36 KINESIOLOGIA SLOVENICA 4 (1998)1 : 36-45 Nikola Rausavlievic* Rafko Katic* Milan Žvan** Nataša Viskic-Štalec* * * COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD MALE AND FEMALE PUPILS PRIMERJALNA ANALIZA STRUKTURNIH SPREMEMB MOTORIČNIH DIMENZIJ SEDEMLETNIH UČENCEV IN UČENK Abstract Structural i.e. qualitative changes of motor dimen- sions have been analyzed over a period of six months for 992 seven year old pupils d ivided into control groups of 325 boys and 31 O girls who atten- ded a regular school program of physica l education (consist 2 hou rs sport activity per week) and another 185 boys and 172 girls forming two experimental groups which attended specially programmed clas- ses of physical education guided by sport teacher. The structures of the isolated dimensions of 12 mo- tor variables in two tirne points (two transitive condi- tions) changed in such a way that the cortical con- trol and regulation of movement assumed the main role in the motor efficiency of the boys and girls in both control and experimental groups. Within the control groups a homogenization of motor abilities occurred in such a way that in the group of boys in the second tirne point the first dimension integrates abilities of coordination dnd strength, the second is a general factor of speed and the third flexibility with aerobic endurance. In the control group of girls the first dimension integrates abilities of coordination and speed, the second is a general factor of strength and the third integrates the abilities of flexibility and balance. Within the experimental groups asa homo- genization occurs, there is also an evident differen- tiation of motor abilities. Keywords: children, motordimensions, structure and change * University of Split- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathernatics and Education, Split, Croatia phone: + 385 21 384-901 * *University of Ljubljana - Faculty of Sport, Gortanova 22, Sl-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: ++38661140-10-77 Fax: + + 386 61 448-148 E-rnail: Milan.Zvan@sp.uni-lj.si ***University of Zagreb- Faculty of Physical Education, Horvacanski zavoj 15, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia IZVLEČEK Strukturne spremembe motoričnih dimenzij smo analiziral i v obdobju šestih mesecev na skupini 992 sedemletnih učencev. Razdeljeni so bili v dve kon- trolni skupini (325 dečkov in 310 deklic), ki so obi- skovali redni šolski program športne vzgoje (2 uri na teden) in drugo 185 dečkov in 172 deklic, ki so se- stavljali dve eksperimentalni skupini in so obiskovali razrede s specialnim programom športne vzgoje pod vodstvom športnega pedagoga. Strukture izoliranih dimenzij 12 motoričn i h spremenljivk v obeh časov­ nih obdobjih (dve tranzitivni stanj i) so se spremenile tako, da sta kortikalna kontrola in mehanizem za re- gulacijo gibanja prevzela glavno vlogo pri motoričn i učinkovitosti dečkov in deklic v obeh, kontrolni in eksperimentalni skupini. Znotraj kontrolnih skupin je nastopila homogenizacija motoričnih sposobno- sti, tako, da je pri skupini dečkov pri drugem merje- nju, prva dimenzija združila sposobnosti koordina- cije in moč i , druga predstavlja splošni faktor hitrosti in tretja gibljivost z aerobno vzdržljivostjo. V kontrol- ni skupini deklic združuje prva dimenzija sposobno- sti koordinacije in hitrosti, d ruga splošni faktor moči in tretja sposobnosti gibljivosti in ravnotežja. Znotraj eksperimentalnih skupin obstaja po pojavu homo- genizacije tudi očitna diferenciacija motoričnih spo- sobnosti. Ključne besede: otroci, motorične dimenzije, struk- tura, spremembe D 2 1- a li d h .. e 1i n n 1- i- ti ~ 1- :i 1j I- I- Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-štalec COMPARA TIVE ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD .. 37 INTRODUCTION Change in the structure of any dimension, abi lity or characteristic requires a very demanding system of concl usions and an excellent know ledge of metho- dology. The reason for this is that it is not very often possible to separate t he quantitat ive changes from the structural ones, and the targeted changes from those which are generated spontaneously and out of control and supervision. Other invest igations that have studied the influence of developmentand/or t rai ning on motor and func- tional ski lls e.g. CAHPER (6), Bouchard etal. (3), Ma- lina (15), Sallis (28), Ruten franz et al. (27), Bale et al. (1 ), Buncand Hel ler (4), Shephard and Zavallee (29), Bonacin etal. (2), Burdikiewiez and Janusz (5), Katic (9), have mostly established quantitative changes and to a lesser extent qualitative ones. To establish factors of physical fi tness e.g . M arsh (17) and motor abil ities e.g. Szopa (30) over gender and age, a factor analysis was applied. Although these are transversal studies they supply useful information about the development of functional and motor abi- l it ies, as Szopa (30) who has presented, on basis of the quantity of common variance of every isolated factor by age, curves of their development for both sexes. The number and structure of the formed factors and/or dimensions of motor spaces depends on the age, sex, physical activit ies, but also on the applica- tion