Acta Univ. Palacki. Olomuc., Gymn. 2012 42(3): 27-38 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2012.015

Verification of the model of predisposition in triathlon - structural model of confirmative factor analysis

Lenka Kovářová, Karel Kovář
Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague

Background: The triathlon is a combination of three different types of sport - swimming, cycling, and running. Each of these requires different top level predispositions and complex approach to talent selection is a rather difficult process. Attempts to identify assumptions in the triathlon have so far been specific and focused only on some groups of predispositions (physiology, motor tests, and psychology). The latest studies missed the structural approach and were based on determinants of sport performance, theory of sports training and expert assessment.

Objective: The aim of our study was to verify the model of predisposition in the short triathlon for talent assessment of young male athletes age 17-20 years.

Methods: The research sample consisted of 55 top level triathletes - men, who were included in the Government supported sports talent programme in the Czech Republic at the age of 17-20 years. We used a confirmative factor analysis (FA) and Path diagram to verify the model, which allow us to explain mutual relationships among observed variables. For statistical data processing we used a structure equating modeling (SEM) by software Lisrel L88.

Results: The study confirms best structural model for talent selection in triathlon at the age of 17-20 years old men, which composed seventeen indicators (tests) and explained 91% of all cross-correlations (Goodness of Fit Index /GFI/ 0.91, Root Mean Square Residual /RMSR/ 0.13). Tests for predispositions in triathlons were grouped into five items, three motor predispositions (swimming, cycling and running skills), aerobic and psychological predispositions. Aerobic predispositions showed the highest importance to the assumptions to the general factor (1.00; 0). Running predispositions were measured as a very significant factor (-0.85; 0.28) which confirms importance of this critical stage of the race. Lower factor weight showed clusters of swimming (-0.61; 0.63) and cycling (0.53; 0.72) predispositions. The psychological predispositions were found in the lowest effect (0.36; 0.87).

Conclusions: We confirm predispositions and tests for measurement of its level for top level male triathletes in the junior category. The model is in practice today in the Czech Republic, where we used the test standards for dividing Government support of athletic talent.

Keywords: Top level sport, talents assessment, talent selection, endurance in sport, sport diagnostics, structure equating modelling

