Dagmara Iwańska

Biomechanics of the Axel Paulsen Figure Skating Jump

Introduction. Figure skating is a sport discipline requiring a combination of artistic and athletic skills. The triple Axel Paulsen (Axel or A) jump is the most technically difficult jump of all figure skating jumps, which is why it is on the top of the International Skating Union (ISU) Judging System Code of Points (CoP). The purpose of this research was to explore the technical differences between the single Axel (1A), the double Axel (2A), and the triple Axel (3A) and to determine which parameters are the most important for performing the triple Axel successfully, using 3D kinematic analysis.

Changes in Anthropometry and Selected Metabolic Parameters in Young Men During Their First Year of Study at a University of Physical Education

This study aims to determine main health-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in young physically active male students in their first year of study. Sixty one male students from a Polish university of physical education were studied twice–at the beginning of their first and second academic years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were measured. Plasma levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), leptin, cortisol, and insulin, as well as insulin resistance (IR) using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) were determined. In 64% of the participants body weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly increased during the study. An average students’ weight gain amounted to 1.2 kg. In most of the subjects it resulted from the increase of fat-free mass (r = .886, p < .001). TSH and leptin levels did not change, but a significant increase of cortisol levels and a tendency toward decreased insulin levels and also HOMA-IR values were observed. However, there were no significant correlations identified between the changes in anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The study revealed that body weight gain seen in male students during their first year at the university of physical education was mainly due to the increase in fat-free mass. Apart from anthropometrics, changes in their insulin and cortisol levels were also detected, but further studies are required to evaluate these findings. The documented insufficient energy and carbohydrates consumption in physically active male students proves the need for nutritional education among them.

Comparative analysis of endurance of not hearing and hearing students

Summary Study aim: Sport participation is important for deaf children, as participants experience physical, psychological and social benefits [23]. This study is a summary of four year’s researches on the endurance level of deaf and well hearing girls and boys. The aim of this study was to compare endurance of not hearing and hearing students. Material and methods: 300 students aged 12, 14 and 16 from six Warsaw’s schools participated in the study. Students were divided into 12 groups according to three criterions: hearing impairment level, gender and age. The physical fitness was measured with laboratory methods. There was „inclined plane” measurement set used to estimate the endurance level. From the biomechanical point of view the measure of endurance is change of power versus time and total work. Results: The study result’s proved significant differences only between boy’s group. Deaf and hearing girls presented similar level of their endurance parameters. The significant differences in results of deaf and well-hearing students were observed in the groups of 14 years old boys. Deaf male students presented 23% lower (p < 0.01) values of maximal power in comparison to their hearing peers. Yet, they were more capable of sustaining the power developed for a longer time, which is proved by significantly higher (33%; p < 0.001) regression coefficient b. Since maximal power level was lower, the executed work was also significantly lower comparing to well-hearing students’ results. Conclusion: Research proved that deaf students do not vary from their well-hearing peers with regard to the energetic potential. Differences described in the literature and recorded in our research are probably the result of environmental (social) factors and different models of gaining movement habits.