of techn ique of factor or taxonomic analysis. So fa r investigations have shown that the motor spa- ce is multidimensional and that primary, secondary and tertiary factors exist in adults (7). They also show that various numbers and structure of primary motor factors have been isolated depending on the num- ber and choice of motor tests as well as on the cho i- ce of the subjects (7, 18, 31) or taxonomic dimen- sions (21, 23). O n the basis of Kurelic's and his assi- stant's investigations (14), in the youngthere are two latent dimensions of a broad range of regulation (the mechanism of the regulation of motion and the mec- hanism for regulation of energy. In accordance with the studies of motor abilities (conducted in Croatia) one may conclude that basi- cally in human motor behavior two latent dimen- sions of wide specter of regulation exist. The first la- tent dimension, responsible for processes of structu- ring, control and regulat ion of movement is ca lled the mechanism for the regulation of movement and is best defi ned by the pri mary factor of coord i nation, followed by speed, flexibility, balance and precision. The second latent dimension is represented in those activities in which the main role is played by energy components and is called the mechanism for regula- t ion of energy. This dimension consists of: 1) the fac- tor of the regulation of duration of excitat ion, w hich is evaluated by tests of repetit ive and static strength and w hich may be reduced to the so-called basic body strength and 2) the factor of the regulation of the intensity of excitation, wh ich is most frequently evaluated by tests of explosive power. The results of the investigat ion of the motor abil ities' structure in children aged 6 to 1 O indicate that the motor space of children can be defined generally by general motor d imensions (19). However, M alina (16) emphasized thatthe basic motor abilities in chil- dren are more or less already developed at the age of 7, w hich presents a prerequisite for the develop- ment of motor abi lit ies and skills, which makes pos- sible a di fferent iation of latent motor dimensions. The defining of the mult idimensional motor space in children enables a more complete explanation of their motorfunctioning (1 1, 12, 24). The level of human motor abilities is the resul t of both quantity and qualitychanges and interaction of maturation and conditioning processes duringone's life . The intention of this research was to determine the structural changes over a period o f 6 months in the frame of teaching physical education in the fi rst class of elementary school. ltconsiders the influence of the treatment on the transformation of motor di- mensions of the seven years old boys and girls. It is well known that a chi ld enters a school institut ion with a lot of bio-psycho-social needs. A major need is the need for movement. It is a biot ic motive and moving is not, as we often say, an instrument. It is more than that. Because motorics is integrated in global maturation, it is a chance to develop all capa- cit ies, all abil ities, and it is a chance to generate a complete human being. MATERIAL ANO METHODS The total effective sample of 992 children consisted of 510 male and 482 female seven-year old pupils from Spl it. The sample of boys was divided into a control group of 325 pupils and 185 in the experi- mental group, while the sample of girls was divided i nto a control group of 31 O and an experi men ta l group of 172 girls. The subjects in the control groups regularly attended supervised physica l and health education classes according to the conventional pro- gram w hile the subjects in the experimental groups had a programmed teaching of physical education w ith predominantly athletic and sport gymnastic contents. 38 Nikola Rausavljevič , Ratko Katič, Milan Žvan, Nataša Vi skic-Štalec COMPARATIVE ANAL YSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD .. A good and rel iable assessment of the motor status of children is part icularly important far the plann ing and programm ing of transfarmation processes equally in the f ield of physical education and health education and/o r in various sports activities of chil- dren and youth. Thus, in the planning of such a pro- gram, different initial conditions in individual dimen- sions of the psychosomatic status tend to dictate the ach ievement of various levels of transfarmation. It is therefare important far the kinesiological practice to be able to optimally estimate the motor status of a individual with the least variables possible, w ithout d iminishing the amount of relevant infarmation. That is why it is necessary to make a choice of those variables that are most relevant far the assessment of basic motor abilities and that at the same tirne esti- mate a coexistent model of motor status. Table 1 The choice of variables far the assessment of the mo- tor status was made in such a way that they were re- presentative far latent motor dimensions of the mo- tor functioning described in the study by Gredelj et al. (7) and/orthe model by Kurelic, Momirovic etal. (13). Therefare the tests far the observation and eva- luation of motor characteristics