2015, Volume 11, Issue 1

Changes in indices of physical capacity, coordination, psychomotor activity and selected psychological traits in the driver after preparation to the Dakar Rally

Katarzyna Sterkowicz- Przybycień¹, Jan Blecharz², Anna Tyka³, Janusz Jaworski⁴, Stanisław Sterkowicz⁴, Rafał Przybycień⁵, Grzegorz Czarnecki<sup>6

1</sup>Department of Gymnastics and Dance, Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
²Department of Psychology, Institute of Social Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
³Department of Recreation and Biological Regeneration, Faculty of Tourism and Leisure, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
⁴Department of Sport’s Theory and Kinesiology, Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
⁵Hapkido Moo Hak Kwan in Poland, European Hapkido Alliance; Zespół Szkół Społecznych nr 7 STO im. ks. prof. Józefa Tischnera, Krakow, Poland
⁶University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland


Author for correspondence: Rafał Przybycień; Hapkido Moo Hak Kwan in Poland, European Hapkido Alliance; Zespół Szkół Społecznych nr 7 STO im. ks. prof. Józefa Tischnera, Krakow, Poland; email: hapki77[at]poczta.onet.pl

Full text

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: extreme physical effort and psychical strain are observed during car rallies. Special training is necessary to improve the chances of a success in the sport. The aim of this study was monitoring of specified indicators from perspective of a possible correction of training during several months of driver preparation for the Dakar Rally.

Material and Methods: Individual case study involved characterization of a training of a driver before the 2014 Dakar Rally, repeated physiological tests (aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, reaction to thermal stress), psychomotor tests (coordination motor abilities), psychological tests (temperament, personality, motivation, fear). Analysis of competitive effectiveness was carried out based on official documents of the rally and structured interview with the participant.

Results: We found the desired improvement in capacity induced by the specific training. We also observed substantial improvement in balance and results obtained in visual-motor coordination tests performed with non-dominant limb, which caused equalization of the asymmetry occurring between the left and right limbs. The account of the rally's participant reveals the importance of psychological preparation for events with extreme character.

Conclusions: Since some weaknesses in physical fitness preparation of the driver were found during the first series of the examinations, the driver was administered a comprehensive training plan that improved important indices of aerobic capacity, aspects of coordination and psychological variables expected in racing drivers. From the practical standpoint, training and monitoring of its effectiveness in the next preparatory periods should be continued.

Key words: Dakar Rally, extreme sport, motor sport, post-training adaptations, training monitoring