scholarly journals Changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics differ between female and male recruits during the Finnish military service

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001513
Author(s):  
Matti Santtila ◽  
K Pihlainen ◽  
J Vaara ◽  
K Tokola ◽  
H Kyröläinen
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Military Training ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Training Programmes

IntroductionMilitary training programmes are often similar for male and female recruits despite sex differences in physical performance that may influence training adaptations during military service. The present study aimed to compare changes in physical fitness and anthropometrics between Finnish female and male recruits during military service.MethodsA total of 234 690 male and 3549 female recruits participated in fitness tests at the beginning and end of military service between 2005 and 2015. Anthropometric measurements were body mass, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Fitness tests consisted 12 min running, standing long jump, and sit-ups and push-ups.ResultsNo changes were observed in anthropometrics, while both sexes improved most of the fitness test results. After adjustment for service time, branch, age, initial fitness test results, BMI and WC, improvement in running test performance was 158 m (95% CI 142 to 173, p≤0.001) greater in male than female recruits. Similarly, improvements were larger in male recruits for push-ups (5 reps/min, 95% CI 5 to 6, p≤0.001), sit-ups (2 reps/min, 95% CI 2 to 3, p≤0.001) and standing long jump (12 cm, 95% CI 11 to 13, p≤0.001) when compared with women.ConclusionsThe study revealed sex differences in adaptations to the standardised military training. Both male and female recruits improved their physical fitness, but smaller gains were observed in women using the same training programme. The mechanisms explaining sex differences in adaptations to military training, and whether tailored training programmes are needed specifically for female recruits to reduce sex differences during military service, warrants further studies.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Cognitive Abilities among Youths Practicing Football

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1371
Author(s):  
Wojciech Paśko ◽  
Maciej Śliż ◽  
Mariusz Paszkowski ◽  
Janusz Zieliński ◽  
Klementyna Polak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Hand Eye Coordination ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Run Test

The aim of the study was to assess selected cognitive abilities depending on age, anthropometric parametres, physical fitness and technical skills in the group of young players training football. The study covered a group of 258 young players practicing football (age: 12.1± 2.03), who were divided into 5 age categories (8–9 years old, 10–11 years old, 12–13 years old, 14–15 years old, 16–17 years old). Selected cognitive abilities include: simple reaction time (SIRT), complex reaction time (CHORT), hand-eye coordination (HECOR) and spatial orientation (SPANT). Studies were performed using Test2Drive computer tests. In addition, the level of physical fitness was measured using: The standing long jump, 30 m sprint, 20 m shuttle run test (without and with the ball) and slalom (without and with the ball). The analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between age and cognitive abilities. There was also a statistically significant correlation between fitness tests and reaction time in individual cognitive tests. There were no statistically significant relationships between technical skills and cognitive abilities. The study confirms that age and physical fitness affect the level of cognitive abilities.

scholarly journals Physical Training of Candidates to Professional Military Service in Lithuanian Armed Forces

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (86) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelijus Savonis ◽  
Algirdas Čepulėnas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Military Training ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Complex Test ◽  
Military Physical Fitness ◽  
General Physical ◽  
Training Programmes

Research  back  ground  and  hypothesis.  There  is  a  basic  military  training  course  (BMT)  carried  out  in  the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The aim of this course is to train soldiers for military service that they were able to perform individual tasks and acquire basic military preparation. There is a lack of research dealing with the effect of physical training programmes in military training courses on the changes in soldiers’ physical fitness. We hypothesize that in the course of military training physical fitness of would-be soldiers improves.Research aim was to analyse the structure and content of the BMT programme and the effect of its implementation on the changes in physical fitness for would-be soldiers.Research methods: literature review, analysis of military physical training programmes, physical fitness testing.Research results. During the first testing only 26.8% of would-be soldiers achieved the standards of physical fitness complex test, and during the second testing the standards of the complex test of physical fitness were achieved by 89.5% of service people. In the period of the course VO 2 max and Roufier index improved (p  < 0.001). Indices of physical fitness and functional capacity improved more in the first half of the course. At the end of the course the results of adapted military physical fitness of service people were worse compared to the results of their general physical fitness.Discussion and conclusions. The program of general physical training was effective, but more attention should be paid to the improvement of adapted military physical fitness programme aiming at better results. During the basic military training course physical fitness and functional capacity of candidates improved and at the end of the course it reached the normative level of physical fitness.Keywords: physical fitness, adapted military physical fitness, basic military course, testing.

