Impact of two different strength/conditioning training interventions on sport and strength performance of junior male judokas

Background. The influence of different strength training interventions on strength and competitive performance has been insufficiently examined in elite junior judokas. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different strength interventions in precompetitive training process of elite junior male judokas. Material and Methods. Fifty-three elite judokas (age: 17.22±1.37 yrs, height: 176.34±5.47 cm, body weight: 78.46±6.22 kg, judo training experience: 4.52±0.89 years) performed two different 8-week strength training interventions. Group 1 (n=27) were performed “strength” intervention, group 2 (n=26) were performed “CrossFit®” intervention about 5.3-6.0 hours per week. The base training exercises were as follows: bench press, barbell bench pull and lat pull-down, clean & jerk, snatch, squats and knee flexion curl, pull up. The handgrip strength test, the one-repetition maximum tests, pull up test and competitive performance evalution, were in this study. Results. In post-intervention period, were found that bench press and back squat findings were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in judokas (group 1) as compared to judokas (group 2). There were significantly (p≤0.05) higher pull upfindings in judokas (group 2). No significant differences were observed among the groups with regard to competitive performance values within 3.5 months after post-intervention. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that 8-week of different strength training interventions are not equally effective to increase performance of junior male judokas in specific strength tests and not to change competitive performance of athletes within 3.5 months after strength intervention. The final decision for the particular strength training intervention (“strength” or “CrossFit®”) can be decided according to an judoka's individual challenges during the competitive season.

Substantiation of Methods for Predicting Success in Artistic Swimming

To develop a methodology for predicting success in artistic swimming based on a set of morphofunctional indicators and indices, 30 schoolgirls, average age (12.00 ± 0.22), were divided into two groups. Group 1: 15 athletes, training experience 4–5 years. Group 2: 15 schoolgirls without training experience. For each participant, we determined the length and weight of the body, the circumference of the chest, vital lung capacity, and the circumference of the biceps in a tense and at rest. The Erisman index, biceps index, and the ratio of proper and actual vital lung capacity was calculated. Them, we conducted the Stange and Genchi hypoxic tests, and flexibility tests for “Split”, “Crab position”, and “Forward bend”. Prediction was conducted using the Wald test with the calculation of predictive coefficients and their informativeness. A predictive table containing results of functional tests and indices of artistic swimming athletes is developed. It includes nine criteria, which informativeness varied in the range of 395.70–31.98. The content of the prediction consists of evaluating the results, determining the appropriate predictive coefficient, and summing these coefficients before reaching one of the predictive thresholds. The conducted research allowed us to substantiate and develop a method for predicting the success of female athletes with the use of morphofunctional indicators and indices.

Harmonious physique development and obesity prevention of preschool girls

Introduction: The main threats to the health and harmonious physical development of preschool children are overweight, obesity and abnormalities in the physique development. The aim of the study was to verify if particular (harmonious physique development and obesity prevention) PE intervention is more effective than standard PE classes for preschool children. Material and methods: Participants: The thirty healthy preschool girls (5-6 aged). All children practiced PE classes 3 times a week. Group 1 practiced the traditional PE sessions (games, gymnastic and dancing). Group 2 except games and dancing used a particular PE training (purposeful development of the shoulder girdle, upper limbs and motor abilities). The study used methods for estimating height and body weight, BMI, body composition, participants' biacromial breadth and Rees-Eysenck body index (REBI). Results: There were significant (p≤0.05) differences in BMI and biacromial breadth values between of participants' group in the study ending. Group 2 had a significantly (p≤0.05) lower BMI and a larger shoulder width values. Body composition assessment showed a significantly (p≤0.05) higher percentage of bone and muscle mass in group 2. There was a significant decrease in the participants' number of normosthenic body type in group 1. A significant increase in the participants' number of normosthenic body type and decrease in the in the participants' number of pyknic body type were found in group 2. Conclusions: PE programs related to the purposeful development of the shoulder girdle, upper limbs and motor skills contributes to the process of harmonious physique development of preschool girls (aged 5-6). An higher positive effect of using this PE practice in the control of body weight and BMI dynamics in preschool girls was found.

