Senior Category Research Articles

Srdcová frekvencia v odozve na herné zaťaženie v basketbale žien

The study compares intensity of game load among individual players’ positions and between first and second half. Ten female basketball players in senior category participated in this study. Four intensity zones were determined based on maximal heart rate (HRmax). Telemetric device Suunto Team Pack was used for monitoring the heart rate (HR) during the games. The mean HR during the games reached 88.1±3.9% of HRmax of total time. When we compared players’ positions in individual intensity zones we did not record statistical (p>0.05) nor practical significance and neither in % of HRmax (87.4±3.6 vs. 87.8±4.6 vs. 88.8±3.5; point guard vs. forward vs. center). Moreover, when we compared the 1st and the 2nd half in individual zones and in % of HRmax (87.7±4.1 vs. 88.5±3.7) we also did not record any statistical significance (p>0.05) and effect size coefficient shows small effect. Players spent 76.3% of total time with HR grater than 85% of HRmax. The results indicate high physiological demands on female basketball players during the games without taking into consideration the player’s position. This information can be useful for planning and managing training process as well as for comparison with training load. In similar future research we recommend to also evaluate the time-motion analysis besides the internal response and thus a more detailed look at the examined subject in question may be reached.

Effects of technique, age and player’s role on serve and attack efficacy in high level beach volleyball players

The aim of the present study was to assess effects of technique of execution, age and player’s role on serve and attack efficacy. A total of 1.100 serves and 1.165 attacks from under-19, 927 serves and 1.015 attacks from under-21, and 1.564 serves and 1.854 attacks from senior were assessed through video match analysis. Techniques considered for serve were standing serve (SS), jump serve (JS) and float jump serve (FJS); and for attacks were spike and shot. All players were analysed according to their role (defenders or blockers). Results showed that defenders in under-19 and under-21 had better efficacy using SS and FJS, while in senior category the best efficacy was obtained through JS and FJS. Blockers had better efficacy using SS and FJS in all categories. The attack efficacy seems to be independent of player role, although it is related to technique and age. While in senior category attack efficacy was similar using spike and shot, in younger categories it was slightly higher when using spike. This study suggests that serve and attack present different efficacy profiles when considered the technique of execution, player role and age, and therefore it should be considered when planning training programs for teams throughout different phases of athlete development.

Senior Category A study of in-service training

Senior Category A study of in-service training

Características morfológicas del triatleta según sexo, categoría y nivel competitivo

The triathlon combines three resistance sport disciplines and requires physical characteristics to optimize the performance of each segment. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological profile of the triathlete. A retrospective analysis was performed on 153 protocols including: weight, height, perimeters, diameters, lengths, and skinfolds. The male and female samples were divided into senior and junior, and senior into first and second ranking levels.The somatotype was ecto-mesomorph, except for junior females, for which it was central. The senior category had a fat percentage (Withers, 1987) lower than the junior, men 7.4 vs. 8.5; females 13.9 vs. 16.8; and level 1 compared to level 2 in females, 11.8 vs. 16.2. Muscle mass (Lee, 2000) for the senior was higher than for the junior, in males in kilograms (32.1 vs. 30.9), and females in percentage (42.8 vs. 41); level 1 female compared to 2 (44.2 vs. 41.2). Muscle cross-section areas (Heysmfield, 1982) in arm and thigh were higher in senior male than in junior male; and for senior female in the thigh it was higher in level 1 than in level 2. The indices were in the middle range, the senior male having a brachial index greater than the junior male.Males only reachedthe senior phase in the upper body musculoskeletal development; while females reach it in the junior phase. The performance in the senior females is marked by greater age and lower fat levels. Triathletes should have a weight with low percentage of body fat and a musculoskeletal component in the medium range.

Progression of Spanish National Team Basketball Players by Age and Sex

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between basketball players that have participated in the Spanish national team at different age categories and their progression through these categories. This progress is differentiated according to sex. The data for this study contain information about 320 players (163 females and 157 males). Results show that only a small percentage of players recognized as talented young players reached athletic excellence when adults. The evolution of the level of participation for females and males was similar. There was a break in the continuity of participation when comparing under-16 and senior categories. This rupture is also observed in female players in the move from under-18 to senior categories.

