleton longitudinal dimensionality, factor of subcutaneous adipose tissue, and factor of shoulder width determining optimal trunk proportions (athlete type) in karateka. Regression analysis showed the isolated group of morphological factors to significantly determine both technical and fighting efficiency of karate athletes. Generally, skeleton longitudinality and muscle mass, followed by skeleton transverse dimensionality were found to exert favorable effects, and adipose tissue unfavorable effects according to both criteria. Also, each individual morphological factor influenced the performance of every karate technique applied. Adipose tissue had greatest unfavorable impact, whereas shoulder width and muscle mass had favorable impact on the performance of arm techniques (kicking). Considering performance of leg techniques, skeleton longitudinality had highest favorable impact, and adipose tissue greatest unfavorable impact. Of the techniques applied, combined karate kicks, i.e. jaku zuki-mawashi geri and kizame zuki-jaku zuki were found to be the best predictors of fighting efficiency.     

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.     

Biomotor systems in elite junior judoists

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of motor abilities and morphological characteristics on junior judoka performance. A set of 14 morphological parameters and a set of 14 motor tests as predictor variables, and 3 variables evaluating judo performance as criteria were applied in a sample of 40 judoists aged 17 years +/-6 months. Three factors were isolated by factor analysis in morphological area: factor of muscle mass and bone volume (muscle and bone mass mesoectomorphy), factor of longitudinal skeleton dimensionality, and factor of subcutaneous adipose tissue (endomorphy). Four factors were isolated by factor analysis in motor area: factor of coordination and strength (regulated force), factor of movement frequency (speed), factor of muscular and cardiovascular endurance (endurance), and factor of tonus regulation and synergy regulation (flexibility/balance). Canonical correlation analysis between latent morphological and motor variables, and variables for assessment of competitive performance of junior judoists yielded two linear combinations, i.e. two pairs of canonical factors. Correlation in the first pair of canonical factors was underlain by the favorable impact of coordination/strength, speed, flexibility and balance, along with above-average muscle mass and bone volume, and above-average skeleton longitudinality on performance in judo. Correlation in the second pair of canonical factors was based on positive determination of above-average endurance along with moderate coordination/strength and speed, and below-average muscle mass and bone volume and skeleton longitudinality upon judo performance as expressed by the fight winning score.     

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.     

The Effect of Specialized Digital Training on Double Poling Technique for Para Seated Cross-Country Skiing Athletes

Purpose: In order to satisfy the requirements of Chinese Para seated cross-country skiers special training for Double poling scientifically, and the individualized strength training of Paralympic athletes, this study aims to explore the effect of the full-dimensional servo-driven intelligent training system on para cross-country skiers’ strength training. Methods: 12 Para seated cross-country skiing athletes were included (6 males and 6 females: LW10.5-LW12), 4 weeks of training of the Double poling based on the centripetal isotonic mode of the full-dimensional servo-driven intelligent training system, the special strength quality indicators include the speed and power of the Double poling in the centripetal phase. The SPM1d paired-sample t-test was used for statistical analysis of each index before and after training. Results: After 4 weeks of special movement training through the full-dimensional servo-driven intelligent training system, the speed and power of the Double poling of 12 seated cross-country skiers were significantly improved compared to before training. In the Double poling period, the speed index of female athletes increased significantly in the 92%–100% stage, and the male athletes in the 20%–23% and 72%–73% stages. The power index of female athletes increased significantly in the 17%–18%, 21%∼30% and 70%∼82% stages, and the male athletes in the 49%–58% and 91%–100% stages. Conclusion: The full-dimensional servo-driven intelligent training system can significantly improve the special strength quality index of Para seated cross-country skiers’ Double poling techniques and enhance the special ability on snow. In addition, the system can meet the personalized and specialized training needs of disabled athletes to a great extent, monitor and feedback training data in real-time, and further reduce the risk of sports injuries.