2016, Volume 8, Issue 3
An analysis of the correlation between kinesthetic differentiation capacity and the maximum force level in lower limbs
Dariusz Harmaciński1, Tadeusz Stefaniak1, Anna Burdukiewicz2, Jadwiga Pietraszewska2, Aleksandra Stachoń2, Justyna Andrzejewska2, Krystyna Chromik2, Kazimierz Witkowski3, Jarosław Maśliński3
1Department of Individual Sports, University School of Physical Education
2Department of Physical Anthropology, University School of Physical Education
3Department of Combat Sports, University School of Physical Education
Author for correspondence: Dariusz Harmaciński; Department of Individual Sports, University School of Physical Education; email: dariusz.harmacinski[at]awf.wroc.pl
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Abstract
Background: Among specific coordination abilities, kinesthetic differentiation capacity of movement belongs to the most crucial factors fostering rational human behavior in the surrounding environment. The capacity is universal – indispensable in nearly all sports disciplines. One of the most important constituent elements of kinesthetic differentiation is the so-called “force sense,” defined as differentiation of movement with respect to administering appropriate force. The authors of the study analyzed the correlation between the maximum force level in lower limbs and the accuracy of applying a targeted force value.
Material/Methods: The study was conducted on 54 participants, students from the University School of Physical Education in Wrocław. To determine the maximum force (Fmax) and force sense in lower limbs, a specialist device was used, “the characterograph of muscle strength in limbs”.
Results: The mean force sense was 43.28 N in the participants’ left lower limbs, and 58.33 N in the right limbs. The mean maximum force (Fmax) was higher in the right lower limb (897.17 N) than in the left one (769.94 N). The correlation coefficient between the variables of the maximum force level and the force sense in the left lower limb was 0.38. The same level of correlation was observed for the right lower limb (0.37).
Conclusions: The positive correlation observed between the higher level of maximum force and kinesthetic differentiation of lower limbs in students from the University School of Physical Education in Wrocław implies that a training session appropriately planned to raise the maximum force level may positively influence the force sense value.
Key words: kinesthetic differentation, maximum force, force sense