Title: About identification of motor predispositions in triathlon Aims: The aim of our study was to find and verify appropriate indicators predicting the on-coming performance in a short triathlon and determine their level for the junior category. Methods: In our study, we combined quantitative and qualitative approaches with a predominance of quantitative methods. In the first phase of the research, we used quantitative methods, confirmatory factor analysis for verification of models of predispositions and elaboration of performance standards for individual tests by means of T-points. In the second part of the research, we used the qualitative method (casuistic studies) to validate the test battery and its application in practice. Results: We have compiled a structural model of motor predispositions for short triathlon, which explained 91% of all cross-correlations of seventeen used indicators. Predispositions for triathlon were categorized into five separate groups; for swimming, cycling and running (i.e. according to individual disciplines), and functional and psychological predispositions. Finding a lower limit boundary of performance in the completed tests is considered to be the most important issue for the assessment of future performance in triathlon. As a lower limit we have set the zone...

Title: About identification of motor predispositions in triathlon Aims: The aim of our study was to find and verify appropriate indicators predicting the on-coming performance in a short triathlon and determine their level for the junior category. Methods: In our study, we combined quantitative and qualitative approaches with a predominance of quantitative methods. In the first phase of the research, we used quantitative methods, confirmatory factor analysis for verification of models of predispositions and elaboration of performance standards for individual tests by means of T-points. In the second part of the research, we used the qualitative method (casuistic studies) to validate the test battery and its application in practice. Results: We have compiled a structural model of motor predispositions for short triathlon, which explained 91% of all cross-correlations of seventeen used indicators. Predispositions for triathlon were categorized into five separate groups; for swimming, cycling and running (i.e. according to individual disciplines), and functional and psychological predispositions. Finding a lower limit boundary of performance in the completed tests is considered to be the most important issue for the assessment of future performance in triathlon. As a lower limit we have set the zone...

Over the past two decades there has been an upsurge in interest in structural equation modelling (SEM). Applications abound in the social sciences and econometrics, but the use of this multivariate technique is not so common in public health research. This dissertation discusses the methodology, the criticisms and practical problems of SEM. We examine actual applications of SEM in public health research. Comparisons are made between multiple regression and SEM and between factor analysis and SEM. A complex model investigating the utilization of antenatal care services (ANC) by migrant women in Belgium is analysed using SEM. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the results found and on the use of SEM in public health research. Structural equation modelling is recommended as a tool for public health researchers with a warning against using the technique too casually. / Mathematical Sciences / M. Sc. (Statistics)

Over the past two decades there has been an upsurge in interest in structural equation modelling (SEM). Applications abound in the social sciences and econometrics, but the use of this multivariate technique is not so common in public health research. This dissertation discusses the methodology, the criticisms and practical problems of SEM. We examine actual applications of SEM in public health research. Comparisons are made between multiple regression and SEM and between factor analysis and SEM. A complex model investigating the utilization of antenatal care services (ANC) by migrant women in Belgium is analysed using SEM. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the results found and on the use of SEM in public health research. Structural equation modelling is recommended as a tool for public health researchers with a warning against using the technique too casually. / Mathematical Sciences / M. Sc. (Statistics)