Abstract des Autors

The study deals with the problem of relationship of basic body dimensions and performance in slalom and downhill in alpine skiing. The starting point is a physical expression of a riding speed related to body weight and aerodynamic parameters of a body position. The subjects of the study were men and women at the world highest level performance in downhill and slalom, who ranked no worse than 30th in FIS point list for season 2006/2007 (males: slalom, n = 29, downhill, n = 30, females: slalom, n = 29, downhill, n = 30). We derived weight-height indices BMI and DIF from body height and weight and the differences between sets of downhill and slalom skiers were evaluated using statistical analysis (SPSS, t-test for independent samples). For males, the results showed statistically significant differences in body weight, DIF and BMI, the differences in body height were not significant. As for female skiers, we found lower body height but higher weight in downhill skiers as compared to slalom skiers, and the differences in BMI and DIF were statistically significant. The experimental data obtained from world top-level athletes validated conclusions from the theoretical analysis of a riding speed and the significant influence of basic body dimensions on the performance in downhill and slalom was proven. These results entitle us to claim that basic body dimensions are a significant factor of performance in downhill skiing, which manifests itself only at the world highest level of sports performance. Verf.-Referat