Comparisons and Intercorrelations of Physical Performance Variables of Operational Preparedness in Special Operations Forces

ABSTRACT Introduction Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) deploys teams of operators (OP) and enablers (EN) to accomplish special operations missions. OP and EN are required to train and deploy together to accomplish these missions; however, they have different training and selection pipelines. Advanced strength and conditioning training strategies are applied to both OP and EN to enhance physical preparedness; however, it is unclear how the selection pipeline of these two personnel types affects overall physical preparedness and the relationships between performance variables. The purpose of this study is to gain a greater understanding of the relationships of a wide array of physical preparedness variables in OP and EN in an effort to streamline testing and training strategies. Materials and Methods For this study, 155 male (82 OP, 73 EN) MARSOC personnel (age: 29.5 ± 4.9 years, mass: 87.9 ± 11.1 kg, height: 1.79 ± 0.07 m) completed a physical preparedness assessment that included a DEXA assessment of body composition (BF%), 27.4 m sprint (30 yd), countermovement jump (VJ), 5–10–5 pro-agility (Agility), medicine ball toss (UBP), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and a 30 second (AnC) and 5 minute (AC) non-motorized treadmill run. Independent samples t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Spearman’s Rank correlations were used to compare variables between OP and EN. Results OP demonstrated greater VJ, UBP, IMTP, AnC, and AC (P < 0.05); and significantly lower BF% and agility time (P < 0.05). Measurements of mass, height, body mass index, and 30 yd were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Weak to moderate correlations were seen between anthropometric and performance variables. OP and EN demonstrated similar correlations for most performance and anthropometric variables. Conclusions These results suggest that MARSOC OP demonstrate better physical preparedness over EN, while similar trends are observed between performance variables. Tests with moderate to high correlations may be removed from the protocol to account for testing time constraints. Height, weight, and BF% variables are poorly correlated with performance, particularly in OP, questioning their value in physical performance assessments in this population.

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Effects of Mission Preparation on Crew Combat Mission Training Performance

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181397041002103 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 1185-1189

Author(s):

V. Alan Spiker ◽

Robert T. Nullmeyer ◽

Steven J. Tourville ◽

Denise R. Silverman

Keyword(s):

Empirical Data ◽

Strong Relationship ◽

Planning Period ◽

Training Performance ◽

Special Operations ◽

Mission Success ◽

Special Operations Forces ◽

Mission Training ◽

And Performance ◽

The Relationship

Although military doctrine assumes that thorough mission preparation is a prerequisite for mission success, empirical data are lacking. The present study investigated the relationship between mission preparation and mission performance during combat mission training of 11 MC-130P (Combat Shadow) aircrews from USAF Special Operations Forces squadrons. Two observers independently rated crew coordination processes and mission performance based on extensive observations taken both during a planning period and while the crews executed a simulated mission. Statistically, a reliable, strong relationship between preparation and performance was noted, with correlations ranging from .60 to .78. Exceptional preparation behaviors include utilizing personnel effectively, establishing a firm timeline, aggressively questioning a plan's assumptions, and testing a plan's logic against possible contingencies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the characteristics of effective mission preparation and implications of the research for combat mission training.

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Body composition and performance variables differences in female volleyball players by agegroup and playing position

Brazilian Journal of Kinanthropometry and Human Performance ◽

10.1590/1980-0037.2019v21e60131 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Lucas Samuel Tessutti ◽

Samuel da Silva Aguiar ◽

Gustavo De Conti Teixeira Costa ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Ricardo Franco Lima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Mass ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Age Groups ◽

Young Female ◽

Abdominal Muscles ◽

Performance Variables ◽

Explosive Power ◽

Volleyball Players ◽

And Performance ◽

Shuttle Run

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the age and inter- and intra-position differences in the anthropometric variables and physical performance in young female players of Brazilian women's volleyball. Fifty-eight female volleyball players participated, divided into 3 age groups: (a) 14 and under (n=20; mean age = 12.6±0.7 years), (b) between 14 and 17 (n=31; mean age = 15.6±1.2 years), and (c) over 17 (n=7; mean age = 18.9±0.9 years). In addition, the players were also divided according to their positions: setters (n=7), opposites (n=13), passer-hitters (n=17), middle blockers (n=12) and liberos (n=9). Anthropometric characteristics, flexibility, strength / resistance abdominal muscles, pushups, explosive power of the arms, jumping abilities, shuttle run and 20-m sprint tests were evaluated. Analyses showed differences among age and playing positions for the height and bone mass (p<0.05). In the fitness assessment, no differences were found between playing positions (p>0.05). However, differences were found among for age groups horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint, with players >17 performing better than <14 and between 14-17 years of age (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that the height, bone mass and horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint are age dependent, while physical performance independent on the playing positions.

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SELECTION OF TALENTS IN HANDBALL: ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-869220172305141727 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (5) ◽

pp. 361-365 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Juan José Fernández-Romero ◽

Helena Vila Suárez ◽

Jose María Cancela Carral

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Maturation Stage ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Performance Variables ◽

Detection Model ◽

Counter Movement Jump ◽

Key Factor ◽

And Performance ◽

Study Participants ◽

Shuttle Run

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anthropometric and physical performance parameters that determine competitive levels in handball need to be carefully studied to identify which of them can bring the optimal contribution when the talents for this sport are selected. Objective: To identify which anthropometric and physical performance variables evaluated in the basic categories (infantile, under-15 and cadet, under-17) have the greatest influence on professional levels attained by male and female handball players throughout their sports careers. Method: A total of 145 handball players (75 males and 70 females) participated in the study. Participants were initially evaluated during the season 1998-99 and their performance levels were supervised until March 2013. The resulting data were classified according to the performance level (regional n = 109; national n = 36), gender, and category (infantile, cadet). Results: The MANCOVA analysis indicated that the player’s maturation stage is one of the main parameters to be accounted for when selecting the variables that should configure a talent detection model for handball, which is also conditioned by sex. Anthropometric variables are highly influential in the case of male players, while physical performance variables (squat jump, counter movement jump, counter movement jump with arm, 10x5m shuttle run, 20 m shuttle run, and VO2 max) have a similar effect in males and females. Conclusion: The study of changes occurring in anthropometric and physical performance variables may yield useful information to detect talents in handball, and maturation is a key factor to choose the most appropriate variables.

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