The Structure of Space Orientation and Motor Adjustment – Computer Supplemented Diagnosis System

The main aim of this research programme was related to the diagnosis of the space orientation and motor adjustment. The first phase of the project included the construction of new diagnostic procedures based on computer technology in order to increase the reliability and validity. To determine the inner structure of the described coordinational abilities the factor analysis was applied what allowed reducing a multivariable phenomenon to a smaller number of hypothetical factors. The aim of the research were expressed as in a way of empirical identification of the abilities of the space orientation and motor adjustment in the area of the human coordinational abilities and to determine their inner structure. The research upon which final assumptions and conclusions were made was conducted on 51 female and 58 male students of Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. The student’s age ranged from 20 to 24 years. The computer evaluation system of the visual aspect of the space orientation and motor adjustment included 8 groups of tests, which possessed from 6 to 8 options. All together space orientation was diagnosed by 20 different testing procedures, which were chosen from 28 available possibilities. These testing procedures allowed to register 98 variables of which 47 were chosen for further analysis based upon validity and reliability criteria. The results the factor analysis allowed excluding and logically interpreting the following properties hierarchically described upon the percent of common variance: 1. Space orientation: speed of orientation, precision of distance evaluation, precision of shape identification, precision of angular evaluation, complex orientation. 2. Motor adjustment: compensatory adjustment, adjustment in running and balancing, adjustment in translatory movements, simple motor adjustment, speed of motor adjustment, retrospective adjustment (only in males).