This study investigated the test-retest reliability of the countermovement-jump (CMJ) test using Kistler force plates to assess explosive power in top-level para-karate athletes with intellectual impairment (II) or Down syndrome (DS). Forty-four athletes (II, n = 20; DS, n = 24) were evaluated during the 2023 World Karate Championships. Each performed two CMJs with a 1-min rest between. Key parameters measured included jump height, force index, and maximal rate of force development. Results showed no significant differences between test and retest for either group. Athletes with II exhibited better reliability metrics (e.g., intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .381-.953) compared with DS (ICC = .029-.64). The study concludes that the CMJ test is highly reliable for assessing explosive power in athletes with II, while DS requires careful protocol adjustments to enhance reliability, ensuring consistent data for coaches and sport scientists.

• Klíčová slova
• Down syndrome, disability sport, explosive power, jump height,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE: Para-karate has been gaining popularity rapidly; however, scientific research on the subject remains limited. This study aims to examine the kata preferences at top-level para-karate events and explore the relationship between sport class (type of impairment) and kata selection. METHODS: Data was collected from nine events-four World Para-Karate Championships (2016, 2018, 2021, 2023) and five European Para-Karate Championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023). A total of 906 katas were performed: 567 by males and 339 by females. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: Top-level para-karate athletes utilized 62 katas (61%) from the official WKF list (102 katas). The most popular katas were Gojushiho Sho (19.9%), Unsu (11.5%), Kanku Sho (9.5%), Suparinpei (6.7%), and Jion (6.2%). A significant relationship was found between sport class and kata selection (p ≤ 0.05). The most popular kata for K30 was Unsu (15%), while K10 and K21 + K22 classes predominantly chose Gojushiho Sho (16.6% and 30.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Kata selection for para-karate athletes is influenced by the type of impairment. Intellectually impaired athletes and their coaches often select a single, challenging kata with a balanced fast-to-slow movement ratio, such as Gojushiho Sho, to optimize performance.

• Klíčová slova
• Classification, Down syndrome, Intellectual impairment, Physical impairment, Visual impairment,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to describe the practices and perspectives of Czech football coaches regarding the monitoring of players' training load and physical performance, with a focus on identifying key barriers and preferred sources of information. METHODS: A total of 235 football coaches completed an online survey comprehending training load monitoring methods, physical performance assessments, barriers to implementation, and information sources. RESULTS: Among respondents, 93.7% reported monitoring training load, with training diaries (70%) being the most utilized method for external load measures and heart rate (45%) for internal load. Despite this, 42.7% of coaches did not monitor internal load and 21.7% did not conduct physical fitness evaluations. The most frequently reported barrier was a lack of resources (74.5%), though elite-level coaches (52.8%) and strength and conditioning coaches (75%) identified human resources as their primary limitation. Across all levels, the Football Association was the preferred source of information (61.7%). CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the predominance of traditional monitoring practices among the Czech football coaches, alongside with notable gaps in internal load tracking and fitness evaluation. The resource constraints remain a major barrier. Practical recommendations include promoting economical monitoring tools, such as RPE, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders to improved monitoring strategies. The Football Association's play a key role on support these efforts.

• Klíčová slova
• football, performance, team sports, training, workload,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH