Volume 19 (2012): Issue 2 (June 2012)

This report presents the findings of a qualitative study on the physical culture of the Tatar community inhabiting Polish territory. Historical elements of the physical culture of the Tatar community have been presented against the background of general characteristics of this ethnic group and the history of the presence of Tatars on Polish soil. The article shows particular aspects of the Tatar tradition of physical culture and its place in Tatar national culture. This is the first known report on the physical culture of this ethnic group on the ground of ethnology or cultural anthropology.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of changes in selected motor abilities of javelin throwers and to determine predictors of javelin throw distances. Material and methods. Research material included the results obtained from a group of 60 competitors from the Silesia Region of Poland, aged 14 - 15 years. In order to answer the research question, the following statistical analysis were employed: Pearson's linear correlation coefficients, vectors R0 and R1, time series analysis, distributed lag analysis and Almon distributed lag analysis and coefficient of concordance φ²Results. The correlation analyzes allowed for a selection of two variables for further analyses: specific strength of arms and trunk (SSAT) and specific strength of shoulders girdle and trunk (SSGT). Calculated indexes revealed that the level of SSAT showed a constant upward tendency (+15%). The highest rise in SSAT level was recorded in the 4th and 5th quarter (+9%). The level of SSGT showed an upward tendency nearly (+6%). In this case, the highest rise was observed in the 7th and 8th quarter (+4.5%). Conclusions. The standardized regression analysis revealed that the variable of specific power of arms and trunk (SOBT) is the most important predictor for javelin throw distance with a full approach run.

Introduction. The development of civilization is leading to lifestyle changes and diminishing physical activity as well as various types of sicknesses caused by a lack of movement. In order to reduce these negative effects we should maintain a proper level of physical activity, which is often regarded as a contributing factor to positive health levels. Material and st methods. The aim of this report is the assessment of physical fitness levels of 1^st year male and female students of medicine and physiotherapy faculties at Lublin Medical University. The test was conducted on a group of 103 female and 52 male students of medicine as well as 50 female and 11 male students of physiotherapy. The survey was based on the Pilcz motor skills test and Denisiuk endurance test. Results and conclusions. The analysis of results showed differences in physical fitness between sexes while there were hardly any differences between the students of the two faculties. The overall level of physical fitness has been specified as the lower limit of the average level.

Introduction. This paper discusses the relationship between the technique implemented during competition and the end result including an attempt to evaluate the technical and tactical preparation of different nationality competitors in Greco- Roman wrestling. The research was conducted during the 2009 Junior World Cup in Turkey. Material and methods. The research material included a video recording posted by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) on their website. The material contained recordings of 240 matches. An analysis of 212 matches with competitors from 49 countries was conducted; each team selected one competitor in each weight category (up to 8 competitors in total). Results and conclusions. During the competition there was strong correlation between victory and the execution of the roll-through and the combat zone and result defence, also in the ground position. Competitors from Russia and Iran, who were most successful, winning 6 and 4 medals respectively, obtained an average of 3.18 technical points in each match. Among the sample analysed this was the lowest score, indicating the optimal use of technical and tactical skills by the competitors resulting in a victory.

Introduction. There are currently no studies published on the relationship between participation in international sports events and physical activity of the fans. This inspired the authors to examine this subject. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of physical activity of Polish national teams' supporters of selected sports disciplines. Material and

methods. The study was conducted on randomly selected group of fans during the Polish national level football, basketball and volleyball games. The study used the diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire of the authors' own design. In this report there were questions concerning physical activity modelled on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results. Physical activity is usually practised by fans of basketball and football who are 19-35 years old. Fans who are not physically active are mainly the fans of volleyball and football who are 36-55 years old. A significant correlation was noted between fans' sex and the willingness to practice sport (p=0.016). 58% of women and 72% of men declared that they practice some recreational physical activities. The most active were the basketball fans; the least active were the volleyball fans. The greatest diversity in terms of physical activity depending on participants' sex was revealed among the fans at international football games. Additionally, a significant correlation was noted between fans' age and their willingness to practice sports in their free time (p<0.001). Conclusions. The majority of fans at international sports events are physically active. In the research groups analysed the weekly volume of physical activity varied significantly. The basketball fans spent the greatest amount of time on physical activity and the volleyball fans the lowest. The average frequency of physical activity was the same in all groups.

Introduction. The neglect of the needs and potential of the schoolgirls and the dismissive attitude of the teachers towards the pupils and the PE classes are the main causes of the schoolgirls' reluctance to attend the classes and also their lack of propensity towards physical activity in general. Studies of child and youth opinions towards the PE classes show that a number of factors are to be taken into account. The aim of the paper was to ascertain the opinions of the survey participants towards the realized and model PE class and also to ascertain effective ways of pursuing the PE curricula for girls. The article reveals factors discouraging the schoolgirls and reducing their expectations as far as PE classes are concerned. Material and methods. The material for the study were 314 schoolgirls and 51 teachers from Biała Podlaska elementary, middle and high schools. The paper was based on the study conducted with analysis of a questionnaire form and a survey. The survey was conducted in April, 2011. Results. The information obtained from the questionnaires that were filled in by the schoolgirls were compiled and compared with the data from the surveys given by the teachers working with the schoolgirls. Conclusions. Both the girls and the teachers have a positive attitude towards the PE classes, whilst observing a number of perceived faults. Criticism was aimed at a lack of variety in the classes and that the needs, potential and interests of the girls were not taken into account and also the lack of involvement of the girls in the process of planning and pursuing the classes. The girls responded positively to the 2009 education reform proposals. The PE teachers also endorsed the proposals.

Introduction. The objective of the study was a comparative analysis of the results of unified and two-tier university studies in physical education at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Material and methods. The study utilized 128 full-time final semester students. The study utilized a diagnostic poll and random survey method. On the basis of respondents' opinions, the following results were analyzed: respondents' expectations regarding their education and the level of their fulfilment, forms of activities undertaken during studies, professional plans and opinions regarding the course of studies in PE. Results. The analysis revealed that, when making the decision to study physical education, respondents expected to gain directional competences and knowledge and skills enabling further education. Respondents highly regarded the level of these competences gained. The majority of respondents expressed a wish to find employment in the education sector and other institutions of physical education. Conclusion. The result of the research indicated that transforming unified Master's studies into two-tier university studies did not bring about fundamental changes in the outcome of studies in physical education.