of pupils of elemen- tary school in the Republic of Croatia suggested by M rakovicetal. (25) werea ligmented byanother five motor tests. Therefare a sample of 12 motor tests has been applied twice, six months apart The fallowing variables have been used: sidesteps and polygon backwards far assessing the factor that is based on the mechanism far movementstructuring, hand tap- ping, faot tapping, bench standing, farward bow, standing broad jump, bal i throw and 20 m run, sit- ups, bentarm hang, 3 m in run. Mean values (±SD) of motor indices measured twice in boys and girls - the control groups ~t Boys(n=325) Girls (n=310) Vanable 1 2 1 2 Sidesteps (s) 16.28 ± 2.09 14.20 :!: 1.65 16.71 :!: 1.99** 14.64 :!: 1.55** Polygon backward (s) 22.95 :!: 6.22 16.89 :!: 4.01 26.62 :!: 7.62*** 19.62 :!: 4.70*** Bench standing (s) 1.76 :!: 0.75 2.13 :!: 0.76 1.67 :!: 0.79 2.02 ± 0.76 Forward bow (cm) 36.86 ± 8.49 40.22 ± 8.22 41.27 :!: 7.89*** 45.49 :!: 8.64*** Hand tapping (taps/min) 19.18 ± 2.78 21.31 :!: 2.56 18.73 ± 2.45 * 21.38 ± 2.75 Foot tapping (taps/min) 15.67 ± 1.94 17.37 ± 1.88 15.92 ± 1.75 17.95 ± 1.88*** Standingjump (cm) 113.09 ± 17.36 129.38 ± 17.08 103.84 ± 17.31 *** 11 8.88 ± 16.57*** Bali throw (m) 10.56 ± 3.07 12.35 ± 3.35 7.10 ± 1.87*** 8.35 ± 2.34*** 20 rn run (s) 4.94 ± 0.44 4.58 ± 0.37 5.11 ± 0.46*** 4.73 ± 0.41*** Sit-ups (per minute) 21.66 ± 6 .35 26.88 ± 6.14 20.38 ± 6.48* 25.44 ± 6.17* * Bent arm hang (s) 10.91 ± 9.51 18.81 ± 12.50 9.83 ± 7.99 16.73 ± 10.85* 3 min run (m) 440.94 ± 59.95 506 85 ± 67.66 418.78 ± 63.36*** 477.77 ± 64.64*** Significant differences between boys and girls: *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 Table 2 Mean values (±SD) of motor indices measured twice in boys and girls - the experimental groups ~ t Boys (n=185) Girls (n= l 72) v 1 2 1 2 Sidesteps (s) 16.41 ± 2.14 14.15 ± 1.58 17.10± 1.94** 14.66 ± 1.51 ** Polygon backward (s) 22.74 ± 5.46 16.46 ± 3.66 26.09 ± 7.31 *** 18.81 ± 4.46*** Bench standing (s) 1.69 ± 0.69 2.22 ± 0.74 1.53 ± 0.61 * 2.10 ± 0 .80 Forward bow (cm) 37.22 ± 8.76 42.40 ± 8.42 42 .1 2 ± 7.92*** 48.32 ± 8.54*** Hand tapp ing (taps/min) 18.71 ± 2.50 21.68 ± 2.66 18.47 ± 2. 33 21.90 ± 2.83 Foot tapping (taps/rnin) 15.47 ± 1.97 17.59 ± 1.92 15.80 ± 1.61 18.28 ± 1.81 ••• StandingJump (cm) 114.30 ± 16.24 130.71 ± 15.53 104.38 ± 18.18*** 120.87 ± 17.07*** Bali throw (m) 10.40 ± 2.95 12.65 ± 3.15 6.96 ± 1.97*** 8.97 ± 2.29*** 20 m run (s) 4.91 ± 0.43 4.48 ± 0.34 5.1 3 ± 0.48*** 4.61 ± 0.39* ** Sit-ups (per minute) 21.44 ± 5.83 28.22 ± 5.44 19.73± 5.81 ** 26.65 ± 5.55 ** Bent arm hang (s) 9.57 ± 7.19 22.45 ± 12.99 9.25 ± 7.44 20.42 ± 11.03 3 min run{m) 434.59 ± 65.46 53 1.11 ±61.82 407.30 ± 67.87*** 497.53 + 64.94*** Significant differences between boys and girls: *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-štalec COMPARATIVEANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN-YEAR OLD .. 39 An exact description of the tests was published by Katic (9) . AII motor tests were perfarmed three times except the fallowing: sit-ups, bent arm hang and 3 min run that were measured once, all by the same observers with the same instruments. The results of these multi-item tests were brought to one by a pro- jection onto the first principal component of the common subject of measurement (22). The structural, or qualitative differences in the tirne function, were obtained far both groups by obli- quely rotated factor solutions, LSDIFF analysis (tests the differences between the correlation matrices of two tirne points), Q DIFF1 analysis (establishes mea- sures of local changes based upon the relative norm of the matrix of the expected covariances after treat- ment) and CRAMER (determines structural changes based upon the coefficient of ali enation, derived from the vector coefficient of correlations of variab- les, before and after the treatment). The algorithms and programmes were prepared by Momirovic (20). RESULTS By comparing the arithmetic means of the variables applied in the firstand second measurementof boys and girls (Table 1 and 2) it is evident that significant (quantitative) changes have occurred in all motorva- riables. This points to an intensive development of motor abi lit ies of both boys and girls in their seventh year. Within the control groups of boys and girls in the spa- ce of motor tests, especially evident changes have occurred in the tests far the estimation of static Table 3 strength of arms and tests for coordination asa sol- ving of complex motor tasks, then in the test for esti- mating the repetitive strength of the body and the test of balance (Table 1 ). W ithin the experimental groups of boys and gi rl s in relation to the control groups, a relative growth of results is even more evi- dent, especially in the test for the static strength of the arms, then in the test o f balance, test for repeti- t ive strength of the body, for aerobic endurance and in the test for the explosive strength (throwing) . Girls as compared to boys, have sl ightly more expressed relative changes in the test o f the explosive strength of the throwing type, the testof balance and the tests for frequency of movements (Table 2). Gender differences