Fitness level testing in U16 performance alpine skiing athletes

Abstract

Problem Statement. These physical fitness attributes include the components of agility, balance, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength, power, reaction time, and speed (Caspersen et.all., 1985; Corbin, et.all, 2000). Approach. The study includes a number of 10 athletes, aged 16, boys, who represent the members of the alpine skiing section, within a sports club, under private law. To assess the physical condition of U16-year-old skiers, a pre-test (at the beginning of October) and a post-test (at the end of November) were performed, and four tests were selected and applied: "Sit & reach"; Maximum "Push Up in 60 seconds"; "Penta Jump"; "Single Leg Squat"), part of - "Fitness Testing Protocol Ski, Australia", 2005. Purpose. The aim of the study is to test the fitness level, in a group of U16 years old, boys, following the implementation of an 8-week physical training program, which targets the following components: (flexibility, strength and muscular endurance, in the upper limbs, explosive force / power in the lower limbs), which can provide a solid basis for preparation for performance. Results. Thus, following the application of the four tests, presented in the research, significant values are recorded at the group level, between the two moments of testing, for the following significance thresholds: in the "Sit & Reach" test, there is a statistically significant difference in (p <0.982 and t = 3.551); in the "Maximum Push up in 60 seconds" test, there is a statistically significant difference at (p <0.945 and t = 2.80); in the "Penta jumps" test for measuring explosive force and power, there is a statistically significant difference at (p <0.979 and t = 3.39), and in "Single leg Squad" there is a statistically significant difference at (p <0.963 and t = 3.78). Conclusions. We can say that, following the application of an 8-week physical training program, to improve physical condition, in a group of U16-year-old skiers, significant differences can be observed between the two moments of testing, both in the group and in the individual progress of the athletes.