A comparative look at the morfo-functional profiles of the polish junior and senior badminton representation

• Published in: Antropomotoryka Vol. 29; no. 85; pp. 30 - 41
• Main Authors: Żak, Michał, Jaworski, Janusz, Żak, Stanisław
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 31.03.2019
• ISSN: 1731-0652; 2353-3986
• DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0013.7809

Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the morpho-functional profiles of Polish badminton players in junior and senior age categories and to check the stability of variables determining the sports level of Polish representatives in the junior category compared to the results achieved in this respect by the senior representatives. Materials and methods. Research was conducted in 2017 among a group of 12 badminton players appointed to the Polish team. The comparative data were derived from research among 16 juniors, representing the Polish team of badminton players for this age category. The scope of research included those variables that - using multidimensional statistical analyses - were identified as determinants of the sports level regarding the so-called morpho-functional profile prepared for a group of juniors. These were the following variables: body height, shoulder width, arm range with racket, amplitude of movements in the radial-wrist joint, power of upper and lower limbs, running speed, strength of adominal muscles, response time with choice, spatial orientation, coupling of movements and kinesthetic differentiation. Basic volatility measures and morpho-functional profiles in the adopted groups were calculated for all the included variables, using the mean results and standard deviations of both badminton representations. The T scale was used in this respect. Results. In the majority of the examined variables, relatively small individual differences were found, being smaller in the senior group than in the junior set. In the junior group, the difference between individual variables reached the limit of 0.52 standard deviation, with a slight dominance of energy-related abilities. A slightly larger variation (0.62 SD) was observed in the group of seniors with a clear dominance of coordination abilities. A large advantage of seniors over juniors was also seen (in addition to coordination abilities) in the scope of wrist mobility, MAP (maximal anaerobic power) of lower limbs and abdominal muscle strength. Conclusions. The obtained results confirmed the correctness of the use of progressive training in youth groups of badminton players. The analyses also suggest the need to verify training programmes for young badminton students, with clear emphasis on the need for early formation of the level of coordination abilities and comprehensive development of motor skills.