Navigation Ability Test: a new specific test to asses spatial orientation ability in football players and healthy subjects

Author(s):  
Paolo Gamba ◽  
Riccardo Guidetti ◽  
Giorgio Guidetti
2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-111
Author(s):  
Stanislav Kraček ◽  
Dagmar Nemček ◽  
Petra Kurková ◽  
Wioletta Lubkowska ◽  
Šimon Tomáš

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse and compare the level of selected coordination abilities of pupils with communication ability disorder (CAD) and able-bodied pupils in the same age category. Two groups of participants were recruited for the study: (1) pupils attending special elementary school for children with CAD (n = 17; 5 girls and 12 boys in mean age 11.2 ± 0.7 years), (2) and ablebodied pupils (n = 20; 12 girls and 8 boys in mean age 11.4 ± 0.5 years) without gender differentiation. 5 standardised tests measuring coordination abilities were used as a primary research method (Šimonek 2015): low jump test, spatial orientation ability test, circles through running test, one leg stand test, catching ball test. Group differences were analysed with Mann-Whitney U-test for independent samples. The level of significance was α < 0.05. We found significantly higher level of spatial orientation ability and static balance displayed by able-bodied pupils comparing pupils with CAD. The level of lower limb kinaesthetic discrimination ability, rhythmic ability, frequency and reaction time in pupils with CAD are comparable to the level of able-bodied pupils. We recommend that children with CAD should participate in regular physical activities and sports after compulsory education together with able-bodied children to improve their fine and gross motor ability, coordination abilities as well as overall physical fitness.


Author(s):  
Chin-Hwai Hung ◽  
Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽  
Pedro Bezerra ◽  
Yi-Wen Chiu ◽  
Chia-Hua Chien ◽  
...  

This study aimed to examine the agreement and acceptance of ultra-short-term heart rate (HR) variability (HRVUST) measures during post-exercise recovery in college football players. Twenty-five male college football players (age: 19.80 ± 1.08 years) from the first division of national university championship voluntarily participated in the study. The participants completed both a repeated sprint ability test (RSA) and a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1) in a randomized order and separated by 7 days. Electrocardiographic signals (ECG) were recorded in a supine position 10 min before and 30 min after the exercise protocols. The HR and HRV data were analyzed in the time segments of baseline 5~10 min (Baseline), post-exercise 0~5 min (Post 1), post-exercise 5~10 min (Post 2), and post-exercise 25~30 min (Post 3). The natural logarithm of the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (LnSDNN), root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences (LnRMSSD), and LnSDNN:LnRMSSD ratio was compared in the 1st min HRVUST and 5-min criterion (HRVcriterion) of each time segment. The correlation of time-domain HRV variables to 5-min natural logarithm of low frequency power (LnLF) and high frequency power (LnHF), and LF:HF ratio were calculated. The results showed that the HRVUST of LnSDNN, LnRMSSD, and LnSDNN:LnRMSSD ratio showed trivial to small effect sizes (ES) (−0.00~0.49), very large and nearly perfect interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (0.74~0.95), and relatively small values of bias (RSA: 0.01~−0.12; YYIR1: −0.01~−0.16) to the HRVcriterion in both exercise protocols. In addition, the HRVUST of LnLF, LnHF, and LnLF:LnHF showed trivial to small ES (−0.04~−0.54), small to large ICC (−0.02~0.68), and relatively small values of bias (RSA: −0.02~0.65; YYIR1: 0.03~−0.23) to the HRVcriterion in both exercise protocols. Lastly, the 1-min LnSDNN:LnRMSSD ratio was significantly correlated to the 5-min LnLF:LnHF ratio with moderate~high level (r = 0.43~0.72; p < 0.05) during 30-min post-exercise recovery. The post-exercise 1-min HRV assessment in LnSDNN, LnRMSSD, and LnSDNN:LnRMSSD ratio was acceptable and accurate in the RSA and YYIR1 tests, compared to the 5-min time segment of measurement. The moderate to high correlation coefficient of the HRVUST LnSDNN:LnRMSSD ratio to the HRVcriterion LnLF:LnHF ratio indicated the capacity to facilitate the post-exercise shortening duration of HRV measurement after maximal anaerobic or aerobic shuttle running. Using ultra-short-term record of LnSDNN:LnRMSSD ratio as a surrogate for standard measure of LnLF:LnHF ratio after short-term bouts of maximal intensity field-based shuttle running is warranted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-357
Author(s):  
Alfredo Campos ◽  
Diego Campos-Juanatey

The aim of this study was to design a test to measure a person’s ability to orient themselves on a “you are-here” map. The Spatial Orientation Skills Test, a test measuring spatial orientation ability, consists of 30 items, each item contains two maps, one is positioned at 0° (the model), and the other is the same map but amplified and rotated. The task participants were required to perform was to find their way around on the model map to get to a specific point by taking as a reference point the position indicated on the amplified and rotated map. A sample of 281 university undergraduates participated in the study. The test obtained a Cronbach alpha of .83. The test was significantly correlated to the test measuring image rotation. The results are discussed, and new lines of research are proposed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (91) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Henryk Duda

