Georgios Zaggelidis

Differences in vertical jumping performance between untrained males and advanced Greek judokas

Background Judo is categorized among events which develop apart from technical aspects many physical abilities such as explosive strength, speed and co-ordination. One representative task which involves the above mentioned abilities when performed from any athlete is the vertical jump. Purpose of this paper is to answer the question: if there are differences between untrained young males and advanced level Greek judo athletes in jumping ability in four different vertical jumping tasks. Material/Methods: Twenty male [(10 untrained/10 advanced ones), mean age: 19.4±1.6 years/ 17.3±1.2 years respectively] performed squat jumps, countermovement jumps and drop jumps from 20 and 40 cm height (DJ20 and DJ40, respectively). Kinetic data for further analysis were collected by a ground mounted 40×60 cm force plate. Results: Advanced young judokas presented higher scores in all examined jumping tasks compared to untrained ones, revealed shorter duration of examined contact times of all tasks and as a result better utilisation of stretch-shortening cycle mechanism. Total neuromuscular activation that adopt judokas reveals a more mature and skill dependent strategy compared to untrained ones. Conclusions: Vertical jump does not characterizes from a technical point of view a judo athlete but it seems that performance in vertical jumping tasks is affected by the participation and years habituation to ballistic and explosive strength training. Judo specific training in advanced-level judokas improves and induces specific neuromuscular alterations as well as performance in various jumping tasks.

Muscle Activation Profiles of Lower Extremities in Different Throwing Techniques and in Jumping Performance in Elite and Novice Greek Judo Athletes

The aim of this study was to examine the neuromuscular adaptations of knee muscles during hip throwing techniques and vertical jumps in elite and novice Greek judokas. Ten elite and ten novice judokas performed two hip throws and different vertical jumping tasks. Surface electromyograms were recorded from vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles along with generated kinetics. Elite judokas revealed higher EMG activity of agonist muscles during throws and jumps but lower co-activation levels. Better jumping performance, better utilisation of the stretch-shortening cycle mechanism, higher and earlier generated pushoff forces and shorter contact time periods characterized elite judokas. Total neuromuscular activation that adopt elite judokas reveals a more mature and skill dependent strategy compared to novice ones.

Dimensions of Market Demand Associated with Dance Schools

Dimensions of Market Demand Associated with Dance Schools Therefore the purpose of this study was to identify dimensions of market demand for dance schools. Dance is an activity requiring a strong relationship between the artist, marketer and audience. Marketing has generated sufficient commercial interest in the field, transforming dance into a thriving business. The growth of the dance industry has resulted in a highly competitive business environment. Effective management and marketing strategies (market segmentation, market promotion, program differentiation, and pricing strategy) may be formed for dance schools to ultimately satisfy consumer needs and also achieve business success. Cultural Learning, Personal Benefits, Program Offering, School Operation, Instruction Quality, and Economic Consideration would be positively predictive of the consumption level at dance schools. New technologies might also influence of purchase intent and must be consider by marketers.

The Turnovers Analysis to the Women's National League Basketball Games

The Turnovers Analysis to the Womens National League Basketball Games The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the turnovers efficacy to the result of a basketball game. For the purpose of this study forty-three (n=43) women A1 National league basketball games were videotaped and video-analyzed. Statistical analysis of this data included the presentation of frequencies in a double table and the application of x2. The results showed that a) 19,1% of the possessions stop after a turnover, b) the most common turnover to the women basketball is the passing errors (40,2%). Travelling (23,6%) and fault ball handling (23,9%) follow, c) most of the turnovers happen during the set play, d) most of the fault passes take place from the area around the three point line to the opposite base line, most of the traveling and the fault ball handling to the area around the basket and inside the three point line, e) the ability to defeat the zone defense is of a real importance because the women basketball teams use to play this defense and most of the turnovers seems to happen under these circumstances (winners 16,5% - losers 22,2%).

Maximal Isometric Handgrip Strength (HGS) in Greek Elite Male Judo and Karate Athletes

Abstract The specificity of the technical performance in judo and karate demands from athletes to perform fast and powerful actions at a high level, therefore, much importance is given to the development and supporting motor system, in particular, HGS function. Research aim was to determine the characteristic of maximal isometric HGS in Greek elite male judo and karate kumite athletes that may be important for competitive success in the aspect of age and BMI and identify any differences between these two compact sports. The studies were carried out in the competitive period of 2015 training cycles. The subjects were male judokas with mean weight 84.24 ± 12.38 kg and karateka’s 76.63 ± 10.46 kg. Average BMI (kg/m2) for judokas 25.67± 3.60 and karateka’s 23.03 ± 1.75. Research results showed that the HGS in dominant and nondominant hand in karateka’s was 68.28 ± 7.3 kg and 63.28 ± 7.5 kg and in judokas 73.72 ± 7.85 kg and 71.34 ± 8.10 kg. karateka’s had significant less stronger HGS compered to Judokas in dominant and nondominant hand, t32= -2.089 and p<0.05 and t32= -3.016 and p<0.05. Karateka’s had significant higher differences between the two hands 4.94 ± 2.15 kg compered to judokas 2.38 ± 1.84 kg, t32= 3.722 and p<0.05. The two groups had significant difference in BMI, t32= -2,771 and p<0.05. Pearson correlation showed a significant correlation between HGS and BMI, r=0.563 and p<0.05. In conclusion judo and karate have different requirements and training methods due to the objectives and generally the technical training nature with judokas appearing stronger in the HGS compere to karateka’s.

Physiological Elements Required by Dancers

Abstract Dancing is an excellent alternative exercise for improving health related physical fitness elements. Dance performance requires support from enhanced physiological requirements necessary for dancers including cardiovascular fitness, muscle flexibility, muscular strength/power. A reduction in muscular strength associate with injury risk and many dancers succumb to problems such as the overtraining syndrome. Improvement in lower body muscular strength appears to have positive effects on aspects of dance performance and injury prevention. The qualities and benefits offered by dancing depend on the dance forms concerned but as a general rule, it improves physical health by developing strength, suppleness, coordination and balance in varying amounts. This literature study showed differences in fitness levels exist between in different dance forms but also in levels of dancers. As in most sports, dancing is a demanding exercise form for all styles dancers, taxing both aerobic and anaerobic processes and develops high levels of muscle tension. Joint mobility and body composition are also important parts of dance fitness. Dance training consists of technique and style training with an aim to increase the skill level of dancers. Furthermore, it needs more investigation whether improved physical fitness has positive effect on dance performance.