in the control and experimental groups in motor abi lit ies can also be seen in Table 1 and 2. Boys compared to girl s have significantly bet- ter results in al l tests of explosive strength, especial ly in the explosive strength of the throwing type (bali throw), further in the test for the estimation of coor- dination (polygon backward) and finally in the test for the estimation of aerobic endurance (3 min run). lnversely, girls compared to boys have shown signifi- ca ntly better results in the flexibil ity test (forward bow), and in the second measurement also in the frequency of movement test (foot tapping). It ca n be presumed thata developed skeleten and a larger quantity of muscular tissue positively influen- ces the intensity of the mobilization o f energy in boys, whi le more expressed fattytissue in girls redu- ces their efficiency, especially in those motor tasks where strength dominate (1 O) . Tests ofcoordination of these sa m ples are highly saturated with explosive strength (polygon backwards) and speed (s idesteps). Promax factors (P) and correlations of promax factors (CF) in the fi rst and second measurements - males (con- trol group) Variable First mea urement Second m( asurement P1 P2 P3 Pl P2 P3 Sidesteps (s) 0.51 -0.26 0.04 -0.62 -0.20 0.20 Polygon beckward (s) 0.53 -0.11 -0.14 -0.63 -0.1 9 0.06 Bench standing (s) -0.33 0.11 0.04 0.13 0.49 -0.1 3 Forward bow (cm) O.OS -0.21 0 .59 -0.11 0.11 0.84 Hand tapping(taps/min) -0 .1 4 0.75 -0.14 -0 .11 0.82 0.16 Foot tapping (taps/min) -0.11 0.83 -0.21 0.01 0.82 O.OS Stand ingjump (cm) -0.78 -0.01 0.03 0.73 0. 15 -O 12 Bali throw (m) -0.38 0.12 0.33 0.72 -0.09 -0.01 20 m run (s) 0.79 O.OS 0.10 -0.60 -0.05 -0.22 Sit-ups (per minute) -0.39 -O.OS 0.44 0.57 0.08 0.11 Bent arm hang (s) -0.21 -0.19 0.57 0.75 -0.27 0.15 3 min run (m) 0 .27 0.49 0.58 0.31 -0.06 0.58 CF Pl -0.31 -0.26 0.47 0.24 P2 0.33 0.10 40 Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-štalec COMPARATIVEANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD .. Table 4 Promax factors (P) and correlations of promax factors (CF) in the first and second measurements - females (control group) Variable First measurement Second measurement Pl P2 Sidesteps (s) -0.18 -0.23 Polygon backward (s) -0.53 -0.22 Bench standing (s) 0.16 0.13 Forward bow (cm) 0.18 0.33 Hand tapping (taps/min) -0.23 0.87 Foot tapping (taps/min) 0.02 0.73 Standing jump (cm) 0.75 o.os Bali throw (m) 0.2 7 0.43 20 m run (s) -0,75 0.08 Sit-ups (per minute) 0.45 0.02 Bent arm hang (s) 0.82 -0.36 3 min run (m) -0.04 0.25 CF Pl 0.44 P2 P3 Therefare a greater explosive strength in boys than in girls has mostly contributed to their better results in the test po lygon backwards and less in the results of the test sidesteps, which is more saturated by speed and w here the girls are even more superior. Girls are superior to boys in flexibility, w hich can be explai- ned by their more movable joints and a greater ela- sticity of muscles. W ith in the sample of boys in the control group the factor analysis, in the first as well as in the second measurement, isolated three latent motor d imen- sions which were obtained by a promax rotation of the main components of the intercorrelation matrix (Table 3). In the fi rst measurement the first factor is defined by high projections of the variables far the estimation of explosive strength and coord ination, the second is dominantly defined by high projections of the va- riables far the estimation of frequency of move- ments. The third factor is defined by a group of mo- tor abi lit ies: endurance, flexibility, static strength and repetitive strength. In the second measurement (after six months) the isolated factors were defined to some extent more clearly and differently. Thus, the fi rst factor is defi- ned dominantly and equally by variables far the es- timation of ali factors of strength and by variables far the estimation of coordination, the second by va- riables of frequency of movements. The basis of the th ird factor is probably flex ibility, that is followed by aerobic endurance. Within the sample of gi rls in the control group the factor analysis of motor variables in the first measu- P3 P4 Pl P2 P3 0.49 0.02 -0.77 -0.04 0.24 -0.02 -0.01 -0.58 -0.25 -0.04 -0.08 0.84 0.26 -0.27 0.66 0.70 0.09 -0.23 0.23 0.79 -0.03 0.01 0.77 -0.18 0.16 -0.01 0.15 0.79 -0.03 0.07 0.11 0.04 0.51 0.40 -0.06 -0.03 -0.43 0.18 0.47 0.22 -0.14 -0.11 -0.01 -0.73 -0.13 -0.25 -0.21 0.02 0.73 -0.12 -0.12 0.11 -0.04 0.76 -0.09 -0.66 0.26 0.40 0.17 0.03 -0.21 -0.04 o.so 0.24 -0.18 -0.01 0.28 0.06 rement isolated faur factors: the first defines gene- ral motor efficiency, based dominantly on strength by Katic et ali. (1 1 ), the second the abili ty far fre- quency of movements, explos ive and repetitive strength, the third confronts abilit ies of aerobic en- durance and coord ination/agilitywith flexibility and the faurth defines balance. In the second measurement three motor factors were isolated: the first integrates coordination and frequency of movements into a united basis of mo- tor functioning, the second clearly defines a general factor of strength, and the third integrates flexibility and balance. The factor analysis of the experimental group of boys isolated three latent motor d imensions in the first, and four in the second measurement (Table 5). 