Antropomotoryka nr 55.indb - Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego w ...

Development of spatial and temporal orientation abilities in winter sport competitors
Spatial and temporal orientation seem to be the most
genetically dependent among all the CMAs. Heritability
ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 [15]. Its development during the
process of growing is similar to coordination abilities.
According to Hirtz [10], 25% of overall increase in spatial
orientation is obtained by the representatives of both
genders at the age of 8 on average, 50% at the age of
11, 75% at the age of 13, with full development at the age
15–16: this period of a relative stabilization is ended in
both genders in fifth decade of life [15, 16]. The scope of
dimorphism in this ability is insignificant, without a clear
tendency towards domination of either of the genders.
Men reach higher level of spatial orientation as late as at
the phase of stabilization of its level [1, 3].
Above presented results of research works are
mainly of cross-sectional character. They rarely concern
formation of spatial and temporal orientation abilities
at junior age, frequently concerning only the individuals
with low and high level of abilities.
In comparative analyses, a precondition is application
of accurate and reliable methods of diagnosis of individual
aspects of spatial orientation, particularly in terms
of accuracy. Laboratory measurements seem to be the
most objective in this respect. In the present study, the
authors used the most popular and therefore easily comparable
measurements of visual aspect of spatial and
temporal orientation in Piórkowski apparatus and cross
apparatus in consideration of the fact that there is lack of
a reliable diagnostic tool among currently used methods
of measurement of aspects of orientation [1].
The authors of the present study attempted to determine
changes in the level of spatial and temporal orientation
abilities throughout a three-year training process (at
the age of 15 to 18) in young people who practice winter
sports compared to untrained peers. Both in study group
and in control group the results were obtained based on
three-year longitudinal study. The attempts were made to
reply to the following questions:
1. Can intensive physical activity significantly affect
the level of spatial and temporal orientation in the
athletes?
2. Are prospective changes in its level similar for both
genders?
MATERIAL AND METHOD
Study group
The material of the study consists of the results of continuous
research of male and female students from
LO ZSMS (Liceum Ogólnokształcące Zespołu Szkół
Mistrzostwa Sportowego = Secondary School at the
Sport Championship Schools Complex) in Zakopane
who practice winter sports (speed skating, Nordic combined,
downhill and cross-country skiing). The investigations
were made two times a year in half-year distance
(seven times in total). In order to analyse the development
of spatial and temporal orientation, the results of
a complete three-year research were used. The results
analysed included the results for 12 women and 21 men
who were 15 at the initial moment of measurement.
Young people from ZSMS Zakopane came from different
regions of the country. Only in the case of downhill
skiers one can observe that they lived in Podhale region.
Recruitment to the school is based on previously
obtained sports results in their disciplines, which makes
them a selected group. The athletes were subjected to
a specialized training specific to their own disciplines.
The trainings were scheduled once a day (ca. 3h); the
athletes also participated in a variety of training camps
and competitions. The trainings were carried out by
qualified coaches from ZSMS.
Comparative material was the results of analogous
investigations which covered young people from TE ZSE
(Technikum Elektryczne Zespołu Szkół Elektrycznych =
Technical Secondary School at the Technical Schools
Complex No. 3 in Nowa Huta). They were conducted
parallel with the investigations in Zakopane once a year.
In order to analyse the development of spatial and temporal
orientation, the results of a complete three-year
research were used. The results analysed included the
results for 19 women and 40 men. All the students from
control group participated only in curricula-based activities
of physical education.
Research apparatus and procedure
US-6 Piórkowski apparatus and AKN-102 cross apparatus
were used in order to assess visual aspect of
spatial and temporal orientation.
During the investigations based on Piórkowski apparatus,
stimuli emission rate was 107/min with a minute
long time of the test. The main test, after previous
explanation of the principles, was preceded with 20-
sec warm-up with invariable apparatus settings. The
subjects were asked to press, with either of hands in
sitting position, one of ten buttons on the panel over
which a light signal appeared in the form of an arrow.
The result of the test was the number of properly responded
light stimuli.
In the case of measurements with cross apparatus,
a series without a set rhythm was used with
– 67 –