scholarly journals Comparison of adolescents with different annual quota of Physical Education classes in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness tests, and grades achievements

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Vedran Džakula ◽  
◽  
Zvonko Miljković ◽  
Leo Pavičić ◽  
Brigita Banjac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
School Year ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Academic Year

This study compared different groups yearly based on the different annual quota of Physical Education (PE) classes in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness tests, and grades achievements. The study included adolescents from 14 to 18 years of age, at the Croatian Industrial School in Slavonski Brod. They were 225 participants in the 2015-2016 academic year, 213 in 2016-2017, 200 in 2017-2018, and 318 in 2017-2018. Groups were determined yearly by the different annual quota of PE classes (1 or 2 per week) in the teaching program. Anthropometric measures (body height, body weight, BMI), physical fitness tests (standing long jump, sit-ups, run for 1000 m), grade in the PE class, and the general achievement grade at the end of the school year were conducted. Data collected from the 2015-2016 until the 2018-2019 academic year. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the differences between groups for each school year separately. Results for sit-ups and run for 1000 m test in 2015-2016, BMI in 2018-2019, and the grade of PE class in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic year indicated significant differences between groups (p<0.05). The groups with 2 PE classes per week were made better results compared to the groups with 1 PE class. Therefore, increasing the number of PE classes per week should be necessary for achieving the positive, beneficial, physical, and mental outcomes of Physical Education.

The Influence of Familiarization on Physical Fitness Test Results in Primary School-Aged Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Vrbik ◽  
Goran Sporiš ◽  
Lovro Štefan ◽  
Dejan Madić ◽  
Nebojša Trajković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Test Results ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Jump Test ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Familiarization Session

Purpose:The number of familiarization sessions in fitness assessments seems to be critical and inconsistent. Therefore, the primary aim of this research was to determine the number of familiarization attempts that stabilize the results in particular physical fitness tests. The secondary aim was to establish the test reliability through familiarization sessions.Methods:Thirty-nine primary school children participated in this research (age: 10.8 years, body mass: 40.6 ± 8.9 kg, and body height: 145.3 ± 7.2 cm). During six sessions, with one session every third day, participants performed the following tests to assess explosive strength (vertical jump and standing long jump), coordination (polygon backward and polygon with turn) and flexibility (toe touch).Results:The results of repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant increases (p < .05) in the polygon backward and polygon with turn performances from the first to third familiarization session. The standard error of measurement decreased as sessions progressed, indicating little within subject variation between the coordination test results following a familiarization period. Statistically significant differences were identified in the vertical jump test from the fourth test session compared with the first session. On the other hand, statistically significant differences for the standing long jump test were only found in the final session compared with the initial session. In the toe touch test, there were no significant increases from the first to the final familiarization session. All tests showed high a reliability coefficients, ranging from 0.979 to 0.991.Conclusion:Polygon backward and polygon with turn performance may be a practical, reliable method to assess coordination in primary school-aged children. However, completion of at least 3 practice sessions is suggested for participants to obtain a stable score. In addition, both jump tests are feasible for assessing skill-related fitness in young children, although the scientific reliability of the two tests should be questioned and the tests should be tailored to fit the age group of the children.

scholarly journals Retrospective Cohort Analysis of the Army Physical Fitness Test and the Occupational Physical Assessment Test in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets: A Brief Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (7-8) ◽  
pp. e937-e943
Author(s):  
Cathryn Draicchio ◽  
Joel R Martin ◽  
Marcie B Fyock-Martin ◽  
Justin J Merrigan
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Officer Training ◽  
Physical Fitness Test ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Reserve Officer Training Corps ◽  
Training Corps

