Psychophysiological factors of adaptation in elite Paralympic sprint runners with visual impairments – a case study

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the work was to determine the features of the influence of psychophysiological indices on the result in running for short distances of an elite sportswoman with visual impairments. Methods. The study involved a high-qualified athlete specializing in short-distance running and long jump. Psychophysiological testing of the athlete took place with appropriate optical lenses. Individual characteristics of the psychophysiological state and results in running at 60 m, 80 m, 100 m, 120 m, 150 m, and 200 m during 5 months of 2015 were analysed. Parameters characteristic for determining the psychophysiological state, typological characteristics of the nervous system, indicators of the nervous system working capacity, and attention indicators were analysed with the help of computer programs for psychophysiological testing. On the basis of the results in running and psychophysiological indicators, a factor analysis was carried out with the main components method with Varimax rotation, and multiple regression analysis by the linear model type in a step-by-step method. Results. Four factors were identified in the individual structure of psychophysiological functions and effectiveness in running for short distances. Compensatory mechanisms of visual deficiency were identified maintaining high speed in short-distance running as psychophysiological functions, expressed as indicators characteristic of sprinters and specific indicators (efficiency, strength of the nervous system). Conclusions. On the basis of mathematical models, the strengths of the athlete were highlighted, which tend to develop and also compensate for the inadequacy of the visual analyser.