1 n the fi rst measu rement the fi rst factor is defi ned by variables of explosive strength and coordination. The second factor is defined by variables of frequency of movement w hile the basis of the third is a motor complex of strength and endurance. The second measurement reveals a differentiation of motor abili ties. The first factor is dominantly defi- ned by variables of coordination and variables of all factors of strength. The basis of the second factor is frequency of movement, the basis of the third is ex- plosive strength and endurance, and the basis of the fourth is flexibili ty followed by balance. Within the experimental group of girls the factor analysis of motor variables in the first measurement has isolated th ree, and in the second measurement Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-Štalec COMPARATIVEANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLO .. 41 Table 5 Promax factors (P) and correlations of promax factors (CF) in the first and second measurements - males (ex- perimental group) Variable First measurement P1 P2 Sidesteps (s) 0.44 -0.30 Polygon backward (s) -0.40 0.02 Bench standing (s) -0.54 0.17 Forward bow (cm) -0.39 -0.23 Hand tapping (taps/ min) -0.03 0.80 Foot tapping (taps/ min) -0.02 0.88 Standingjump (cm) -0.61 0.12 Bali throw (m) 0.00 0.00 20 m run (s) 0.78 -0.1 O Sit-ups (per minute) -0.38 -0.17 Bent arm hang (s) -0.44 -0.18 3 min run (m) 0.41 0.17 CF P1 -0.24 P2 P3 four dimensions (Table 6), the same as for the boys experimental group. In the fi rst measurement the fi rst dimension is defi- ned mostly by variables of explosive strength of the jumping and runn ing type, by static strength of the arms and the repetitive strength of the body, follo- wed by project ions of va riables of coordination and balance. The second d imension is defined by variab- les of frequency of movement (psychomotor speed), and the third by the variable of flexibility on the po- sitive pole, and slightly less by the va riable of endu- rance on the negative pole. Table 6 Second measurement P3 P1 P2 P3 P4 -0.13 -0.74 -0.14 0.07 0. 16 -0.51 -0.67 -0.03 -0.09 -0. 11 -0.14 0.08 0.39 -0.24 0.43 -0.06 -0.13 -0.15 0.10 0.96 0.07 -0.15 0.87 0.18 -0.08 -o.os 0.07 0.86 -0.03 -O.OS 0.17 0.59 0.11 0.30 0.07 0.72 0.24 0.07 0.61 0.10 0.18 -0.69 0.01 0.14 -0.24 0.47 0.77 0.00 -0.13 -0.18 0.24 0.73 -0.30 0.1 1 -0.10 0.78 -0.13 006 0.89 -0.01 -0.35 0.42 0.29 0.29 0.27 0.14 0.19 0.01 In the second measurement the first dimension is de- fined by significantly high projections of the variab- les of frequency of movement and high projections of the variables of coordination. The second dimen- sion is defined by high projections of variables for es- t imating static and repetit ive strength and explosive strength of the running type. The third is defined by a quite high projection of the variable of flex ibility that is positively followed by a moderate projection of the variable for explosive strength of the run ning type and negatively by a moderate projection of the va riable for aerobic endurance, w hile the fourth is Promax factors (P) and corelations of promax factors (CF) in the first and second measurements - females (experimental group) Variable First measurement Second measurement P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P4 Sidesteps (s) -0.34 -0.26 0.21 -0.71 -0.20 -0.02 0.09 Polygon backward (s) -0.56 -0.25 O.OS -0.67 -0.24 -0.09 O.OS Bench standing (s) 0.44 0.03 -0.19 -0.15 -0.17 0.25 0.84 Forward bow (cm) 0.03 0.22 0.81 0.1 O -0.10 0.84 0.32 Hand tapping (taps/ min) -0.16 0.83 -0.01 0.94 -0.33 -0.03 -0.08 Foot tapping (taps/ min) 0.00 0.79 0.08 0.85 -0.08 0.04 -0.04 Standingjump (cm) 0.74 0.07 0.07 0.40 0.39 -0.02 0.22 Bal I throw (m) 0.21 0.54 0.00 0.00 0.40 -0.09 0.53 20 m run (s) -0.68 0.00 -0.26 -O.OS -0.69 -0.41 o.os Sit-ups (per minute) 0.43 0.20 -0.06 -0.16 0.73 -0.03 0.16 Bent arm hang (s) 0.79 -0.37 -o.os -0.06 0.83 -0.19 -0.28 3 min run (m) 0.04 0.24 -0.64 0.17 -0.02 -0.55 0.43 CF P1 0.38 -0.02 o.so -0.09 0.41 P2 -0.10 0.06 0.30 P3 -0.18 42 Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-Štalec COMPARATIVE ANAL YSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD .. defi ned by q u ite a high projection of the variable far balance that is positively fallowed by mod era te pro- jections of the variables of explosive strength of the throwingtype, aerobic endurance and flexibility. DISCUSSION Even though quantitative d ifferences in motor abili - ties between boys and girls are evident both at the beginning and the end of the first class of elementary school, relative changes of motor variables between these two t irne points are mostly equally expressed by both sexes, of both the control and the experi- mental groups. Significant quantitative changes of motor variables (Table 1 and 2), which were obtained in the second measurement, related to the first brought-to chan- ges of correlations between va riables and thus to changes in the structures of dimensions (far boys in Table 3 and 5, far girls in Table 4 and 6). It has