2014, Volume 6, Issue 2
The role of selected intrapsychic factors in alpine skiing instruction
Krzysztof Makowski1, Piotr Aschenbrenner1, Bartosz Krawczynski1
1Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk
Author for correspondence: Bartosz Krawczynski; Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk; email: bartek[at]awf.gda.pl
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Abstract
Background: This research was aimed at describing the influence of selected intrapsychic factors related to “low” and “high” mountain conditions upon the efficiency of alpine skiing instruction.
Material/Methods: Research participants were 48 people without skiing skills. Altitudes from 770 to 1,741 metres above sea level were chosen for “high” groups. A STAI questionnaire was chosen in order to carry out the research. The skiing level achieved by the end of the instruction was assessed expertly with the three essential evolutions, i.e. ploughing curves, slanting slide, and half-ploughing turn, taken into consideration.
Results: The anxiety level after the instruction of the “high” group exceeded that in the “low” group (p<0.0895). Significant negative correlations were observed between the mean score for technical evolutions and the accompanying anxiety in the “high” group of subjects.
Conclusions: The lower the characteristic anxiety, the better the technical test results. Whenever skiing evolutions are taught, it is necessary to take into consideration both the students’ anxiety levels and their physical effectiveness levels. Contributions to the awareness of skiing instruction participants can increase their mental resistance and result in a better final effect of such an instruction.
Key words: stress, skiing instruction, anxiety