Differences in Coordination Motor Abilities between Orienteers and Athletics Runners

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the differences in coordination motor abilities between track and field (T&F) runners and foot orienteers (Foot-O). Another purpose of this study was to analyse gender differences in terms of coordination motor abilities. Coordination skills tests were undertaken by 11 Foot-O and 11 T&F runners. Each group consisted of five women and six men who lived in the Lower Silesia region of Poland. The Foot-O group consisted of 11 orienteers aged 24.09 (±4.78) years, with a minimum 10 years of experience, while the T&F group consisted of 11 long-distance runners aged 24.91 (±4.04) years and with a performance level at distances of 5 km and 10 km equivalent to that for orienteering. Some of the participants represented world-class level (e.g., world junior medallists), and most of them were of national elite level. Coordination tests of motor abilities were chosen for their reliability and repeatability and included tests of spatial orientation, rhythmisation of movements, balance and kinaesthetic differentiation. The Foot-O group performed significantly better than the T&F group in terms of some coordination abilities. Differences were observed between the Foot-O and T&F runners in balance ability measured during the "Walk on the bench" test. Further research should be carried out in this area in order to confirm these differences.

Keywords: athletics; coordination motor abilities; foot orienteering; orienteering.

Figure 1

“Walk to the goal” test procedure Raczek et al. 2002 [25] (p. 157). Reprinted with permission. 2023, Wydawnictwo Akademii Wychowania Fizycznego im. J. Kukuczki w Katowicach (Poland).

Figure 2

“Run at a given pace” test procedure Raczek et al. 2002 [25] (p. 166). Reprinted with permission. 2023, Wydawnictwo Akademii Wychowania Fizycznego im. J. Kukuczki w Katowicach (Poland).

Figure 3

“Walk on the balance beam” start of the test (photo by Weronika Machowska-Krupa).

Figure 4

“Standing long jump from a place at 50% of maximum effort” test.

Figure 5

Results from the “Walk on the balance beam” test for each group. Foot-O, f orienteering group; T&F, track and field group; W, women; M, Men; Foot-O-W, women from foot orienteering group; Foot-O-M, men from f orienteering group; T&F-W, women from foot orienteering group; T&F-M, men from foot orienteering group.