been established thatstructu ral changes of mo- tor dimensions occur in differentways in connection w ith gender and the i ntensity of kinesiological activi- ties. Creater structural changes of motor dimensions and their sooner farming occurs in girls, as related to boys. Within both genders and both control and experi- mental groups, especially in the second measure- ment, the first two isolated promax factors are clear- Table 7 ly defined, and they act as latent motor dimensions that carry the most infarmation about the motor functioning of the subjects. In the second measurement, in both the control and experimental group of boys, the mechanism far cor- tical regulation of movement and the mechanism far selective control of the speed of the transmission of impulses through motor neurons (in accordance with the model by Gredelj and ass.) is the basi s of the first motor dimension. In the control and experimental group of girls, the mechanism far selective control of the transm issional speed of impulses through motor neurons and the mechanism far the cortical regulation of movements is the basis of the fi rst motor dimension, whi le the mechanism for the regulation of the energy output is the basis of the second mechanism. This is in accor- dance with the model by Gredelj and ass., as for the model of Kurelic and ass. the mechanism far the re- gulation of movement is responsable far the first di- mension, and far the second - the mechanism far energy regulation. The first promax factor in the second measurement carries, asa factor of general motor abilities, the most i nformation of motor characteristics in the control groups of boys and girls. While the development of motorfunctioning of boys manifests through the in- tegration of the abil ities of coordination and strength, in girls that development is manifested in an integration of coordination and speed. The basis of motor efficiency are those abil ities that are more Results of the analysis of structural changes - males (M) and females (F) in the control groups LSDIFF-Analysis M F Real matrix trace of the square of differences 1.38 2.26 HI-Square (of functions of trace) 224.19 349.96 Degrees of freedom 12.00 12.00 Probability 0.00 0.00 Differences under QDI FFl (Q) and Cramer (C) model. Global measurement changes (G) and vector cofficient of correlation (VCC)y Variable Q(M) C(M) Q(F) C(F) Sidesteps (s) 0.38 0.42 0.43 0.51 Polygon backward (s) 0.30 0.38 0.30 0.36 Bench standing (s) 0.54 O 61 0.60 0.66 Forward bow (cm) 0.15 0.14 0.18 0.19 Hand tapping (taps/min) 0.40 0.41 0.43 0.43 Foot tapping (taps/min) 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.44 Standingjump (cm) 0.27 0.29 0.24 0.24 Bali throw (m) 0.18 0.19 0.26 0.27 20 m run (s) 0.26 0.25 0.25 0.26 Sit-ups (per minute) 0.33 0.36 0.30 0.34 Bent arm hang (s) 0.41 0.46 0.34 0.34 3 min run (m) 0.32 0.29 0.30 0.26 G=0.38 VCC=0.00 G=0.43 VCC=0.00 Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-štalec COMPARATIVE ANAL YSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD .. 43 Table 8 Results of the analysis of structural changes - males (M ) and females (F) in the experimental groups LSDIFF-Analysis M F Real matrix trace of the square of d ifferences 0.91 1.75 HI-Square (of functions of trace) 84.46 150.20 Degrees of freedom 12.00 12.00 Probability 0.00 0.00 Differences under QDIFF1 (Q) and Cramer (C) model. Globa! measurement changes (G) and vector cofficientof correlation (YCC). Variable Q (M ) C (M ) Q (F) C(F) Sidesteps (s) 0.31 0.36 0.3 7 0.49 Polygon backward (s) 0.30 0.33 0 .22 0.25 Bench stand ing (s) 0.49 0.51 0 .58 0.58 Forward bow (cm) 0.11 0.10 0.17 0.18 Hand tapping taps/ min) 0.28 0.29 0.44 0.37 Foot tapping (taps/min) 0.25 0.29 0 .33 0.35 Standingjump (cm) 0.28 0.27 0.16 0.16 Bali throw (m) 0.13 0.14 0."18 0.18 20 m run (s) 0.21 0.23 0.19 0.21 Sit-ups (per m inute) 0.20 0.20 0.22 0.22 Bent arm hang (s) 0.24 0.24 0.17 0.18 3 min run (m) 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.16 G=0.28 VCC= 0.00 G = 0.29 VCC=0.00 distinctive and that extensively differentiate the sub- jects. Therefore in the solving and real ization of mo- tor tasks boys will use mainly strength and girls speed, th us those abil ities that they potentially most- ly possess. Th is can partly be concluded ona basi s of gender differences in motor abilities (Table 1 and 2), where boys are superior to girls in factors of strength, and girls to boys, although to a lesser extent, in fre- quency of movement. However it needs to be emp- hasized that this is a symmetrica l relation i.e. a mu- tual conditioning of abilities of coordination and strength in boys and of coordination and speed in girls. lf we presume on the basis of the model by Gre- delj et al. (7) that the mechanism for cortical regula- tion of movement (tests of coordination) in boys is superior to the mechanism for the regulation of en- ergy output (tests of strength), and in girls to the mec- han ism for selective control of transmission speed of impulses through motoneurons (tests of speed), then this isolated factor can be called a dimension of cor- tical regulation of movement with a controlled ap- pl ication of strength in boys, and a d