Influence of Health Related Fitness on the Morphofunctional Condition of Second Mature Aged Women

To analyze the influence of health-related fitness on the condition of second mature aged women. Participants: 65 women divided into two groups. Group 1-40 women, (43.33 ± 0.93) years old and group 2-25 women (44.40 ± 0.93) years old. The participants trained for 8 months, three times a week for 1 h. Group 1 trained dance aerobics (Monday), strength fitness (Wednesday) and stretching (Friday). Group 2 trained only stretching. The body length and mass, handgrip strength test, vital capacity, blood pressure, heart rate, Stange and Genchi tests, and motion amplitude in joints were evaluated before and after the program. The significance of the differences between the groups was evaluated by Student's criterion (t) and Rosenbaum (Q). The different intensity of the health-related effect was confirmed at the end of the program. Physiometric indicators significantly increased in group 1. The complex physical activity led to a decrease in heart rate. The results of the Stange and Genchi tests significantly increased. Goniometric indicators of group 2 increased. The comparative analysis of the participants indicators confirms the generalized and higher health-related effect of the complex fitness program. The effect of such a program showed an increase of the adaptive potential, a significant increase in the functional capabilities of women, and the optimization of the studied indicators. With the same time expenditure for health-related fitness, the complex program has a more multifaceted effect in comparison with stretching.

Increasing the level of cardiorespiratory and strength endurance of female students by means of mixed training (Kangoo–jumps fitness and resistance training)

Background. Experts note the low level of physical fitness of female students. Fitness programs that balance the development of cardiorespiratory and strength fitness level are necessary in the physical education practice of students. The purpose of this study is to compare effectiveness of two exercise programs in terms of strength endurance and cardiorespiratory of female students in physical education. Material and Methods. Female students (n=36) practicing fitness–aerobics (G–1) and resistance training (G–2) participated in the research. All students participated in 52 training sessions. The students (G–1) practiced step aerobics with strength training combination. The students (G–2) practiced resistance training with Kangoo–Jumps fitness combination. The level of cardiorespiratory and strength fitness was studied using tests: VC, Stange test, Step test (PWC170), Running test, Push–Up test and others. Results. Students (G–1) had a reliable advantage in test results: VC, Stange test, Step test (PWC170), Running test, at the research beginning. Students (G–2) showed significantly better results in tests: Burpee test, Push–Up test and Stange test at the end of research. Reliable differences in tests: Plank test and Heart Rate in favor of female students (G–2) were revealed. The results of other functional tests did not differ significantly. Conclusions. The possible effectiveness of aerobic fitness training Kangoo–Jumps in resistance training of female students was discovered. A significant increase in the indicators of strength endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness of young women was revealed.

The analysis of psychophysiological features of football players and water sports athletes

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to analyze the psychophysiological characteristics of football players and water sports athletes as factors of professional selection. Materials and methods: The study involved students of a specialized sports school (n = 31, age: 16-17 years). The participants were divided into two groups: group 1 – 20 football players, group 2 – 11 water sports athletes (swimming). The level of sportsmanship is 1 category, Candidates and Masters of Sports. Tests applied: determination of the duration of an individual minute (IM), measuring of a 10 cm segment (SM), determination of simple hand-eye coordination (SHEyC), and simple hand-ear coordination (SHEaC), the technique of “Figures memorizing”, solution of 10 sums. Results: The results of the IM test reflect the prevalence of the earlier test completion. All participants indicated a lower value in 9th test of a segment measuring. The results of the SHEyC and SHEaC of the participants were similar. The results of all tests were less than 10 in the test of “Figures memorizing”. Football players revealed link between coordination and psychophysiological tests results, while swimmers revealed link between coordination and sensory type of tests. Conclusions: The carried out psychophysiological analysis of athletes’ condition of team sports and water sports confirmed the possibility of applying these tests for selection. The results obtained reflect the specific influence of the sport on the athletes’ bodies. These indicators demonstrate the increased requirements for spatial orientation, the importance of reaction to auditory stimuli and the increased ability of football players to control the surrounding space and control the game situation.