scholarly journals Lack of Predictive Power in Commonly Used Tests for Performance in Alpine Skiing

2021 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. E28-E36
Author(s):  
Robert Nilsson ◽  
Apostolos Theos ◽  
Ann-Sofie Lindberg ◽  
Richard A. Ferguson ◽  
Christer Malm

AbstractCompetitive alpine skiing is a complex sport that requires high physical and technical competence. Testing the physical status of athletes may be important to increase their ability to achieve elite sport-specific performance. This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of the national test battery of the Swedish Olympic Committee (Fysprofilen) and anthropometric variables in the prediction of competitive performance of elite alpine skiers, indicated by Fédération Internationale de Ski points. Data from fourteen Swedish elite female alpine skiers were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Physiological test results and anthropometric data could not generate significant bivariate or multivariate models for prediction of competitive performance. Multivariate regression (R2) and prediction (Q2) models for Fédération Internationale de Ski Slalom and Giant Slalom rank reached R2=0.27 to 0.43, Q2=+− 0.8 to−0.17, indicating no valid models. The overall interpretation of these and previous findings are that future test batteries must be validated before implemented, and that test results should be treated with caution when it comes to prediction of future competitive results. Applying tests that are not validated against competitive performance risk misleading coaches and training advisors who aim to increase the sports-specific performance of the individual athlete.

2018 ◽  
Vol 02 (04) ◽  
pp. E105-E112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Nilsson ◽  
Ann-Sofie Lindberg ◽  
Apostolos Theos ◽  
Richard Ferguson ◽  
Christer Malm

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the predictive power of aerobic test results and anthropometric variables on FIS-ranking of junior elite alpine skiers. Results from twenty-three male and female adolescent elite alpine skiers from two seasons were included in the multivariate statistical models. Physical work capacity was determined by V̇O2peak, blood lactate concentration ([HLa]b), and heart rate (HR) during ergometer cycling. Anthropometric variables were body stature, body weight and calculated BMI. No significant correlation between competitive performance and aerobic work capacity or anthropometric data was observed neither in male nor female adolescent skiers. Pre-season physical tests and anthropometric data could therefore not predict end-season FIS-ranking. The best regression (R2) and prediction (Q2) models of FIS slalom (SL) and giant slalom (GS) rank reached R2=0.51 to 0.86, Q2=−0.73 to 0.18, indicating no valid models. This study could not establish V̇O2peak and other included variables as predictors of competitive performance. When combining results from commonly used tests for alpine skiers, and applying multivariate statistical models, investigated tests seems of limited used for athletes, coaches, and ski federations. Performance-specific pre-season tests must be developed and validated for prediction of performance and guidance of exercise training.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Stojan Puhalj ◽  
Blaž Lešnik

In the research, the relationship between individual variables of technical assessment of free and competitive style alpine skiing and the criterion variable (competitive performance) are addressed. The criterion variable is the total number of points that was achieved in the Rauch Ski Cup in the season 2013/2014. Twenty selected alpine skiers between the ages of 12 and 14 were included in the research. Technical knowledge and tactics of alpine skiing were assessed in the free skiing (TFS) during two giant slalom races for the Rauch Ski Cup (TCS). In order to determine bivariate correlations between the TFS and TFC variables and the competitive performance, the Pearson correlation coefficient method was used. For this particular section of the study, it was confirmed that all the variables used were significantly related to the criterion variable. In the successive test, using the calculation of multiple regression coefficients, we confirmed the high percentage of the explained variance of the two sets of measurements (TFS and TCS). In this research, the influence of technical knowledge of skiing in the free (TFS) and competitive skiing (TCS) on the competitive performance of alpine skiing in Slovenia was studied for the first time. Based on the results of the research, the foundation for both an improved concept of psychophysical and technical training and for the modernization of the selection criteria for the young competitors in alpine skiing will be proposed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Jan Amos Jelinek

The Earth’s shape concept develops as consecutive cognitive problems (e.g., the location of people and trees on the spherical Earth) are gradually resolved. Establishing the order of problem solving may be important for the organisation of teaching situations. This study attempted to determine the sequence of problems to be resolved based on tasks included in the EARTH2 test. The study covered a group of 444 children between 5 and 10 years of age. It captured the order in which children solve cognitive problems on the way to constructing a science-like concept. The test results were compared with previous studies. The importance of cultural influences connected to significant differences (24%) in test results was emphasised. Attention was drawn to the problem of the consistency of the mental model approach highlighted in the literature. The analysis of the individual sets of answers provided a high level of consistency of indications referring to the same model (36%), emphasising the importance of the concept of mental models.


2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 097-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey Dillon ◽  
Sharon Cameron ◽  
Helen Glyde ◽  
Wayne Wilson ◽  
Dani Tomlin

We need to rethink how we assess auditory processing disorder (APD). The current use of test batteries, while necessary and well accepted, is at risk of failing as the size of these batteries increases. To counter the statistical, fatigue, and clinical efficiency problems of large test batteries, we propose a hierarchical approach to APD assessment. This begins with an overall test of listening difficulty in which performance is measurably affected for anyone with an impaired ability to understand speech in difficult listening conditions. It proceeds with a master test battery containing a small number of single tests, each of which assesses a different group of skills necessary for understanding speech in difficult listening conditions. It ends with a detailed test battery, where the individual tests administered from this battery are only those that differentiate the skills assessed by the failed test(s) from the master test battery, so that the specific form of APD can be diagnosed. An example of how hierarchical interpretation of test results could be performed is illustrated using the Listening in Spatialized Noise—Sentences test (LiSN-S). Although consideration of what abilities fall within the realm of auditory processing should remain an important issue for research, we argue that patients will be best served by focusing on whether they have difficulty understanding speech, identifying the specific characteristics of this difficulty, and specifically remediating and/or managing those characteristics.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 58-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Tarhini ◽  
Nalin Asanka Gamagedara Arachchilage ◽  
Ra'ed Masa'deh ◽  
Muhammad Sharif Abbasi

