<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Proper mastering of a training means seems to be an important determinant of the quality of strength training. Aim of the paper is to examine the differences in strength in relation to squat-performing experience and to offer a way of improving performance by means of increasing the quality of squat technique. Methods 1. Subjects were divided into two groups according to their previous experience with performing squat: a group of inexperienced (n = 9; age: 21.1 years ± 2.37; height: 179.2 cm ± 8.18; weight: 70.0 kg ± 7.38) and experienced (n = 9; age: 24.0 years ± 1.07; height: 182.1 cm ± 4.14; weight: 81.2 kg ± 4.29). We carried out a test of maximal isometric strength in deep squat (ISOmax50°) and a modified diagnostic set (Fitro Force Plate) which consisted of repetitions of heel raised deep squats with a gradually increasing external loading (FmaxBW+(0-100%)). Posture and the body segments of the participants were not corrected during these tests. Mann-Whitney U test (α=0.05) was used to evaluate the data obtained. Results 1. After comparing the differences in the maximal value of force curve in dynamic muscular mode (FmaxBW+(0-100%)) and the maximal isometric force in deep squat (ISOmax50°) between the groups we found significantly bigger differences in the group of experienced when the resistance represented +75 % (Δ 279.0 N) and +100 % of body weight (Δ 332.2 N). Methods 2. Eleven inexperienced subjects (age: 22.1 years ± 1.52; weight: 78.2 kg ± 2.84) completed a short term experiment (with 4 training sessions in weeklong microcycle). The purpose was to practise deep squat without any content of targeted strength development.No control group was included. Initial and final measurements included the rate of force development test (RFD50°,90°,140°, 0-200 ms), the maximal isometric strength test (ISOmax50°,90°,140°) and the diagnostic set for deep squat (Fitro Dyne Premium). Wilcoxon T-test was used for further analyses (α = 0.01; α = 0.05). Results 2. We found statistically significant increments of ISOmax50° (Δ 89.45 N, p &lt; 0.01), ISOmax90° (Δ 45.63 N, p &lt; 0.05), RFD50°(0-200ms) (Δ 0.42 N.ms-1, p &lt; 0.05), RFD90°(0-200ms) (Δ 0.47 N.ms-1, p &lt; 0.05) and mean power output (Pmean) of entire diagnostic set (Δ 38.8 W, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions. Increases in the difference in variations between the groups starting from the resistance of 50 % of body weight confirms the recommendations of using lower weights for beginners for the purpose of strength development. Based on the results we conclude that a short-term training programme of deep squat practise (without any intention of improving strength performance) has positive effect on selected strength parameters.</abstract>

Importance of Performing Experience in Strength Training Periodization

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Endogenous hormones are essential for physiological reactions and influence the adaptation to weightlifting training by modulating anabolic and catabolic processes. It seems that testosterone and cortisol are playing a key role in anabolic and catabolic processes in resistance training. Eight elite Czech and Slovak weightlifters volunteered in present study. The testosterone and cortisol were measured in 4 testing sessions over 18 weeks during preparation and competition period. The training protocol consisted of three specific weightlifting exercises. The saliva samples were collected in 4 testing sessions, pre and 5 min, 15 min and 30 min after protocol, respectively. The basal level of salivary testosterone and cortisol remains unchanged during preparation and competition period. Also, acute testosterone response was not observed over the monitored period. However, acute decrease of cortisol were found between pre intervention and post 5 (p ≤ 0.01), 15 (p ≤ 0.01), and 30 min (p ≤ 0.05) during preparation periods. While in competition period was found significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) only 5 min after testing protocol. The testosterone/cortisol ratio significantly increased during preparation periods (p ≤ 0.01), but not in competition period. Results indicated that the routine assessment of testosterone and cortisol may provide an effective way to monitor acute and chronic adaptive response to weightlifting training. Our results suggest that cortisol, not the testosterone is an important component of adaptation during elite weightlifting training.</abstract>

Changes in Salivary Hormones Concentration during the Preparation and Competition Period in Olympic Weightlifters

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> This paper reports on findings of a pilot research to determine the level of swimming ability of children with weak respiratory system aged between 10 - 11 years, who attended special classes for asthmatics. Swimming ability was assessed by 25 m free style swimming test. The results of asthmatics were compared with healthy peers (Benčuriková 2006; Kováčová 2010; Labudová 2011). The results confirmed that the level of swimming capability of asthmatic children, despite their handicap, is significantly higher than their healthy peers.</abstract>