Prepublished online: September 30, 2012; Published: June 1, 2012  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Kovářová, L., & Kovář, K. (2012). Verification of the model of predisposition in triathlon - structural model of confirmative factor analysis. Acta Gymnica, 42(3), 27-38. doi: 10.5507/ag.2012.015
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Atwater, A. E. (1990). Gender differences in running. In P. R. Cavanagh (Ed.), Biomechanics of Distance Running (pp. 321-362). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.
    2. Ackland, T. R., Blanksby, B. A., Landers, G., & Smith, D. (1998). Anthropometric profiles of elite triathletes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports, 1, 53-56. Go to original source...
    3. Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderatormediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173-1182. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    4. Bentley, D. J., Millet, G. P., Vleck, V. E., & McNaugthon, L. R. (2002). Specific aspects of contemporary triathlon: Implications for physiological analysis and performance. Sports Medicine, 32(6), 345-359. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    5. Blahuš, P. (1985). Faktorová analýza a její zobecnění. Praha: SNTL.
    6. Blahuš, P. (1980). Základy modelů latentních proměnných včetně faktorové analýzy. Praha: Univerzita Karlova.
    7. Bunc, V., Heller, J., Horčic, J., & Novotný, J. (1996). Physiological profile of best Czech male and female young triathletes. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 36, 265-270. Go to PubMed...
    8. Burke, S. T., & Jin, P. (1996). Predicting performance from a triathlon event. Journal of Sports Behavior, 19(4), 272-287.
    9. Butts, N. K., & McLean, D. (1991). Correlations between VO2max and performance times of recreational triathletes. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 31, 339-344. Go to PubMed...
    10. Dillon, W. R., & Goldstein, M. (1984). Multivariate analysis: Methods and applications. New York: Wiley.
    11. Fajfer, Z. (2000). Predikce spotovního výkonu - zkreslení validity počátečním přijímáním lepších uchazečů. Česká kinantropologie, 4(1), 99-103.
    12. Fröhlich, M., Klein, M., Pieter, A., Emrich, E., & Gießing, J. (2008). Consequences of the three disciplines on the overall result in Olympic distance triathlon. International Journal of Sports Science and Engineering, 2(4), 204-210.
    13. Hardy, L., Roberts, R., Thomas, P. R., & Murphy, S. M. (2010). Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS): Instrument refinement using confirmatory factor analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11(1), 27-35. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    14. Heiden, T., & Burnett, A. (2003). The effect of cycling on muscle activation in the running leg of an Olympic distance triathlon. Sports Biomechanics, 2(1), 35-49. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    15. Hendl, J. (2006). Přehled statistických metod zpracování dat. Praha: Portál.
    16. Hue, O. (2003). Prediction of drafted-triathlon race time from submaximal laboratory testing in elite triathletes. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 28(4), 547-560. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    17. Hue, O., Le Gallais, D., Chollet, D., Boussana, A., & Préfaut, C. (2000). Ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake in present triathletes. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 25, 102-113. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    18. Chau, P. Y. (1997). Reexamining a model for evaluating information center success using a structural equation modeling approach. Decision Sciences, 28(2), 309-334. Go to original source...
    19. Ko, B. G., Gu, H. M., Park, D. H., Back, J. H., Yun, S. W., Lee, M. C., & Shin, S. Y. (2003). The construction of sports talent identification model. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 15(2), 64-84.
    20. Kohrt, W., Morgan, D., Bates, B., & Skinner, J. S. (1987). Physiological response of triathletes to maximal swimming, cycling and running. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 19, 51-55. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    21. Kovář, R. (1974). Příspěvek ke studiu genetické podmíněnosti lidské motoriky. Praha: Univerzita Karlova.
    22. Kovářová, L., & Kovář, K. (2010). Concentration of attention as a predisposition of performance in junior categories in endurance sports. Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica, 40(1), 23-33.
    23. Kovářová, L., & Kovář, K. (2010). Vliv použití triatlonového neoprenového obleku na míru rozptýlenosti seskupení startovního pole v plavecké části triatlonu v závodech světového poháru. Česká kinantropologie, 14(3), 75-86.
    24. Kovářová, L., Jurič, M., & Kovář, K. (2012). Analýza výkonu v triatlonu. Studia Sportiva, 6(1), 83-91. Go to original source...
    25. Landers, G. J., Blanksby, B. A., Ackland, T. R., & Monson, R. (2008). Swimming position and its influence on triathlon outcome. International Journal of Exercise Scientice, 1(3), 96-105.
    26. Landers, G. J., Blanksby, B. A., Ackland, T. R., & Smith, D. (2000). Morphology and performance of world championship triathletes. Annals of Human Biology, 27(4), 387-400. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    27. Lane, A. M., Terry, P. C., & Karageorghis, C. I. (1995). Path analysis examinig relationship among antecedents of anxiety, multidimensional stae anxiety, and traithlon performance. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 81(3/2), 1255-1266. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    28. McDonald, R. P. (1991). Faktorová analýza a příbuzné metody v psychologii. Praha: Academia.
    29. Millet, G. P., Dreano, P., & Bentley, D. J. (2003). Physiological characteristics of elite short and long distance triathletes. European Journal of Alied Physiology, 88, 427-430. Go to original source...
    30. Morgan, W. P., & Pollock, M. C. (1977). Psychological characterization of the elite distance runner. Annals of the New York Academy of Science, 301, 382-405. Go to original source...
    31. Neumann, G. (1993). Zum zeitlichen Ablauf der Anpassung beim Ausdauertraining. Leistungssport, 23(5), 9-14.
    32. Niedeffer, R. M. (1993). Concentration and attention control training. In J. Williams (Ed.), Alied sport psychology (pp. 243-262). Palo Alto: Mayfield.
    33. O'Toole, M. L., Douglas, P. S., & Hiller, W. B. (1989). Lactat, oxygen uptake and cycling performance in triathletes. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 10, 413-418. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    34. Peeling, P. D., Bishop, D. J., & Landers, G. J. (2005). Effect of swimming intensity on subsequent cycling and overall triathlon performance. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39, 960-964. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    35. Psotta, R., Blahuš, P., Cochrane D, J., & Martin A, J. (2005). The assessment of an intermittent high intensity running test. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 45(3), 248-256. Go to PubMed...
    36. Roth, K., & Willimczik, K. (1999). Bewegungswissenschaft. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohl.
    37. Schabort, E. J., Killian, S. C., St. Clair Gibson, A., Hawley, J. A., & Noakes, T. D. (2000). Prediction of triathlon race time from laboratory testing in national triathletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32, 844-849. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    38. Schneider, D. A., Lacroix, K. A., Atkinson, G. R., Troped, P. J., & Pollack, J. (1990). Ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake during cycling and runnig in triathletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 22, 257-264. Go to PubMed...
    39. Sleivert, G., G., & Rowlands, D. S. (2000). Physical and physiological factors associated with success in triathlon. Sports Medicine, 22, 8-18. Go to original source...
    40. Sleivert, G. G., & Wenger, H. A. (1993). Physiological predictors of short-course triathlon performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 25, 871-876. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    41. Suriano, R., & Bishop, D. (2010). Physiological attributes of triathletes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13(3), 340-347. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    42. Talluri, T. (1998). Qualitative human body composition analysis assessed with bioelectrical impedance. Collegium Antropologicum, 22(2), 427-432. Go to PubMed...
    43. Tittle, K., & Wutscherk, H. (1988). Anatomical and antropometric fundamentals of endurance. In R. J. Shepard & P. O. Astrand (Eds.), Endurance in Sport, the Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine (pp. 35-45). Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publication.
    44. Vallerand, R. J., Mageau, G. A., Elliot, A. J., Dumais, A., Demers, M. A., & Rousseau, F. (2008). Passion and performance attainment in sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 9(3), 373-392. Go to original source...
    45. Van Schuylenbergh, R., Vanden Eynde, B., & Hespel, P. (2004). Prediction of sprint triathlon performance from laboratory tests. European Journal of Alied Physiology, 91, 94-99. Go to original source...
    46. Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2003). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Champaing, IL: Human Kinetics.
    47. Zemanová, L., & Kovář, K. (2009). Koncentrace pozornosti jako předpoklad výkonu v triatlonu. Česká kinantropologie, 13(3), 75-85.
    48. Zhou, S., Robson, J., King, M. J., & Davie, A. J. (1997). Correlations between short course triathlon performance and physiological variables determined in laboratory cycle and treadmill tests. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 37, 122-130. Go to PubMed...

    This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.


    Return to the content