The aim of the study was to assess the effects of climbing ability and slope inclination on vertical loading both in terms the forces involved and physiological responses. Five novice and six intermediate female climbers completed a climbing route at three slope inclinations (85°, 90°, and 98°). The vertical loading during the climb was assessed by force-time integral using a Novel Pedar-X insole and physiological responses via oxygen uptake and heart rate. The novice climbers had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) vertical loading on foot holds and higher oxygen uptake and heart rate compared to intermediate climbers. A significant negative correlation was identified between the force-time integral and oxygen uptake (R = −0.72), and with heart rate (R = −0.64), respectively. The time-force integral decreased across the ascents with increasing slope inclination (p < 0.001). The results indicate that more advanced ability climbers make greater use of foot holds, with associated lowering in physiological response (oxygen uptake and heart rate) across all slope inclinations.

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Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse the foot pressure distribution by cross-country skiers during the push-off phase when using the V2 Alternate skating technique depending on lower limb preference. The study also focused on whether push-off during V2 Alternate would be performed more quickly and in a shorter time interval by the dominant leg than the non-dominant leg. Methods. Data were collected using a pedographic system together with synchronised video recording. Conventional dialogistic methods used in kinanthropology were used to detect the lower-limb lateral preference. Results. statistically significant differences in the vertical component of force produced by the right/leg lower limbs was observed. However, no statistically significant differences were present in the duration when weight was transferred to one of the lower limbs. Conclusions. Although V2 Alternate is a movement task that is considered to be symmetrical (where left and right leg push-off should be practically identical), the results of the study proved otherwise. In practice, this implies that the explosive force capabilities of cross-country skiers should be trained especially for the non-dominant leg so as to ensure that a fully adequate push-off can be conducted during two-sided skating.

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Research on 100-year trends in physical fitness among youth in the territory of the former Czechoslovakia: Design and methods of the project Background: In 2023, exactly 100 years will pass since the first nationwide testing of the physical fitness level among youth in the territory of the former Czechoslovakia. In the context of this completely unique and unrepeatable opportunity, there is the possibility of finding objectively measured secular trends in physical fitness in our countries. Objective: The main objective of the project is, based on the historical methods known to us, to implement a comprehensive objective testing of the physical fitness level among 11-19-year-old youth in the territory of the former Czechoslovakia with an interval of 100 years and to compare the results with the original study. The purpose of this article is to present the research design including detailed methods. Methods: The methods of repeated testing of the physical fitness level are reduced, however, it is prepared in accordance with the earlier historical methods. The study will be carried out on a research group of 11-19-year-old individuals selected from the expected final number of 20 participating schools (15 Czech and 5 Slovak schools). The schools will be selected by a stratified selection from the preserved historical list of originally participating schools. The testing will include a total of 3 somatic measurements (body height, sitting height and body weight) and 5 motor tests (standing broad jump, standing small ball throw, pull-ups, speed run and endurance run). Data collection is planned for a period exactly corresponding to 100 years from the initial research (March to April 2023). Results: Among other things, the results will contribute to the accurate determination of evidence-based long-term trends in physical fitness in our youth population. Conclusions: The presented design of the study introduces, in addition to the rationale, goals, expected outputs, detailed research methods, which are aimed at finding objectively measured 100-year trends in physical fitness among youth in our territory. At the same time, the research project will contribute to increasing the awareness of experts and the public about the given area.