The Swimming Ability of Children with Asthma

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> The aim of the study was to determine the status of SE in people with physical disabilities (PwPD) and compare SE scores between active and inactive individuals. The sample of PwPD (n = 186) was divided into two groups of those who are regularly participating in sport (active; n = 88) and those who are not participating in any sport in their leisure (inactive; n = 98). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was used as a primary research method. 10-item scale measures global self-worth by measuring positive and negative feelings about the self. Higher scores (from 10 to 40 points) indicate higher SE. The Pearson chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 10 RSES items and total scores between active and inactive PwPD. We found that the mean score of RSES in PwPD was 28.83 points; active PwPD observed total score of RSES 30.01 points and group of inactive PwPD showed the lowest SE by achieving 27.76 points. Mean scores comparison of each RSES item between active and inactive PwPD revealed higher SE in the group of active PwPD. Significantly higher SE was presented by 4 from 10 RSES items and by total score in the group of active PwPD. The results of our study confirmed that actively living PwPD have significantly higher SE comparing those PwPD who are living sedentary life style.</abstract>

Self-Esteem in People with Physical Disabilities: Differences between Active and Inactive Individuals

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Life satisfaction is the main goal that people try to achieve in their lives. This study aims to broaden the knowledge of overall life satisfaction of physically handicapped students performing sports. The Satisfaction with Life scale was used to assess the overall life satisfaction SWLS and Emotional Habitual Subjective Well-Being questionnaire SEHP. The research sample consisted of 25 physically handicapped students. Based on their performance in physical education and sport they were divided into 2 groups: regularly active in sports (36 %) and occasionally active in sports (64 %). The results showed at an interesting fact, 66 % of regularly active students in sports with a physical handicap were found on the high level of life satisfaction (44 %) and extremely high level of life satisfaction (22.2 %), comparing to occasionally active students in sports, who supported only 18.8 % of the particular category. 12.5 % of occasionally active students in sports feel physical vigour, mainly after coming from physiotherapy and after getting enough sleep. Regularly active peers in sports feel physical vigour while performing physical education and sports or after finishing the activity. His spare time is devoted to fitness activities, swimming, table tennis and shooting.</abstract>

The Impact of Sport on the Overall Standard of Satisfaction of Students with Physical Disabilities

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Performance in all canoe disciplines is based on the physical condition of the paddler and his technique and mental ability to adapt to the racing condition. The strength belongs to the most important physical factors in canoe sprint and canoe slalom disciplines. We believed that in canoe freestyle the strength has an important role in relation to the performance in comparison to other canoe disciplines. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between upper body strength and special canoe freestyle performance. The study group consisted of 16 senior kayak freestyle paddlers in the age group 26 ± 3 years old. Fitro Dyne Premium was device used to obtain data for analysis of the level of general upper body strength abilities. To determine special upper body strength we used tests on paddle machine and freestyle kayaking flat water tests. Freestyle performance was measured during ECA Euro Cup 2013 competition in Slovakia, Čunovo by official ICF judges. The data obtained were measured by the Spearman Correlation (r) correlation test. The results of the study show significant relations between kayak freestyle performance and test of general strength endurance (p &lt; 0.05), special strength endurance, special dynamic strength (p &lt; 0.01). There were no statistically significant correlations between kayak freestyle performance and general maximal power, dynamic strength, special maximal power.</abstract>

Relationship between Upper Body Strength and Performance at Canoe Freestyle

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Aim of this study was to compare relation between maximal anaerobic power output and 2,000 m test on rowing ergometer and relation between 6,000 m test and 2,000 m on rowing ergometer. It can be assumed that 2,000 m performance on rowing ergometer will significantly correlate with maximal anaerobic power output and 6,000 m performance. A group of 9 welltrained rowers (age: 18.3 years ± 2.8 years, sport age: 4.9 years ± 3.7 years, weight: 78.9 kg ± 12.2 kg, height: 182.3 cm ± 7.6 cm) performed three tests in 1 week to determine maximal anaerobic power, 6,000 m and 2,000 m performance on Concept 2 model D rowing ergometer. A value of simple maximal stroke out of 10-second all-out test with drag factor set to 200 was taken as a measure of maximal anaerobic power. Drag factor for 6,000 m and 2,000 m test was set individually. Average power during these tests was record. Research showed that both maximal anaerobic power and 6,000 m test correlated with 2,000 m test on rowing ergometer significantly (rmap = 0.93 p &lt; 0.01, r6k = 0.95 p &lt; 0.01). Maximal anaerobic power and 6,000 m tests seem to be good predictors for 2,000 m score on rowing ergometer. However, maximal anaerobic power test can be used to monitor rowing performance during specific training cycle instead of longer and more demanding 6,000 m test.</abstract>