imension of cor- tical regulation o f movement w ith a controlled ap- plication of speed in girls. In the second measurement the structure of the se- cond promax factor changed slightly for boys and completely for girls. The projections of the freq uency of movement variables increased in boys and the projection of the aerobic endurance variable signifi- cantly diminished. Namely, while aP•obic enduran- ce influenced the realization of the frequency of mo- vement tasks in the first measurement, the realiza- tion of those tasks in the second measurement is mildly connected to balance and coordination abili- ties. Thus, the realization of frequency of move- ments changes from a higher to a lower level of a controlled process. On the contrary in girls, a gene- ral factor of strength was isolated in the second mea- surement asa separate motor dimension - basically a mechanism responsible for the regulation of the energy output (7). The structure of the third promax factor in the se- cond measurement relative to the first measure- ment, has considerably changed, again more in girls than in boys. Thus for boys, the third promax factor in the second measurement is defined more by fle- xibility and less by aerobic endurance, so it can be supposed that a differentiation of flexibi lity, asa se- parate motor dimension, is taking place. Whereas for girls an integration of flexibility and balance into a unique motor dimension occurred for which the mechanism of synergistic automatism and of tonus regulation is responsible, according to Kurelic, Mo- mirovic et al. (13). The results presented here show that the develop- ment of motor abilities ta kes place asa homogeni- sation, thus bringing motor functioning to a higher level, for both boys and girls in the control groups in this period. Thus in both boys and girls the mecha- nism for cortical control and movement regulation undertakes the main influence on general motor ef- ficiency. 44 Nikola Rausavljevic, Ratko Katic, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic-Štalec C0MPARATIVE ANAL YSIS 0F STRUCTURAL TRANSF0RMATI0NS 0F MOTOR DIMENSI0NS 0F SEVEN - YEAR 0LD .. lncreased physical activity within the experimenta l groups broughtto a differentiation of motor abilit ies. Thus in the group of boys on basis of the third pro- max factor, a formingof aerobic endurance is most li- kely occurring, and on the basis of the fourth pro- max factor a forming of flexibility. As for girls, most likely a forming of flexibility occurs as seen in the third promax factor, and a forming of balance from the fourth. But, even though the third and fourth isolated fac- tors probably exist as se parate motor factors in these subjects, their exsistence in this research has not been adequate confirmed. One of reasons is thatthe tests applied to estimate these factors are saturated with other motor abilities in these subjects and the second reason is that motor abilities of endurance, flexibility and balance are estimated by only one va- riable each. Because of this second reason, it is ne- cessa ry for research of this kind to make a choice of motor variables, based not only upon some coexi- stent model of motor functioning i.e. by estimating secondary factors and/or dimensions, but also that the primary factors of first order be wel l defined, and that means by at least 3 motor tests each, tests w hich have good metric characteristics (especial ly reliabi- lity and validity). The LSDIFF analysis appl ied to both control groups of boys and girls ind icates that the changes that oc- curred with in the structure of dimensions are ona significant level (Table 7) . It is also evident that the progress is more significant within the group of girls. Therefore the correlations of variables in the two transitive conditions (two t irne points) have changed. The generator of these changes with in both groups is most likely equally physical activity at school (2,3,9,27,29,) as well as the biological continuity of the developmentof functions (1,5,6, 15,28). The lo- cal measurements of changes confirm that these changes are mostly cond itioned by the development of motor abi l ities of balance, psychomotor speed, static and repetitive strength, coordination and aero- bic endurance in boys, and by balance, psychomo- tor speed, coord ination, all factors of strength and aerobic endurance in girls. The LSDI FF analysis within the experimental groups of boys and girls also shows that changes in the struc- ture of dimensions have occurred ona significant le- vel (Table 8). Within both experimental groups an enhanced physical activity has produced positive ef- fects, manifesting itself asa differentiation of motor abilities. Local measurements of changes show that these changes within the experimental group are mostly conditioned by the development of the mo- tor abilit ies of balance, coordination, speed and ex- plosive strength of the jumping type, and in the girl experimental group by the development of balan- ce, speed, and coordination. Due to the facts that the process of physical educa- tion was gu ided by the same experts, we ascribe the differences between the subjects and the positive ef- fects to an enhanced physical activity of experimen- tal group . REFERENCES 1. Bale P., Mayhew JL., Piper FC., Bal i TE., Willman MK. Bio- logical and performance variables in relation to age in male and female adolescentathletes. J. SportMed. Phys. Fitness 1992; 32:142-148 2. Bonacin D., Katic R., Zagorac N., Mrakovic M. Changes of morphologic and motor characteristics in primary schools first form male pupils and the influence of 6-month athle- tics programme. Kinez iologija 1995; 27: 38 49 3. Bouchard C., Thibault MC., Jobin J. Advances in selected areas of human work physiology. Yearbook Phys Anthro 1981; 24: 1-36 4. Bunc V., Heller J. Ventilatory threshold in young and adult female athletes. