Effect of Variable-Intensity Running Training and Circuit Training on Selected Physiological Parameters of Soccer Players

Proper planning of the training process based on individual LT and AT metabolic thresholds is essential to improve athletic performance. Development of endurance in soccer players is mainly based on continuous runs and variable-intensity runs, supplemented with strength conditioning and sport-specific training. The aim of the study was to analyse selected parameters of physical capacity of soccer players after 8-week variable-intensity running training and circuit training. The experiment was carried out in a group of 34 soccer players aged 21 to 26 years. The athletes were divided into two groups: 17 people in the experimental group and 17 people in the control group. The experimental group was involved in 30-minute tempo runs two times a week for 8 weeks with variable intensity at AT. In the same period, the control group performed two 60-minute continuous runs at the intensity of 70-75%HRmax. The determination of metabolic thresholds used two indirect tests: the multistage shuttle run test (beep test) and maximal lactate steady state test (MLSS) with author's own modification. In order to evaluate maximal heart rate (HRmax), the research procedure was started from the beep test (distance: 20 m). The speed at the first level was 8.5 km/h and increased with each level by 0.5 km/h. Training of the experimental group where variable exercise intensity was used caused a statistically significant increase in HRmax (by 1.9%) and blood lactate levels at the AT (by 20.5%). The training in the experimental group led to the statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the parameters of the following variables: HRmax (by 1.9%); lactate level (by 7.85); HR at the AT (by 1,9%); lactate level at the AT (by 20.5%). The assumptions of the experimental training did not cause statistically significant changes in pretest vs. posttest HRmax and blood lactate levels for the LT. Endurance training with high intensity is more effective in soccer players compared to training with moderate intensity. Development of special endurance in soccer should also assume the intensity and method of working similar to the method used during sport competition

The level of body balance in standing position and handstand in seniors athletes practicing artistic gymnastics

The aim of the study was to compare the values of selected stability indices registered in the trials in standing with eyes open and without visual control, and in handstand in athletes practicing artistic gymnastics at the highest level of advancement. Methods: The study included 20 athletes practicing artistic gymnastics. The research tool was posturograph CQ-Stab 2P. The results obtained in individual trials were compared using Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance by ranks and then subjected to Dunn post-hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment. Results: Statistically significant differences in the values of stability indices recorded in individual samples were found. Exceptions are the results obtained in the trials with eyes open and without visual control with regard to the size of the surface area delineated by the COP ( p = 0.173) and the frequency of corrective reactions ( p = 0.464), as well as the length of the statokinesiogram path in the mediolateral direction ( p = 0.342), mean velocity of COP movement in the mediolateral direction ( p = 0.246), maximal amplitude of the COP in the mediolateral direction ( p = 0.342) and number of COP displacements in the mediolateral direction ( p = 0.246). Conclusions: In seniors, disabling visual control during free standing as well as adopting a handstand position result in deterioration of the stability indices, which is a resultant of the COP displacement in both directions as well as in the anteroposterior direction. Lack of differences in the values of stability indices in the mediolateral direction suggest that in a free standing position, seniors practicing artistic gymnastics control the movement of the center of foot pressure in the mediolateral direction and eye control is not important for the stability of the body in the frontal plane

Foot Structure in Boys with Down Syndrome

Introduction and Aim. Down syndrome (DS) is associated with numerous developmental abnormalities, some of which cause dysfunctions of the posture and the locomotor system. The analysis of selected features of the foot structure in boys with DS versus their peers without developmental disorders is done. Materials and Methods. The podoscopic examination was performed on 30 boys with DS aged 14-15 years. A control group consisted of 30 age- and gender-matched peers without DS. Results. The feet of boys with DS are flatter compared to their healthy peers. The hallux valgus angle is not the most important feature differentiating the shape of the foot in the boys with DS and their healthy peers. In terms of the V toe setting, healthy boys had poorer results. Conclusions. Specialized therapeutic treatment in individuals with DS should involve exercises to increase the muscle strength around the foot joints, enhancing the stabilization in the joints and proprioception. Introducing orthotics and proper footwear is also important. It is also necessary to monitor the state of the foot in order to modify undertaken therapies

A Proposal for Special Kickboxing Fitness Test

The aim of this study is to evaluate validity and reliability of a new special kickboxing fitness test. The test can be also useful in such combat sports as karate, taekwondo, ju-jitsu and MMA. The study group was 25 elite level athletes from the KS Gladiator club in Grybów. The test was repeated in the same group for three times. In order to evaluate test reliability, test results were compared to the results obtained by study participants in two special fitness tests proposed by Sterkowicz1 . The statistical analysis of the results was also performed. The analysis of the results presented in this study shows that the specific character of the movements typical of the kickboxing fight justifies the introduction of the tests based on kicks and punches to the test battery that evaluates special fitness. Furthermore, the new special fitness test proposed in this study can be used for selection and interpretation of the achievements of kickboxers since it offers a reliable, valid and user-friendly research tool

Distribution of Minimal and Maximal Values of the Location of the Centre of Pressure in the Frontal and Sagittal Planes in Healthy Boys and Boys with Mild Intellectual Disability Participating in 12-Week Equestrian Classes

Humans maintain balance in the vertical position through random movements that result from instability of the body supported in two points. These tracking movements are responsible for the motor activity focused on maintaining body balance. The role of the postural control system is to choose a strategy, that is, the behaviour as a response to stimuli and regaining the balance through coordinated activity of the muscles that stabilize the talocrural and hip joints that perform movements in the frontal and sagittal planes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of equestrian classes on postural balance in the frontal and sagittal balance in healthy boys aged 15 to 17 years and boys at the same age with mild intellectual disability. The study examined 100 randomized boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability and healthy boys. The study participants were divided into two groups: experimental group, who participated for 12 weeks in equestrian classes and the control group, with boys attending outdoor or indoor physical education classes. Before and after completion of the study, both experimental and control groups were diagnosed by means of Accu SwayPlus force plate. Maximum and minimum locations of the position of the centre of pressure (COP) with respect to the base of support on the platform were evaluated in the frontal and sagittal planes. The description of the parameters was based on the arithmetic mean, maximal and minimal value, scatter diagram and percentage distribution of values. Correlation of the parameters was also evaluated. Significant changes were found in the experimental groups after horse-riding classes, which pointed to the improvement in balance response, particularly in the sagittal plane, both in terms of minimal and maximal values. The character of these changes was similar: value of body sway in the sagittal plane was reduced and the higher percentage of minimal values was recorded for each parameter in both planes after the equestrian effect. Correlations were found between maximum position of the centre of pressure (COP) in the frontal plane and minimal and maximal position of the centre of pressure in the sagittal plane. All the significant changes and trends found for the experimental group which occurred after 12 weeks of equestrian classes suggest improved parameters of balance. The lack of changes in balance parameters in the control group shows that the equestrian classes help develop balance abilities in healthy boys aged 15 to 17 years and, to a lesser extent, in those with mild intellectual disability