Srdeční frekvence sportovců s mentálním postižením během zápasů národního turnaje ve stolním tenise Českého hnutí speciálních olympiád: pilotní studie

Abstract

Heart rate values are considered to be a significant indicator of individual fitness, intensity of exerciseand sympathetic activation. There are few studies in Czech literature focused on the heart rate in athleteswith intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of heart rateduring fifteen table tennis matches within the 23rd national tournament of the Czech Special OlympicsMovement. Ten participants (6 males, 4 females) who for at least 3 years train regularly and participatein table tennis competitions under the Special Olympics rules, were observed. Their heart rate wasmeasured using a sports tester Forerunner® 15, Garmin Ltd, which was fastened on the participant’schest during their game day. Heart rate values during the matches were statistically processed alongwith the matches’ duration and the resulting match scores. Correlation coefficients obtained from scatterplots show a statistically significant relationship of mean heart rate values during the match withthe resulting score, probably influenced by emotion and psychological stress associated with the matchloss. The effect of match duration on the heart rate was not statistically significant during observedmatches. Subsequent analysis of the body composition of the athletes showed that sixty percent ofthem were in the category of overweight or obesity. These results highlight the need to promote healthylifestyle and physical activity in the population with intellectual disabilities.