Previous research shows that selecting an appropriate theory or model has always remained a critical task for IS researchers. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are few papers that review and compare the acceptance theories and models at the individual level. Hence, this article aims to overcome this problem by providing a critical review of eight of the most influential theories that have been used to predict and explain human behaviour towards adoption of various technologies at the individual level. This article also summarizes their evolution; highlight the key constructs, extensions, strengths, and criticisms from a selective list of published articles appeared in the literature related to IS. This review provides a holistic picture for future researchers in selecting appropriate single/multiple theoretical models/constructs based on their strengths and weaknesses and in terms of predictive power and path significance. It is concluded that a well-established theory should consider the personal, social, cultural, technological, organizational and environmental factors


1997 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 411-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H. Spieler ◽  
David A. Balota

Early noncomputational models of word recognition have typically attempted to account for effects of categorical factors such as word frequency (high vs low) and spelling-to-sound regularity (regular vs irregular) More recent computational models that adhere to general connectionist principles hold the promise of being sensitive to underlying item differences that are only approximated by these categorical factors In contrast to earlier models, these connectionist models provide predictions of performance for individual items In the present study, we used the item-level estimates from two connectionist models (Plaut, McClelland, Seidenberg, & Patterson, 1996, Seidenberg & McClelland, 1989) to predict naming latencies on the individual items on which the models were trained The results indicate that the models capture, at best, slightly more variance than simple log frequency and substantially less than the combined predictive power of log frequency, neighborhood density, and orthographic length. The discussion focuses on the importance of examining the item-level performance of word-naming models and possible approaches that may improve the models' sensitivity to such item differences


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
G.O. Ogar ◽  
E.I. Lewandowski

<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To determine the psychophysiological features of skilled freestyle wrestlers with different tactical ways of fighting.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: The study involved 15 freestyle wrestlers who are students of the H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University.  The athletes had experience in free-wrestling from 5 to 7 years, qualification of the  Meister kandidat (n = 6) and the 1st sports category (n = 9), age of the examinees - 17-21 years. With the help of V. Schulte's technique, testing of stability of attention and dynamics of efficiency of fighters was carried out. The indicators of switching and distribution of attention of the investigated by the method of FD were also tested. Humpback. A hierarchical cluster analysis of psychophysiological test results was conducted, according to which the investigated fighters were divided into two groups.</p><p> <strong>Results</strong>: According to the results of testing psychophysiological indicators, some differences were found between the groups. Cluster analysis of testing results of psychophysiological features of freestyle wrestlers divided the studied athletes into two groups. The first group includes fighters who lead competitive duels against defense, using mostly counter-attacks (defensive, counter-attacking style of conducting a competitive duel). The second group of investigated fighters included athletes, who are fighting in an active style (attacking style of running a competitive fight). The wrestlers of the second group, in terms of performance (p &lt;0.001) outperform the athletes of the first group. The first group studied showed a better time switching attention than their opponents (p&lt;0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The results of the study can be used in the individual training of fighters to determine the optimal tactical manner of the fight for specific athletes.</p>


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-501 ◽  

These newborn screening fact sheets were developed by the Committee on Genetics of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) with considerable assistance and consultation from many individuals. It is hoped that the information contained in these fact sheets will assist the pediatrician in understanding the individual tests, their characteristics, and their strengths and weaknesses. Newborn screening is an individual function of each state; therefore, screening programs are not uniform throughout the United States (Table). Because the test results can affect children and parents in a variety of ways, there are special concerns about how states make decisions to adopt new tests and how they evaluate their current screening panels. Currently, many states are examining their practices. The informatiion in the fact sheets was not designed to advocate specific newborn screening tests but to assist pediatricians in evaluating policies and procedures and in developing appropriate positions based on the needs of their patients and their geographic regions.


1980 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 516-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
William L. Moore

Two segmented methods of performing conjoint anal/sis, clustered and componential segmentation, are compared with each other as well as with individual level and totally aggregate level analyses. The two segmented methods provide insights to the data that (1) are not obtainable at the aggregate level and (2) are in a form that is more easily communicated than the information from the individual level analysis. The predictive power of the clustered segmentation method is higher than that of componential segmentation, and both are superior to the aggregate analysis but inferior to individual level analysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7185
Author(s):  
Shinn-Jou Lin ◽  
Guey-Shin Shyu ◽  
Wei-Ta Fang ◽  
Bai-You Cheng

Taiwan has promoted bicycle tourism for nearly 20 years, and the bicycle paths it has constructed throughout the island are diverse in design. In the present study, an evaluation scale for bicycle path sightseeing potential was devised with a focus on the overall service quality of the paths; 30 popular bicycle paths were analyzed using a field survey, with expert consultation on quantitative indicators, and a qualitative analysis entailing interviews with people regarding the bicycle paths. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the quality of the service systems for these paths. The results revealed that the quality of these service systems is influenced by four principal components, namely, landscape attractiveness, image management, bicycle-specific paths, and accessibility, for a total explanatory power of 76.21%; the individual explanatory power of these components was 25.89%, 21.49%, 16.81%, and 12.03%, respectively. Bicycle path conditions, service maintenance, and cleanliness and bicycle specificity are required for future high-quality bicycle paths; diverse bicycle rental services and bicycle types, entrance visibility, and ecological introduction boards along paths are value-added factors to bicycle path quality.


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