The analysis of psychophysiological features of football players and water sports athletes

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to analyze the psychophysiological characteristics of football players and water sports athletes as factors of professional selection. Materials and methods: The study involved students of a specialized sports school (n = 31, age: 16-17 years). The participants were divided into two groups: group 1 – 20 football players, group 2 – 11 water sports athletes (swimming). The level of sportsmanship is 1 category, Candidates and Masters of Sports. Tests applied: determination of the duration of an individual minute (IM), measuring of a 10 cm segment (SM), determination of simple hand-eye coordination (SHEyC), and simple hand-ear coordination (SHEaC), the technique of “Figures memorizing”, solution of 10 sums. Results: The results of the IM test reflect the prevalence of the earlier test completion. All participants indicated a lower value in 9th test of a segment measuring. The results of the SHEyC and SHEaC of the participants were similar. The results of all tests were less than 10 in the test of “Figures memorizing”. Football players revealed link between coordination and psychophysiological tests results, while swimmers revealed link between coordination and sensory type of tests. Conclusions: The carried out psychophysiological analysis of athletes’ condition of team sports and water sports confirmed the possibility of applying these tests for selection. The results obtained reflect the specific influence of the sport on the athletes’ bodies. These indicators demonstrate the increased requirements for spatial orientation, the importance of reaction to auditory stimuli and the increased ability of football players to control the surrounding space and control the game situation.