Integra

Introduction

The basic aim of this study is to determine a global motor segment of PE female students’ anthropological status. The main task of this research is estimation of basic and specific motor ability structure, with a special emphasis on the situation-motor efficiency in Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG). The specific task of this study is concerned with the evaluation of metrical characteristics of applied tests for the estimation of situation-motor efficiency in RG.

Methods

This research was carried out on the sample of PE female students (3rd year of study) at the University of Nis and Pristine. The total sample of examinees consisted of 45 female students (21-23 years of age) divided in two sub-samples and defined as PE female students of Yugoslav and foreign (Greek) citizenship. The applied set of 34 motor tests was used for the estimation of flexibility (of arms and shoulders, spinal column and hip joint), explosive strength, precision, balance, speed and frequency of movement, realization of rhythmical structure and co-ordination (19 tests for the basic motor ability estimation and 15 for the estimation of the situation-motor efficiency in RG; handling with rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and band included). Research data were processed with basic and descriptive statistics (mean value, standard deviation, Min-Max. numeric value, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for the estimation of normality of result distribution. The applied analysis of results recognizing the sub-samples defined in a different way was processed on the base of parallel (t-test) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The structure of examined motor space was established by factor analysis.

Results

According to test results, and the suggested criteria it was possible to collect min. 0 and max. 12 points for the evaluation of metric characteristics. Only 3 tests fulfilled the criteria for excellent mark (8.8%). The criteria for very good mark fulfilled 16 tests (47.00%). The criteria for good mark was fulfilled by 8 tests (23.50%) and the rest of 9 tests (26.00%) did not fulfill established criteria. With MANOVA was established that the examined sub-samples statistically differ, which means that Yugoslav PE female students are more affective in tests for estimation of explosive strength, speed and precision, and the foreign PE female students are more effective in test for estimation of flexibility and co-ordination. On the base of applied factor analysis (with total sample of examine) it was confirmed that the structure of motor segment, both basic and specific is multidimensional. Five latent dimensions (factors) were isolated. The 1st factor was defined as a factor of general motor capability-efficiency; the 2nd was defined as the factor of flexibility; the 3rd was defined as the factor of synchronizing motion or co-ordination; the 4th factor is bipolar and defined as the factor of balance-precision. The 5th factor is very complex and defined as the factor of specific motor capability (the fundamental structural groups in RG).

Discussion / Conclusions

Multivariate analysis of variance confirmed that two examined sub-samples (Yugoslav and foreign PE female students) on the whole, statistically differ. (WILKS LAMBDA=.10; Q=.00). Parallel analysis of variance and t-test point out that the significant differences are established with 10 of 34 variables (29.41%). In the majority of those variables (7 of 10) the scores are better at the Yugoslav PE female students. The most of the applied measure instruments have satisfactory metrical characteristics, while 55% of the tests have good sensitivity and relatively well discriminates the examined subjects. By this study it is possible to suggest a reduced battery of tests for the estimation of situation-motor efficiency in RG at PE female students. The research results of this study may enable the evaluation and prognosis based on the estimated status, point out the abilities that are necessary for success during the course of studies as well as for modeling and planning of the educational units.

References

[1]. Mĕkota J., Zhánĕl J. et al. (1995). A comparative study of motor performance of female Physical Education students at Universities in Olomouc, Katowice, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Innsbruck and Munich. International Conference on "Physical Education and Sports of Children and Youth", Bratislava (Slovakia), Conference Proceedings, pp. 195-196.
[2]. Popović R. & Bogdanović G. (1995). Estimation of basic motor abilities of Physical Education female students. 4th International Conference FIS Communications ‘95, Nis (Yugoslavia), Abstracts Volume.
[3]. Popović R. (1995). Specific anthropological characteristics of rhythmic sport gymnasts. International Congress "Images of Sport in the World", Cologne (Germany) Abstract Volume, p. 96.
[4]. Popović R. (1996). The prediction of examination results in Rhythmic-Sport Gymnastics of P. E. Female students. 4th International Congress on Physical Education & Sport, Komotini (Greece) Abstracts (161), p. 92.