Establishing Effective Performance Appraisal Practices in the Ghana Civil Service

Performance appraisal system is one of the most popular tools used in contemporary reform programmes by governments to enhance efficient and effective performance in the public sector.However, appraising employee performance is considered a controversial management practice anywhere it is being practiced because the successful implementation of effective performance appraisal system faces numerous challenges and obstacles. It is however inspiring to note that, the human resource system can become more effective by having a valid and accurate appraisal system used for rating performances of employees.In spite of the numerous efforts to improve the performance management system, it is evident that, the system lacks impetus to improve the performance of the Ghana Civil Service. Considering the crucial role Performance Appraisal play in employee performance strategy, this study sought to discover the extent to which Civil Servants consider the existing performance appraisal system as effective and efficient. The study was also to discover the various challenges confronting the effective implementation and utilization of performance appraisal in the Civil Service in order to provide recommendations for the better.The study adopted a case study design from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service (OHCS) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). It however, solicited the views of other Civil Servants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the Civil service Training Centre (CSTC). The study also used a descriptive survey because it involved collection of data, which informed the answers to the problem stated.The population for the study was the staff of the above-mentioned institutions that have gone through the appraisal exercise for at least once. The sample size for the study was 200 employees (60 from the OHCS, 80 from the MOE, and 60 from other MDAs through the CSTC ). Out of the 200 questionnaires that were distributed, 173 responded. The study relied on both primary and secondary sources of data and the researcher collected the data for the study, through the administering of questionnaires to the respondents in both senior and junior staff categories. Interpretation of quantitative data was done mostly by the use of tables/ figures and the data gathered from the in-depth interviews were analysed in a narrative form using the research questions raised for the study in relation to the main sections of the interview guide and the questionnaire. Data were analysed with the use of the Microsoft excel programme. The findings of the research have revealed that the current performance appraisal system in the Civil Service does not fulfill the aspirations of the employees, because it is characterized by certain flaws, which need to be addressed. Employees believe that the current PAS cannot help achieve organizational strategic goals and objectives; there is a negative general perception about the PAS; performance monitoring and feedback is poor; results from the appraisals are not judiciously used; performance is not linked to rewards and sanctions and finally, employees are hugely dissatisfied with the current PAS. Consequently, employees cannot be sufficiently motivated to put in their best. All these factors have worked against the effective implementation of the performance appraisal system in the Ghana Civil Service.Based on the findings, it was recommended that clear-cut performance appraisal objectives should be set out and made known to all concerned. Objectives should be developed jointly between the supervisor and the employee. Appropriate stakeholders need to set up a monitoring system to ensure that due process is followed by both appraisers and appraisees. Communication between supervisors and subordinates need to be improved drastically. Additionally, performance measures of individual organizations should be directly related to the overall mission and strategic goals of the entire Civil Service, particularly in terms of goals and objectives. Also, it is very crucial that appraisal reports are used judiciously. More also, appraisers and appraisees must be adequately trained on effective implementation of the PAS. It is important that various MDAs under the umbrella of the Civil Service develop different sets of performance appraisal systems that will cover specific task and job-holders since their job descriptions differ. Finally, review and appeal procedures should be adhered to in order to promote fairness and satisfaction by participants for higher motivation that may lead to higher performance and productivity in the Ghana Civil Service and government business as a whole.

Differences in intensity of game load between senior and U19 female basketball players

The aim of this study is to compare the intensity of game load in individual playing positions between female basketball players in U19 (1 st division) and senior (2 nd division) categories. Eight female basketball players of U19 category and 9 female basketball players of senior category participated in this research. Individual intensity zones of the physical activity intensity were determined on the basis of the maximum heart rate (HRmax). HRmax was set in the endurance shuttle run test. The classification of the physical activity intensity: 1. 0.05), forward (p>0.05) and center (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were detected, when the two categories were compared, in % of HRmax (p>0.05) between point guards (86±2.5 vs. 87.4±4.2), forwards (89.7±2.1 vs. 84.7±3.6) and centers (87.5±2.7 vs. 88.7±2.9). The results indicate high physiological demands on individual players’ positions in both categories. Information of this character can be useful for basketball coaches and conditioning specialists. It is suggested that to increase the number of examined subjects and games ould benefit similar future researches.

A 0–1 integer linear programming approach to schedule outages of nuclear power plants

We address the problem of planning outages of nuclear power plants submitted by EDF (Electricite De France) as the challenge EURO/ROADEF 2010. As our team won the first prize of the contest in the senior category, our approach may be of interest: it is conceptually simple, easy to program and computationally relatively fast. We present both our method and some ideas to improve it.

