Mid-season physical fitness profile of interagency hotshot firefighters

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie M. Sell ◽  
Bequi Livingston

The purpose of this study was to generate a physical fitness profile of an interagency hotshot crew mid-way through the wildland fire season. Twenty interagency hotshot crew firefighters completed measures of body composition, aerobic fitness, hamstring flexibility, muscular strength, explosive strength and muscular endurance. Firefighters exhibited 12.9 ± 2.3% body fat, scored 9.4 ± 0.4 min on the 1.5-mile (2.41 km) run, 48.8 ± 5.3 cm on the sit-and-reach test, 63.7 ± 8.2 kg and 58.7 ± 7.6 kg for right- and left-hand grip strength, and 55.9 ± 9.9 cm on the vertical jump. Firefighters scored 45 ± 12 for push-ups, 60 ± 6 for sit-ups and 13 ± 4 for pull-ups. All fitness scores were at or above average compared with sex- and age-corrected norms, and interagency hotshot crew-specific recommendations for completion of the 1.5-mile run, push-up, sit-up and pull-up tests. Although these data provide a cross-sectional gauge of mid-season fitness parameters, it is unclear how the occupational stresses of the job alter common measures of fitness in interagency hotshot crews. Future research may help highlight seasonal fluctuations in physical fitness, and the effect of physical fitness training on fitness parameters throughout the fire season.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
A.M. Aegerter ◽  
S.N. Latif ◽  
M.A. Weishaupt ◽  
B.E. Gubler ◽  
F.M. Rast ◽  
...  

Poor riding performance may be due to medical issues with the horse or a variety of other factors, such as inadequate equipment or deficiencies in training. The physical fitness of the equestrian is one of the most unexplained factors of current research. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the physical fitness of the equestrian and riding performance. 115 equestrians were assessed for physical fitness and riding performance. Seven components of physical fitness (balance, endurance, flexibility, reaction, speed, strength, symmetry) were measured by a physiotherapist using equestrian-specific tests. Based on a video-recorded riding test, individual riding performance was rated by two equestrian judges. The riding test included the horse and rider performing a walk, sitting trot, rising trot and canter in both directions. A linear model for riding performance, including the domains of physical fitness and potential confounders (body-mass-index, riding experience, hours of riding per week, and test-motivation), was fitted to the data. Inter-rater reliability of the judges was investigated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Endurance, reaction and strength were positively associated with riding performance, whereas flexibility had a negative association. The final model could explain 16.7% of the variance in riding performance. The effects of endurance and strength were significant (P<0.05), but not that of reaction. No association with riding performance was found for the components of balance, speed and symmetry. The inter-rater reliability of judges was confirmed to be ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ (ICC=0.9, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.93). Findings suggest that physical fitness is positively associated with riding performance. Fitness-training for equestrians should be included in current training concepts. Future research should investigate whether similar associations exist for junior and elite athletes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiquan Weng ◽  
Chaoge Wang ◽  
Yan Meng ◽  
Guoqin Xu

Objective Through testing and analysis the characteristics of body shape,body composition,bone growth and physical fitness,hemoglobin, testosterone of 6-7 years old female preselected tennis players,the study aim was to provide reference bases for the early selection of female tennis players. Methods A total of 75 female preselected tennis players(initial selection by the coaches) aged from 6 to 7 years were came from Hebei, Hubei, Qinghai and Inner Mongolia province, who came to Research Center for Heath related Physical Fitness Evaluation of Guangzhou Sport University for physical fitness test from July 2016 to July 2018. The height, weight, length of upper limbs, length of lower limbs, iliac width, shoulder width, body fat, muscle mass, bone age,bone mass density(BMD), anaerobic power and PWC170, reaction time, vertical jump, grip strength, hemoglobin, testosterone were measured using related instruments and methods, and calculated derived indicators BMI, iliac width/shoulder width. Data were compared with the national standard of physical health of students and/or evaluated by deviation method,and correlation had been analysed among physical parameters. Results 1)The 75 female preselected tennis players’ aged from 6 to 7 years height and weight were 128.10±5.32cm and 25.70±3.87kg,and there are 47 girls height upper medium grade level, 60% of which weight was at a moderate level, their BMI were 15.48±1.50kg/m2,and all in the normal range, iliac width/shoulder width ×100 was 76.52±7.00, 70.7% 0f which was above medium grade level, the upper and lower limbs were 54.28±3.60cm and 71.68±5.26cm, girls’ PBF were 21.03±6.44, muscle weight were 18.94±3.00kg, BMD were 2.04±2.20, and no low bone strength were fund; Anaerobic power of all female preselected tennis players were 135.93±31.65kg.cm, and the values of the PWC170 relative weight were 10.79±2.56kg.m/min.kg, reaction time were 0.628±0.128s, vertical jump were 21.13±4.95cm, the grip of right and left hand were 10.36±2.15kg and 10.06±2.40kg, the physical fitness parameters above in the upper middle class were more girls than the lower middle class; The hemoglobin content was 132.15±8.70g/L, which was above the normal level (110 -160g/L), the serum testosterone concentration was 1.52±1.20umol/L, which was much higher than that of normal girls (0-0.7umol/L). 2) When age was controlled, there was negative correlation between T and PFB, vertical jump and body weight, PWC170 and reaction time(P<0.05), and there was positive correlation between hemoglobin and muscle weight(P<0.05), height, and vertical jump(P<0.01), muscle weight and anaerobic power(P<0.01),anaerobic power and height,weight,BMI,upper and lower limbs(P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01),PWC170 and vertical jump,the grip of right and left hand(P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05), vertical jump and upper, lower limbs, iliac width/shoulder width(P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01). Conclusions 75 female aged from 6 to 7 years old preselected tennis players’ body shape, physical fitness, physiological and biochemical function were superior to peers, and in those parameters,there were more people in upper middle grade than  lower middle grade. There is a certain correlation between body composition, shape and fitness of female preselected tennis players’ aged from 6 to 7 years.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1911
Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
Manuel Vicente-Martínez ◽  
Laura Miralles-Amorós ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes’ strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However future research should be carried on, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments and food intake registers for a whole week.