Introduction. In the actions of football players, due to the dynamics of the playing field, the ability of perception is of great importance for game effectiveness. This instruction not only determines good orientation in the game, but also significantly facilitates perception in action. Therefore, considering its importance for an effective game, apt methods are being sought out to improve the level of this disposition among football players. Aim of the work and research questions. This study is of utilitarian nature. The main research objective is aimed at modifying the current concept of teaching methodology in sports games on the example of football, which involves activation of a player’s orientational and spatial spheres. The following research questions were posed: • Will the implementation of the Fitlight system for teaching football techniques improve the spatial orientation of young football players? • Will the use of the Fitlight system in training increase the level of action in the game among young footballers? • Can football training be improved by introducing the Fitlight system? Materials and test methods. The method of pedagogical experiment was used to study the effectiveness (learning and teaching) of special motor skills. The technique of parallel groups was used: experimental (E) and control (C). In experimental research, the independent variable was the method of developing and transmitting information using the Fitlight system based on the mental action of the player, c considering the development of spatial orientation in the process of teaching movement activities (special techniques). The dependent variables were measurable results concerning development of the spatial orientation level in practical activities and the players’ mastery of technical activities in game conditions. Research was conducted on an annual basis (in 2018-2019) among young football players of RKS Garbarnia Kraków - junior class C1 - age of the respondents: 14-15 years. The study participants comprised 30 young players, divided into 2 subgroups: experimental (E) and control (C), each consisting of 15 players. The experimental group participated in the experimental training unit twice a week; practical classes lasting 90 minutes. A total of 60 training units were conducted. These classes were carried out using the Fitlight system to teach technical activities that were characterised by a greater pool of exercises in the field of spatial orientation and also including greater mentalisation (concentration, divisibility of attention). Results. Analysis of the research results allowed to confirm the significance of training using the Fitlight system. The experimental group, in relation to the control, demonstrated higher values in the level of spatial orientation and, above all, higher parameters in the simulated game.


1971 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Vincent ◽  
Michael F. Allmandinger

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 428-437
Author(s):  
Ikhsanmaulana Putra ◽  
Deka Ismi Mori Saputra

The problem in this study is the low ability of dribbling for SSB football layers in Muara Bungo Learning Activity Studio, which is allegedly due to lack of agility and speed. Therefore, this study aims to describe the contribution of agility and speed both individually and together. With the dribbling ability of SSB football players, a studio of learning activities in 2010. The population of the study was 75 football players from the SSB Sanggar Muara Bungo Learning Activities in 2010. Sampling was carried out by means of porpusive sampling, that is, the age group of 17 to 20 years, with 30 people. To achieve the purpose of this study, there were  three instruments used,  (1) zig-zag run test, to measure agility variable, (2) 50 year (45 meter) running test to measure speed variable, (3) dribbling ability test to measure dribbling ability variable. Data were analyzed with product moment correlation and multiple correlation with the determinant formula. The finding of  this study shows; (1) there is a significant relationship between agility and dribbling ability, with the contribution of agility 43.30% to dribbling ability, (2) there is a significant relationship between speed and dribbling ability. Contributions of agility 24.21%, (3) there is a significant relationship between agility and speed together with the ability of dribbling, the contribution of agility and speed to the dribbling ability of 43.59%.


2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 130-135
Author(s):  
Zvonko Sundric ◽  
Nenad Rajsic ◽  
Milan Lakocevic ◽  
Emilija Nikolic-Djoric

Introduction. Decrease of daily alertness is a common cause of accidents in the work place, especially traffic accidents. Therefore, an increasing interest exists to determine reliable indicators of a tendency to fall asleep involuntarily. Objective. To determine an optimal electroencephalographic (EEG) indicator of an involuntary tendency to fall asleep, we performed a study on neurologically healthy subjects, after one night of sleep deprivation. Total sleep deprivation was aimed at increasing daily sleepiness in healthy subjects, providing us with an opportunity to test different methods of evaluation. Methods. We applied a visual analogue scale for sleepiness (VASS), EEG registration with the specific test of alpha activity attenuation (TAA) in 87 healthy subjects. The test was performed in a standard way (sTAA) as well as in accordance with new modifications related to changes of EEG filter width in the range from 5 to 32 Hz (mTAA). Results. After sleep deprivation, we observed involuntary falling asleep in 54 subjects. The comparison of VASS results showed no differences, contrary to a more objective TAA. Between two variants of TAA, the modified test provided us with a better prediction for subjects who would fall asleep involuntarily. Conclusion. The application of a more objective EEG test in evaluation of daily alertness represents the optimal method of testing. Modified TAA attracts special attention, offering a simple solution for reliable testing of decreased daily alertness in medical services related to professional aircraft personnel.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (14) ◽  
pp. 1155-1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Lepper ◽  
Achim Frese ◽  
Oliver Summ ◽  
Jerzy-Roch Nofer ◽  
Stefan Evers

Background Cluster headache is associated with structural abnormalities of the hypothalamus. We were interested in the association of cluster headache with endocrinological functional abnormalities. Therefore, we applied the apomorphine challenge test, which is a specific test of hypothalamic dopaminergic activation. Methods We enrolled 13 patients with cluster headache outside the bout and without medication. They were stimulated with 0.005 mg/kg of body weight subcutaneous apomorphine hydrochloride. After 45 and 60 minutes, growth hormone (GH), prolactin and cortisol were measured. The test was also applied to 14 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects. Results There were significantly higher GH levels in healthy subjects as compared to cluster headache patients 45 minutes after injection (10.8 ± 10.8 versus 4.4 ± 7.4 ng/ml; p = 0.038). Only in cluster headache, the GH level after 60 minutes was not significantly different from the baseline. The levels of prolactin and cortisol did not show any significant differences between cluster headache patients and in healthy subjects. Discussion Our data suggest that cluster headache is associated with an impaired dopaminergic stimulation. This finding supports the body of evidence that cluster headache is associated with a functional abnormality of the hypothalamus and that this association is a primary (i.e. idiopathic) and not a secondary phenomenon during the bout.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document