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness 1993; 33: 233- 238 5. Burdikiewiez A., Janusz A. Physical capacity and fitness of chi ldren and youths as related to their somatic develop- ment. Biol. Sport 1995; 12: 175-188 6. Cahper Fitness performance test manual for boys and girls 7 to 17 years of age. Ottawa: Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 1966 7. Gredelj M ., Metikoš D., Hošek A., Momirovic K. A model of hierarchic structure of motoric abilities. 1. The results ob- tained using a neoclassical method for estimating latent di- mensions. Kineziologija 1975; 5: 8-81 8. Kaiser HF. The varimax criterion for analytic rotation in fac- tor analysis. Psychometrika 1958; 23: 187-200. 9. Katic R. Motor efficacy of athletic training appl ied to seven- year old schoolgirls in teaching physical education. Biol. Sport 1995; 12: 251-256 1 O. Katic R. The influence of morphological characteristics on selected motor variables in boys and girls. Biol. Sport 1996; 13: 47-53 11. Katic R., Viskic-Štalec N. Taxonomic analysis of morpholo- gical characteristic and motor abilities in seven-year old boys. Croatian Sports Medicine Journal 1996; 11: 16-24. 12. Katic R., Zagorac N., Živičnjak M., Hraski Ž. Taxonomic analysis of morphological/motor characterist ics in seven- year old gi ris. Col i. Antropol. 1994; 1 8: 141-1 54 13. Kurelic N., Momirovic K., M rakovic M., ŠturmJ. Structure of motor abil ities and their relations with other personality di- mensions. Kineziologija 1979; 9: 5-23 14. Kurelic N., ~omirovic K., Stojanovic M., Šturm J., Radojevic E>., Viskic-Stalec N. The structure and development of morphological and motor dimensions of youth. Beograd: Institut za naučna istraživanja Fakulteta za fizičko vaspita- nje, 1975 15. Malina RM. Human growth, maturation and regular physi- cal activity. In: Boileau R.A., ed. Advances in Pediatric Sports Sciences. Champaign: Human Kinetics 1984; 59-83 Nikola Rausavljevic':, Ratko Katic':, Milan Žvan, Nataša Viskic':-Štalec COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOTOR DIMENSIONS OF SEVEN - YEAR OLD .. 45 16. Malina RM., Bouchard C. Growth, Maturation, and Physical Activity. Human Kinetics Books, Chapaign, IL, 1991 17. Marsh HW. The multid imensional structure of physical fit- ness: lnvariance over gender and age, Res. Q. Exerc. Sport 1993; 64: 256-273 18. Meti koš D., Prot F ., Horvat V., Kuleš B., Hofman E. Basic motoric capacities of individualswith an above average mo- toric status. Kineziologija 1982; 14: 21-62 19. Meti koš D., M rakovic M., Prot F., Findak V. Characteristics of the developmentof general motor abilities of school chil- dren. Kineziologija 1990; 22: 21-24 20. M omirovic K. M ethods, algorithms and programmes for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative changes. Zagreb: In- stitute for Kinesiology of the Faculty for Physical Education, 1987 21. Momirovic K., Hošek A., Metikoš D., Hofman E. A taxono- mic analysis of motor abilities. Kineziologija 1984; 16: 11 5- 132 22. Momirovic K. , ŠtalecJ., Wolf B. The reliability of some com- posite tests of primary motoric abilities. Kineziologija 1975; 5: 170-193 23. Mrakovic M., M eti koš D., Prot F. Taxonomic analysis of in- dicators of energy regulation. Kineziologija 1985; 17: 109- 11 8 24. Mrakovic M., Katic R. Motor characteristics of fi rst-form pu- pils. Kineziologija 1992; 24: 7-14. 25. MrakovicM., Findak V., Gagro 1.,JurasV., ReljicJ. Methodo- logy of following and valuation in the physical educational field. Zagreb: Delegatski bilten, 1982 26. Mulaik SA. The foundations of factor analysis. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1972 27. Rutenfranz J., l lmarinen J., Schmidt KH ., Hallier E., Kil lian H., SallisJF„ McKenzie TL. Physical education's role in pub- lic health. Res. Quart. Exercise Sport 1991; 62: 124-137 28. Sallis JF. A commentary on ch ildren and fitness: A public health perspective. Res. Quart. Exercise Sport 1987; 58: 326-330 29. Shephard RJ., Zavallee H. Changes of physical performance as indicators of the response to enhanced physical educa- tion. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness 1994; 34: 323-335 30. Szopa J. From studies on human motoricity structure: a fac- tor analysis on pred ispositions and motor effects of boys and girls between the ages of eight and fou rteen. Antropomo- toryka, Studies in Human Motoricity 1992; 7: 37-53 31. Viskic-Štalec N. A contribut ion to the study of structure of motor dimensions. Kineziologij a 1989; 21 : 1-23