Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse the foot pressure distribution by cross-country skiers during the push-off phase when using the V2 Alternate skating technique depending on lower limb preference. The study also focused on whether push-off during V2 Alternate would be performed more quickly and in a shorter time interval by the dominant leg than the non-dominant leg. Methods. Data were collected using a pedographic system together with synchronised video recording. Conventional dialogistic methods used in kinanthropology were used to detect the lower-limb lateral preference. Results. Statistically significant differences in the vertical component of force produced by the right/leg lower limbs was observed. However, no statistically significant differences were present in the duration when weight was transferred to one of the lower limbs. Conclusions. Although V2 Alternate is a movement task that is considered to be symmetrical (where left and right leg push-off should be practically identical), the results of the study proved otherwise. In practice, this implies that the explosive force capabilities of cross-country skiers should be trained especially for the non-dominant leg so as to ensure that a fully adequate push-off can be conducted during two-sided skating.
Introduction: A sufficient level of movement competence (MC) is a significant health and psychosocial factor. Overall, there is a strong consensus that movement competence is positively associated with all health-related variables. A lower level of movement competence in childhood is reflected in physical activity participation and engagement in physical activity later in life. The Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency, 2nd version (BOT-2), is considered the most comprehensive diagnostic tool. There are no normative criteria of this test in the Czech Republic. The aim of this pilot study was to estimate a cross-cultural validity of the BOT-2 in a sample of Czech school children. Methods: The research sample was comprised of 83 school children (43 girls and 40 boys) of average age 10.15 ± 1.66 years. For the estimation of a MC we used the BOT-2, 2nd version - complete form. Results: The results of our tested group show that the group's MC is in the lower part of the average level in the area of total motor composite (standard score 46.4±11.8). On average, the weakest performance was recorded in the area of fine manual control. More in-depth analysis showed that the weakest subcomponent of the area of fine manual control was fine motor precision (scale score 10.1±5.5). The group's most successful area was the component concerning strength and agility. Conclusion: As a pilot study the project indicated that the BOT-2 can be valid for the Czech school children in 4 motor area composites regarding the manual coordination, coordination, strength and agility assessment only. It is not valid for the assessment of fine manual control. In a more detailed analysis of 8 subcategories we observe significantly worse results of Czech children in the area of fine motor precision.
The aim of the study was to assess the effects of climbing ability and slope inclination on vertical loading both in terms the forces involved and physiological responses. Five novice and six intermediate female climbers completed a climbing route at three slope inclinations (85°, 90°, and 98°). The vertical loading during the climb was assessed by force-time integral using a Novel Pedar-X insole and physiological responses via oxygen uptake and heart rate. The novice climbers had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) vertical loading on foot holds and higher oxygen uptake and heart rate compared to intermediate climbers. A significant negative correlation was identified between the force-time integral and oxygen uptake (R = -0.72), and with heart rate (R = -0.64), respectively. The time-force integral decreased across the ascents with increasing slope inclination (p < 0.001). The results indicate that more advanced ability climbers make greater use of foot holds, with associated lowering in physiological response (oxygen uptake and heart rate) across all slope inclinations.
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