Prevalência de dor nos nadadores de São Vaetano do Sul

OBJECTIVE: A natação é um esporte que vem se destacando nos últimos anos, sendo reconhecido que requer um elevado nível de treinamento e que gera sobrecarga musculoesquelética, a qual predispõe os nadadores a lesões. OBJETIVO: Verificar a prevalência e as regiões corporais com dor, correlacionando com o estilo principal e o tempo de prática nos nadadores do SERC em São Caetano do Sul. Método: Aplicação de um questionário com 19 perguntas em 71 atletas, sendo 30 do sexo feminino e 41 do masculino, nas categorias petiz (10 a 12 anos), infantil (12 a 14 anos), juvenil (14 a 16 anos), júnior (16 a 18 anos) e sênior (a partir dos 18 anos). As variáveis foram analisadas pelo teste de igualdade de duas proporções e Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de dor foi de 74,6% (n = 53; p < 0,001), sendo 39,6% (n = 21) no ombro e 22,6% (n = 12; p = 0,059) na coxa e o nado costas foi o único estilo que não apresentou correlação com a dor (p = 1,000), bem como com o tempo de prática (p = 0,075). CONCLUSION: Na população estudada houve alta prevalência de dor, sendo as regiões do ombro e da coxa as mais acometidas, não tendo correlação nem com o nado costas e tampouco com o tempo de prática esportiva.

Efecto del tipo de colocación en el comportamiento visual y la toma de decisiones en bloqueadores de voleibol. (Effect of the type of set in the visual search behaviour and decision making in volleyball blockers)

The principal aim of the present study was to analyse gaze behaviour and decision making behaviour of volleyball players when blocking, for two different types of setting: standing and jump. Seven volleyball players (25.14 ± 3.98 years) from the senior category (FEV category) who block during games took part in this study. An eye tracker (Mobile Eye from ASL laboratory) was used for analysing the gaze behaviour of the volleyball players and Superlab 4.0 software was used to analyse decision making skills. Results revealed that volleyball players use different visual search behaviour or strategies for the two types of sets that were analysed; moreover, ball-wrist gazes are the most repeated gaze.

Incidence injury analysis on rowers in the spanish mediterranean fixed bench championship 2012

Penichet-Tomas A, Jimenez-Olmedo JM, Saiz-Colomina S, Jove-Tossi M, Martinez-Carbonell JA, Silvestre-Garcia M. Incidence injury analysis on rowers in the spanish mediterranean fixed bench championship 2012. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 648-657, 2012. The standardized assessment of sports injuries provides important epidemiological information and instructions to prevent them. The aim of this study was to determine if the pattern detrimental impact on fixed seat rowing agreed with the literature review of the Olympic rowing modality. A retrospective questionnaire was administer to 79 male rowers, with an age mean of 27.66 ± 7.15, belonging to the male in the senior category VIII Rowing Spanish Mediterranean Bank Fixed Championship that took place in Torrevieja during the 25th, 26th and 27th of May. The anatomical regions that were damage the most were the ankle (15.4%) and lower back (13.2%). These injuries have occurred with higher incidence in training (55.1%) as the most recidivist injury, the ankle, which has occurred for 73% of the time during this moment. The most common injury is the overuse (44.2%) and the most repeated diagnosis was sprain (23.1%). Key words: ROWING, INJURY, PERFORMANCE, COMPETITION, FIXED BENCH.

The temporal structure of judo bouts in visually impaired men and women

The aim of this study was to determine the temporal structure of judo bouts in visually impaired men and women (n = 117 judokas in the senior category; 92 men and 25 women). We developed a data recording system based on the temporal parameters of judo and applied it to a broad sample of international bouts (n = 219; 184 between men and 35 between women). The descriptive analysis of frequency of occurrence revealed that most of the bouts ended before the time-up bell sounded (81% men/74% women). Other defining features are shown in the following mean values (for men/women): the total bout time was 266/242 s; the total time paused was 158/172 s; the total time spent in standing combat was 82/54 s (P = 0.008), while that of floor combat was 60/84 s (P = 0.021); each bout had 6.9/5.7 paused sequences with a duration of 19.6/21.1 s, and 12.4/11.7 active sequences with a duration of 22/19.7 s. The sequential analysis by means of T-patterns (THEME) confirmed that the temporal structure of judo is not the same for men and women, thereby highlighting the need for a range of training methods matched to the needs of visually impaired competitors.