Relation between Maximal Anaerobic Power Output and Tests on Rowing Ergometer

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> The aim of the study was to examine the effect of plyometric exercises on explosive strength of lower extremities in girls performing of technical and aesthetical sports. Experiment was carried out on three groups; artistic gymnasts (VG, n = 15; age = 12.4 ± 0.7 years), fitness girls (VF, n = 15; age = 13.8 ± 1.9 years) and dancers (VD, n = 15; age = 13.8 ± 2 years). To check, the control group of general population was involved in the study (VK, n = 15; age = 13.9 ± 1.5 years). Following tests on jump ergometer Fitro Jumper were carried out at the beginning and at the end of experimental period: countermovement jump without and with arms swing and 10- second series of repeated vertical jumps. Plyometric program consisted of two plyometric units a week during thirty weeks. The results show that higher improvement in all evaluated tests achieved the group of fitness. In the countermovement jump without arm swing was observed improvement height of the jump 3.4 ± 1.4 cm (p ˂ 0.00001), in the countermovement jump with arm swing 5.7 ± 1.5 cm (p ˂ 0.00001), in difference of height of the jump between countermovement jump with and without arms swing 2.3 ± 1 cm (p ˂ 0.00001), in ten second series of repeated vertical jumps without arms swing in the height of jump 4.2 ± 1.6 cm (p ˂ 0.00001) and in power in active take off phase 8.8 ± 2.2 W.kg-1 (p ˂ 0.00001). Based on finding the study and in coherence with data from literature, we can conclude the effect of plyometric exercises was effective in combination with specific-strength training. Jumping ability is limiting factor of sport performance in technical and aesthetical sports and implementation of plyometric exercises to the training is highly recommend. The high level of jump capabilities can improve the quality and technique of performance complex acrobatic elements and dance leaps thereby increasing overall evaluation of performance in selected sports.</abstract>

Influence of Plyometrics on Jump Capabilities in Technical and Aesthetical Sports

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> The study evaluates changes of muscle power and velocity during trunk rotations in ice-hockey players after six weeks of training in competition period. A group of 15 ice-hockey players performed 2 trunk rotations to each direction in a standing position with barbell of 6, 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, 26 kg placed on the shoulders. Basic biomechanical parameters during the movement were monitored using the FiTRO Torso Dyne system. Results showed that mean velocity in acceleration phase of trunk rotation significantly increased after 6 weeks of training at 6 kg (from 259 to 282.6 deg/s, p = 0.003) and 12 kg (from 218.8 to 244.1 deg/s p = 0.004). However, its values did not changed significantly during rotations with 10, 16, 20, 22 and 26 kg. Mean power of trunk rotation did not changed significantly with any of used weight. These findings indicate that there are only small changes in muscle power in competition period of ice hockey-players.</abstract>

Muscle Power and Velocity During Trunk Rotations after 6 Weeks of Training in Ice-Hockey Players

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 62 (2022): Issue 2 (November 2022)

Volume 62 (2022): Issue 1 (May 2022)

Volume 61 (2021): Issue 2 (November 2021)

Volume 61 (2021): Issue 1 (May 2021)

Volume 60 (2020): Issue 2 (November 2020)

Volume 60 (2020): Issue 1 (May 2020)

Volume 59 (2019): Issue 2 (November 2019)

Volume 59 (2019): Issue 1 (May 2019)

Volume 58 (2018): Issue 2 (November 2018)

Volume 58 (2018): Issue 1 (May 2018)

Volume 57 (2017): Issue 2 (November 2017)

Volume 57 (2017): Issue 1 (May 2017)

Volume 56 (2016): Issue 2 (November 2016)

Volume 56 (2016): Issue 1 (May 2016)

Volume 55 (2015): Issue 2 (November 2015)

Volume 55 (2015): Issue 1 (May 2015)

Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae

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