Standing Regan, Best Russ
Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance, Wintec, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand.
School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK.
J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2019 Jul 25;4(3):48. doi: 10.3390/jfmk4030048.
Polo is an equestrian team sport consisting of four players per team, with level of play determined by cumulative player handicap (-2 to +10 goals), with a higher handicap denoting a better player. There is minimal literature investigating Polo players' physical attributes, hence the understanding of the physical characteristics that may contribute to an improved handicap are unknown. This study sought to identify the relationship between pertinent strength measures (left and right hand grip strength; absolute and relative isometric mid-thigh pull) and reaction time in Polo handicap in 19 New Zealand Polo players, and ascertain whether handicap could be predicted by these measures. Correlation coefficients were expressed using R values, accompanying descriptors and 90% confidence intervals (C.I.). Variance explained was expressed via the R statistic, and statistical significance set at < 0.05. Right hand grip strength, isometric mid-thigh pull values were found to significantly correlate to and explain variance within Polo player handicap (all to correlations; < 0.05). Whereas left hand grip strength (R: 0.380; 90% C.I. -0.011 to 0.670) and reaction time (0.020; -0.372 to 0.406) were non-significant, and correlates and predictors of handicap respectively. Practically, these findings highlight the differing roles between rein and mallet hands of Polo players and emphasise the importance of a strong and stable platform when riding and striking the ball. Lack of association with reaction time may be explained in part by higher handicapped Polo players employing a more proactive approach to the game.
马球是一项团队马术运动，每队由四名球员组成，比赛水平由球员累计让分（-2至+10分）决定，让分越高表示球员水平越高。目前研究马球运动员身体属性的文献极少，因此对于可能有助于提高让分的身体特征尚不清楚。本研究旨在确定19名新西兰马球运动员的相关力量指标（左右手握力；绝对和相对等长中大腿拉力）与马球让分中的反应时间之间的关系，并确定这些指标是否可以预测让分。相关系数用R值、相关描述符和90%置信区间（C.I.）表示。解释的方差通过R统计量表示，统计学显著性设定为<0.05。发现右手握力、等长中大腿拉力值与马球运动员让分显著相关并解释其中的方差（所有相关性；<0.05）。而左手握力（R：0.380；90% C.I. -0.011至0.670）和反应时间（0.020；-0.372至0.406）不显著，分别是让分的相关性和预测指标。实际上，这些发现突出了马球运动员缰绳手和球槌手的不同作用，并强调了骑行和击球时强大而稳定平台的重要性。与反应时间缺乏关联部分原因可能是让分较高的马球运动员对比赛采用了更积极主动的方式。