ABSTRACT Introduction Because of the physical fitness requirements of Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) within the US Army, fitness testing batteries have been developed. The Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) has been used for determining occupation assignment and is meant to assess upper and lower body muscular power, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity. The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is a general fitness assessment meant to test upper and lower body muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Comparisons of the two testing batteries as well as evaluation of potential sex differences are missing from current literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the sex differences in APFT and OPAT performances, as well as the relationship between the APFT and OPAT individual test events. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis, approved by the university’s institutional review board, was conducted on a sample of 90 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (men, n = 72, age = 19.7 ± 2.2 years, height = 1.79 ± 0.21 m, mass = 75.18 ± 12.38 kg; women, n = 18, age = 19.8 ± 2.2 years, height = 1.63 ± 0.09 m, mass = 65.56 ± 9.03 kg) from the Fall 2018 semester. The cadets completed the APFT (maximal push-ups, maximal sit-ups, 2-mile run) and OPAT (standing long jump, seated power throw, a deadlift test, and interval aerobic run) protocols per army standards. Analysis of variance assessed sex differences and correlation coefficients were computed to examine the strength of relationships between individual test events (p &lt; 0.05). Results All APFT and OPAT event performances were lower in women compared to men (p &lt; 0.05), except the sit-up test (p = 0.382). Seated power throw (Z = 2.285; p = 0.011), 2-mile run (Z = 1.97; p = 0.024), and strength deadlift (Z = 1.783; p = 0.037) were more highly correlated to push-up than aerobic interval run. The standing long jump (Z = 1.741; p = 0.041), power throw (Z = 3.168; p = 0.001), strength deadlift (Z = 2.989; p = 0.001), and shuttle run (Z = 2.933 p = 0.002) were less correlated with the sit-up than 2-mile run. The interval aerobic run was more related to the 2-mile run than the power throw (Z = 1.809, p = 0.035). Compared to the aerobic interval run, the standing long jump (Z = 2.969, p = 0.001) and strength deadlift (Z = 4.237, p &lt; 0.001) were more related to the seated power throw. Conclusions Sex differences and varied relationships among individual events on two common military fitness test batteries were observed. Lower performances on APFT and OPAT by women may suggest the need to evaluate potential training methods to assist women in reaching their desired MOS. Further, individual OPAT events displayed weaker relationships compared with the relationships among individual APFT event, suggesting a greater degree of redundancy among the events on the APFT. Therefore, the combination of APFT and OPAT may offer a greater opportunity to measure physical fitness capabilities as related to various military job performance tasks.

scholarly journals Исследование динамики уровня физической подготовленности студентов аграрного вуза к сдаче нормативов комплекса «ГТО» в процессе обучения

2019 ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
S.D. Glazunenko ◽  
G.I. Plyushchev
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Physical Culture ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Batting Average ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Index Level

Проведено исследование динамики физической подготовленности обучающихся аграрного вуза основной медицинской группы с 1го по 3й курсы к сдаче нормативов комплекса ГТО в процессе занятий физической культурой и спортом. Для исследования физической подготовленности обучающихся была разработана методика, основу которой составили нормативы Всероссийского физкультурноспортивного комплекса ГТО , как научно обоснованные и характеризующие жизненно важные физические качества человека. Полученные результаты тестирования по 8ми нормативам комплекса ГТО (сгибаниеразгибание рук в упоре подтягивание на перекладине упражнение на гибкость прыжки в длину с места двумя ногами кросс (юноши 3 км, девушки 2 км) бег на 100 м челночный бег (310 м) метание гранаты) были обработаны с использованием математикостатистических методов, затем были определены средние значения показателей в отдельных видах контрольных испытаний. Нами был определён интегральный индекс (уровень) физической подготовленности обучающихся 1 3 курсов (юношей и девушек) как сумма средних значений результатов по 8ми видам контрольных упражнений, выраженных в очковом эквиваленте. Установлено, что как юноши, так и девушки показали положительную динамику роста уровня физической подготовленности к сдаче нормативов комплекса ГТО . Девушки в пределах средних значений показателей (уровень бронзового значка ), юноши от среднего до уровня выше среднего (от бронзового до серебряного значка). Практическая значимость данного исследования заключается в том, что с помощью разработанной методики можно определить уровень физических качеств и уровень интегральной физической подготовленности обучающихся к сдаче нормативов комплекса ГТО в процессе обучения в вузе. Это даёт возможность вносить коррективы в организацию учебного процесса.The research of the dynamics of physical fitness of students of an agricultural university of the main medical group from the 1st to the 3rd courses for passing the standards of the GTO complex in the process of physical training and sports was carried out. To study the physical fitness of students a methodology was developed the basis of which was the standards of the AllRussian Physical Culture and Sports Complex GTO, as scientifically substantiated and characterizing the vital physical qualities of a person. The obtained test results according to the 8 standards of the GTO complex (dip up chinups mobility exercises standing long jump crosscountry run (young men 3 km, young women 2 km) 100meters race shuttle run (3 times 10 m) grenade throwing were processed using mathematical and statistical methods then the average values of indicators in certain types of control tests were determined. We determined the integral index (level) of physical fitness of students of 13 courses (young men and women) as the sum of the average values of the results for 8 types of control exercises expressed in points equivalent. It was established that both boys and girls showed positive dynamics of growth in the level of physical fitness for passing the standards of the GTO complex. Young women were within the average values of indicators (level of the bronze GTO Pin) young men from batting average to higher than batting average (from the bronze to silver GTO Pin). The practical implications of this research lie in the fact that with the help of the developed methodology it is possible to determine the level of physical qualities and the level of integral physical fitness of students for passing the standards of the GTO complex in the process of learning at a university. This makes it possible to make allowances to the organization of the educational process.