Author(s):  
Emine Kutlay ◽  
Fehime Haslofça ◽  
Ercan Haslofça

In order to monitor training effects and physical developments in elite sports, it may be beneficial to perform anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests regularly. In this study, the relationship between the anthropometric properties and physical fitness values of elite figure skating athletes were investigated. 21 elite athletes in the 11-16 age group, female (n=12) and male (n=9), participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken in accordance with The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Σ6 and Σ8 skinfold thickness, body fat ratio (BF%), body mass index (BMI), Manouvrier Index (MI), waist/hip ratio and somatotype components in girls Group II, III and in boys Group II were calculated. Also, balance, flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump, agility, medicine ball overhead back throw, speed, and endurance tests were applied to all groups. Descriptive statistical analyzes were made using the IBM SPSS 25.0 statistics program. The relationship between variables was calculated by the Pearson Correlation coefficient. The significance level was taken as p<0.01 and p<0.05. In boys, body weight, body height and arm span, sitting height, BMI, humerus breadth and foot length were observed to be associated with all physical fitness parameters (p<0.01, p<0.05), except balance and agility; Girth measurements were related to handgrip strength, vertical jump, overhead medicine ball backward throw, speed and endurance (p<0.01, p<0.05). Negative relationships of the endomorphic feature with flexibility and endurance were determined (p<0.05). In girls, it was found that body weight, body height, and arm span, sitting height and BMI were related to flexibility, handgrip strength, medicine ball overhead back throw (p<0.01, p<0.05); girth measurements were found to be related to flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump, overhead medicine ball back throw (p<0.01, p<0.05); also, significant correlations (p<0.01, p<0.05) were found between the handgrip strength and breadth measurements. Assessment of the relationship between morphological features and motor skills with specific field tests and standardized tests performed at regular intervals in athletes can contribute to the athletes' selection and training planning of the relevant federations and orientating towards their goals.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0629/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Atike Yılmaz ◽  
Fatih Mirze

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of adapted play activities on physical fitness in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, the pretest-posttest design with a single experimental group was used. The sample of the study is comprised of 7 students with 7&ndash;13 years of age. In the measurement of physical fitness parameters of children with ASD, height, body weight, flexibility, vertical jump, and right/left hand grasping power tests were performed. SPSS 23.0 program was used. In addition to descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed rank test was used in the comparisons of pretest-posttest measurements. According to the findings of the research, among the physical fitness parameters, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences in the flexibility, vertical jumping, right and left-hand grasping power values, while there was statistically no significant difference concerning the body mass index values. We can mention that the obtained findings demonstrate that play activities lesson program has positive impacts on the physical fitness parameters of children with ASD, and it contributes to their motor developments. Additionally, this research study is considered significant since it leads the way for researchers and teachers of this field and it provides an insight for further studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurlita Tri Ayuningtyas ◽  
Hardhono Susanto ◽  
Suroto Suroto

Badminton athletes should have good physical abilities supported by the suitability of body type (somatotype) as it affects their biomechanics in badminton and performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between Heath Carter somatotype component factors that affect physical fitness. This study was a cross-sectional research design was used with 43 athletes in PB Djarum Kudus who were selected purposively to be the respondents. The data on Heath Carter somatotype was obtained from anthropometric measurements to generate somatotype scores, namely endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy. Cardiorespiratory endurance data were obtained using Balke test, power using vertical jump, and agility using court agility. The somatotype component types of all athletes are central (4.2-4.1-3). Male athletes are of central type (3.5-4-3.5) and females are of mesomorph-endomorph type (5-4-2). Both endomorphy and ectomorphy components showed significant correlation with cardiorespiratory endurance except mesomorphy component. Endomorphy component showed significant correlation with power except for mesomorphy and ectomorphy components. The ectomorphy component with a slender body shape with long arms and legs, low body fat percentage and strong muscle in the arms make it easier for badminton athletes to move in all positions combined.


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