Spatial and temporal analysis of karate kumite moves: comparative study of the senior and 12-13 year old groups

This article presents a study of karate using an observational methodology. Our interest in studying children’s sport prompted us to consider a comparative study of the senior category and the 12-13 age group. Data for this study were obtained from fights filmed at Spanish national karate championships. An ad hoc observation instrument was constructed to record the different actions performed during the karate combats and their spatial and temporal performance. Two analyses were carried out of the data obtained: a comparative statistical analysis using the SPSS programme; and an analysis of temporal patterns using the Theme programme. Significant differences were observed in technical-tactical performance.

Asymmetry of Step Length in Relationship to Leg Strength in 200 meters Sprint of different Performance Levels

Asymmetry of Step Length in Relationship to Leg Strength in 200 meters Sprint of different Performance Levels The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare asymmetry of stride length during 200 m sprint in different levels of performance. Six sprinters from national and regional levels participated in the study. They were assigned to 3 groups: school-boys (novice sprinters) junior (intermediate) and senior (advance - national and regional level) category. This study investigated selected kinematic parameters with special focus on stride length. The resulting values were measurements of each stride length (rounded-off to nearest full centimeter) during a 200 m sprint, using a manual stride measurement method. The findings indicate that the asymmetry of stride length exists in all categories, and the impact on decreasing velocities of the youngest sprinters (school-boys) are significantly associated with shorter strides, whereas cadence has little change. However, when a statistical adjustment was made for each group of runners it was found that more advanced runners did not have a significantly higher level of asymmetry with stride length at any given velocity.

Práticas de redução de massa corporal em judocas nos períodos pré-competitivos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar, em judocas, os procedimentos adotados para a redução da massa corporal em períodos próximos às competições e discuti-los frente à literatura. Participaram deste estudo 105 do sexo masculino pertencentes às classes júnior e sênior (idade média de 21,5 ± 8,0 anos). De acordo com os resultados, 73,6% dos atletas desenvolveram estratégias de redução de massa corporal em períodos pré-competitivos, e os métodos mais utilizados por eles foram: aumento do número de atividades físicas além das habituais (76,1%), restrição calórica (59,8%), redução de carboidratos (32,6%) e restrição de líquidos (20,7%). Em valores absolutos, os judocas masculinos reduzem significativamente mais (p < 0,05) a massa corporal em relação às mulheres (4,5 ± 3,5 e 1,7 ± 0,8 kg, respectivamente). As mulheres iniciam com maior antecedência à competição (p < 0,05) a redução da massa corporal (14 ± 6 e 19 ± 7 dias, respectivamente). Pode-se inferir que a maioria dos judocas adota estratégias de redução aguda de massa corporal em períodos que antecedem as competições, o que pode resultar na queda do rendimento

Distúrbios de atitudes alimentares e distorção da imagem corporal no contexto competitivo da ginástica rítmica

OBJETIVO: Investigar a presença e a relação entre comportamentos sugestivos de transtornos de conduta alimentar e distorção da imagem corporal de atletas de ginástica rítmica participantes do contexto esportivo competitivo. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 48 atletas de ginástica rítmica, das categorias: infantil, juvenil e adulta e 48 estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio (controle). Para a identificação da presença de transtornos de conduta alimentar utilizou-se o Teste de Atitudes Alimentares (EAT-26) e, para determinar a insatisfação com a imagem corporal, o Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Para a análise estatística utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05) e a correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças estatísticas significativas entre o grupo de ginastas e o de estudantes na presença de transtornos de conduta alimentar; constatou-se correlação significativa entre o transtorno de conduta alimentar e distorção de imagem corporal para as ginastas da categoria infantil (10-12 anos) e juvenil (13-14 anos). A análise descritiva revela que 27,2% (quatro ginastas/10-12 anos); 20,0% (quatro ginastas/13-14 anos) apresentaram atitudes sugestivas de comportamento de transtorno de conduta alimentar. Duas ginastas de 10-12 anos (10,0%), cinco ginastas de 13-14 anos (15%) e as cinco ginastas acima 15 anos (100%) apresentaram distorção da imagem corporal. CONCLUSÃO: As evidências apontam que a percepção comportamental e cognitiva das adolescentes em relação às exigências estéticas dos ambientes nos quais estão inseridas parece ser um fator primordial a ser considerado quando da presença de comportamentos sugestivos de transtorno de conduta alimentar e da distorção da imagem corporal.