scholarly journals Inter-Limb Jump Asymmetries and Their Association with Sport-Specific Performance in Young Male and Female Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7324
Author(s):  
Max I. Phukan ◽  
Rohit K. Thapa ◽  
Gopal Kumar ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Helmi Chaabene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Specific Performance ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Level Of Agreement

This study aimed to examine inter-limb jump asymmetries and their association with sport-specific performance in young swimmers. Thirty-eight (male, n = 19; female, n = 19) regional/national level young swimmers (age: 12.3 ± 1.2 years; height: 159.6 ± 8.2 cm; body mass: 52.5 ± 9.2 kg) participated in this study. Inter-limb asymmetries were assessed for single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) and single-leg standing long jump (SLSLJ). Sport-specific performance was evaluated using front crawl (i.e., 50 m and 25 m) and front crawl kick (i.e., 50 m and 25 m). The kappa coefficient revealed a “slight” level of agreement (Κ = 0.156, 0.184, and 0.197 for female, male, and all, respectively) between the direction of asymmetry for SLCMJ and SLSLJ, indicating that asymmetries rarely favored the same limb during both tests. A paired sample t-test showed a significant difference (p = 0.025) between asymmetry scores obtained in SLCMJ and SLSLJ. No significant difference was found in asymmetry scores between males and females (p = 0.099 to 0.977). Additionally, no association between asymmetry scores and sport-specific performance was observed (p > 0.05). Our findings highlight the independent nature of inter-limb asymmetries derived from SLCMJ and SLSLJ among young male and female swimmers. Further, our results suggest no association between jumping asymmetries and sport-specific performance.

scholarly journals Effect of Mixed Basic Military Training on the Physical Fitness of Male and Female Soldiers

2017 ◽  
Vol 182 (7) ◽  
pp. e1771-e1779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola S. Wood ◽  
Catharina C. Grant ◽  
Peet J. du Toit ◽  
Lizelle Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Military Training ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Soldiers

CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF FITNESS AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN FROM FIRST-GRADE SWIMMING CLASSES COMPARED TO PEERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (79) ◽  
pp. 71-84
Author(s):  
Hanna Żukowska ◽  
Mirosława Szark-Eckardt
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Training Group ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Hand Strength ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Strength Measurement ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump

Introduction. In the changes occurring in competitive sport, proper choice and selection for sport and the age of starting the training are of great importance. Aim. Determining the magnitude of changes in physical fitness and physical development of first-grade children practicing swimming in relation to the non-training peers. Material and methods. The study included two groups of children - the first one was a children practicing swimming (26 boys and 23 girls) and the second one was a non-training class (26 boys and 23 girls). In both groups, MTSF trials were conducted in September and June. The results of the study focused on three aspects: the evaluation of sexual dimorphism, the identification of differences and their direction between groups and sex. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in physical development among children who practiced swimming. There were statistically significant differences in body heights in the non-training group - only in the first study (boys – 120.30; girls – 117.86) also in body weight in the first study (boys – 24.57; girls – 21.22) and also in the second study (boys – 26,80; girls – 22,83). In the assessment of physical fitness, in the group of children training swimming, sexual dimorphism was found in: standing long jump (only in the first study boys – 151,65, girls – 134,96); hand strength measurement (only in the first study boys – 23.5; girls – 19,36); bent arm hang, both in the first study (boys – 13,40; girls – 7,70) and also in the second study (ch-14,46; dz-6,31); forward stretches (only in the first study boys – 5; girls – 1.34); 4x10m run both in the first study (boys – 14,54; girls – 15,23) and also in the second study (boys – 13,66; girls – 15,11). Whereas, in the control group in: standing long jump (also only in the first study boys – 107.78; hand strength measurement in both the first study (boys – 18,95; girls – 12,26) as in the second study (boys – 12,09; girls – 12,77); bent arm hang (only in the first study (boys – 8.21; girls – 3.02); forward stretches in both the first (boys – 2,43; girls – 1,30) as in the second study (boys – 3,30; girls – 2,19). Conclusions. In both groups, boys as well as girls reported statistically significant changes in physical development, which is a normal symptom of growth, but only in the group of girls a statistically significant increase in BMI occured. In evaluating swimming training and its effect on fitness, it can be stated that the boys were positively influenced by such tests as (bent arm hang and sit-ups) and negatively by 50 m and 600 m run. On the other hand, among girls: positive only in the sit-ups test, and negative, as in the group of boys in at 50 m and 600 m run. In the group of girls, it was also noted that the trainees, despite the fact that in the first study achieved a significantly better result in the bent arm hang test, in the second attempt they obtained a considerably weaker result, while the non-training girls in the second measurement achieved a statistically better result than the first one.

Effects of Drop Height on Jump Performance in Male and Female Elite Adolescent Handball Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 674-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaf Prieske ◽  
Helmi Chaabene ◽  
Christian Puta ◽  
David G. Behm ◽  
Dirk Büsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peak Height ◽  
Height Velocity ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Drop Height ◽  
Peak Height Velocity ◽  
Adolescent Athletes ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Split Time

Purpose: To examine the effects of drop height on drop-jump (DJ) performance and on associations between DJ and horizontal-jump/sprint performances in adolescent athletes. Methods: Male (n = 119, 2.5 [0.6] y post-peak-height velocity) and female (n = 120, 2.5 [0.5] y post-peak-height velocity) adolescent handball players (national level) performed DJs in randomized order using 3 drop heights (20, 35, and 50 cm). DJ performance (jump height, reactive strength index [RSI]) was analyzed using the Optojump Next system. In addition, correlations were computed between DJ height and RSI with standing-long-jump and 20-m linear-sprint performances. Results: Statistical analyses revealed medium-size main effects of drop height for DJ height and RSI (P < .001, 0.63 ≤ d ≤ 0.71). Post hoc tests indicated larger DJ heights from 20 to 35 and 35 to 50 cm (P ≤ .031, 0.33 ≤ d ≤ 0.71) and better RSI from 20- to 35-cm drop height (P < .001, d = 0.77). No significant difference was found for RSI between 35- and 50-cm drop height. Irrespective of drop height, associations of DJ height and RSI were small with 5-m-split time (−.27 ≤ r ≤ .05), medium with 10-m-split time (−.44 ≤ r ≤ .14), and medium to large with 20-m sprint time and standing-long-jump distance (−.57 ≤ r ≤ .22). Conclusions: The present findings indicate that, irrespective of sex, 35-cm drop heights are best suited to induce rapid and powerful DJ performance (ie, RSI) during reactive strength training in elite adolescent handball players. Moreover, training-related gains in DJ performance may at least partly translate to gains in horizontal jump and longer sprint distances (ie, ≥20-m) and/or vice versa in male and female elite adolescent athletes, irrespective of drop height.

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