Transtorno do comportamento alimentar em atletas de elite de nado sincronizado

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a presença de transtorno do comportamento alimentar (TCA) ou síndromes precursoras e o grau de distorção da imagem corporal em atletas de elite de nado sincronizado. Essa modalidade é considerada de risco para desenvolvimento de TCA por valorizar, além de outros aspectos, a leveza e beleza de movimentos que, de certa forma, estão associados a baixa massa corporal. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 27 atletas de nado sincronizado, sendo 19 da categoria juniores (15,6 ± 0,8 anos) e oito da categoria de seniores (19,0 ± 1,3 anos) que compunham a seleção brasileira na época do estudo (2000). Um grupo de 32 adolescentes não-atletas (15,0 ± 1,6 anos) foi usado para comparação com as atletas. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados foram: aplicação de três instrumentos de auto-relato, validados. 1) EAT-26 - presença de comportamentos alimentares inadequados; 2) BITE - presença de atitudes sugestivas de bulimia nervosa; e 3) BSQ - insatisfação da auto-imagem corporal. RESULTADOS: Embora tanto o grupo de atletas, quanto o de não-atletas tenham apresentado parâmetros antropométricos compatíveis com padrões saudáveis para a idade e sexo, os resultados evidenciam a presença de insatisfação com a auto-imagem corporal e a adoção de práticas patológicas de controle da massa corporal, sobretudo entre atletas da categoria juniores e entre as adolescentes não-atletas. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados encontrados no presente estudo retratam uma tendência mundial de preocupação com a aparência entre adolescentes capaz de levá-las à adoção de condutas não-saudáveis.

Mycoflora in Commercial Pet Foods

This article reports on the identification of mycoflora of 21 dry pet foods (12 belonging to dogs and 9 to cats) that corresponded to 8 commercial brands made in Argentina and imported. The isolation frequency and relative density of the prevalent fungal genera are compared too. Ten genera and fungi classified as Mycelia sterilia were identified. The predominant genera were Aspergillus (62%), Rhizopus (48%), and Mucor (38%). The most prevalent among Aspergillus was Aspergillus flavus followed by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus. The predominant Mucor was Mucor racemosus followed by Mucor plumbeus and Mucor globosus. The moisture content of these foods ranged from 5.6 to 10.0% and from 7.2 to 9.9% for dog and cat foods, respectively. A greater moisture content in food for the senior category (9.5 ± 0.2) was observed only in comparison to adult and kitten/puppy. If the moisture content can be maintained at these levels, mold growth would be prevented or at least it would remain at an insignificant level. Some genera and species isolated and identified from the foods analyzed are potentially producing toxins, which are known as mycotoxins. This involves a risk for animal health.

The speed of it all

While a speedometer for windsurfing may seem an obvious device, a reiiable product is apparently not available. Michael Lord, a keen windsurfer, therefore decided to do it himself. Michael received an A grade pass for this project at A-level. It was also a winner in the senior category at the 1993 Young Electronic Designer Awards.

Aspects of promotion procedures in Australian universities

This paper describes formal procedures for the promotion of academics in Australian universities within the general context of economic constraints and increasing pressures on promotion to higher categories. Government statistics show that, over the last decade, tertiary education in Australia has become more expensive to maintain. In the universities the major reason for this has been the rising cost of the academic staff establishment, a trend which has come under increasing public scrutiny. Financial restrictions have resulted in a lack of recruitment and a consequent lack of staff mobility. With annual progression within the staff categories, there is now a concentration of academics at the top of the respective salary scales and the problem is compounded by a naturally rising age factor. Promotion opportunities and a system of tenure have led to a situation in which more than half of academic staff are in the senior categories. Recent studies show that academics themselves are becoming more concerned about promotion issues. A comparison is made of formal promotion procedures before the passing of recent federal legislation on equal opportunity in employment. Although there are differences in detail, procedures for promotion to senior lecturer and reader/associate professor reveal a very high level of consensus on what constitutes rewardable academic performance. Nevertheless, promotion opportunities for academic staff are of necessity becoming more restricted, a trend which has far-reaching implications for the Australian university system.