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Feng D, Li L, Xu Q, Li T. Evaluating the impact of a combined aerobic and strength training intervention on the physical performance of male Chinese People's Liberation Army air force pilots. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32177. [PMID: 38947478 PMCID: PMC11214463 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact of a 16-week combined training program on the physical performance of 20 male Air Force pilots, with an average age of 31.87 ± 2.75 years, body mass of 76.33 ± 0.79 kg, and height of 175.55 ± 3.65 cm. This intervention encompassed both aerobic and strength training, involving six weekly training sessions. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their initial physical performance levels to explore potential baseline influences on post-intervention adaptations. The study measured changes in estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), maximal strength, muscular endurance, and long jump performance before and after the training program. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences over time in theV ˙ O2 max (F = 86.898; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.821), handgrip strength right hand (F = 160.480; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.894), handgrip strength left hand (F = 102.196; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.843), squat maximal strength (F = 525.725; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.965), push-ups (F = 337.197; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.974), sit up (F = 252.500; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.930) and standing long jump (F = 521.714; p < 0.001;η p 2 = 0.965). In conclusion, the 16-week combined training regimen significantly enhanced the physical performance of Air Force pilots, regardless of their initial performance levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeSen Feng
- ChengDu Sports Univ, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Huaqiang secondary, Renshou 620500, PR China
| | - Qi Xu
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - TingYu Li
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdańsk, Poland
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Schram B, Kukić F, Janković R, Dimitrijević R, Žigić G, Orr R, Koropanovski N. Effects of a single-day pre-academy physical test training session on physical fitness scores of police candidates. Work 2024; 77:1369-1375. [PMID: 38251087 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns are sometimes raised by police applicants undertaking physical fitness testing that they were unfamiliar with the test requirements which in turn negatively impacted their performance. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single day physical test training session on physical fitness scores of police candidates. METHODS The sample consisted of female police candidates (n = 133) who attended a pre-academy training session. On the first day of pre-training, candidates' physical fitness was measured following official assessment day protocols. Measures included maximal handgrip strength, number of push-ups in 10 sec (PU), number of sit-ups in 30 sec (SU), standing long jump (SLJ), Abalakow jump test (AJ), 12 min Cooper running test (CT), and a motor educability test (ME). After the assessment, the overseeing UCIPS staff provided a detailed test skills briefing to candidates (e.g., common mistakes made during testing, how test performance could be improved, etc.). Immediately after the briefing, candidates performed the tests once again. Differences between results were measured using a paired samples t-test with significance set at 0.05. RESULTS Paired sample t-tests determined significant (p < 0.001), large (Rank-Biserial Correlation = 1.00), improvements in physical fitness scores during the second assessment following familiarisation and feedback on test performance. CONCLUSION Pre-academy training may be effective in improving candidates' physical fitness scores, in most tests, prior to the official assessment for the enrolment to police studies. Thus, to optimise initial candidate scores and opportunities for successful enlistment, police agencies may benefit from providing pre-assessment training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Schram
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, GoldCoast, Australia
| | - Filip Kukić
- Police Sports Education Centre, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rade Janković
- University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rasa Dimitrijević
- University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Žigić
- University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Robin Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, GoldCoast, Australia
| | - Nenad Koropanovski
- University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia
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Martin J, Toczko M, Lockie RG. Individual responses to the implementation of mandatory fitness testing within a fire department. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:455-461. [PMID: 37258271 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of implementing a consequential fitness assessment (pull-ups, curl-ups, push-ups, 3 min step test) in a fire department on an individual level. METHODS We used a repeated-measures design to analyse fitness assessment data from 2019 to 2020 in Northern Virginia. A total of 631 professional firefighters completed the fitness assessment in both years. Repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVAs) and multiple regression modelling were used to examine the effects of the fitness assessment and factors associated with changes in fitness, respectively. RESULTS Overall all aspects of fitness improved over the first year of implementation with a majority of firefighters improved on all components of the fitness assessment except for pull-ups (16.1% improved). Greater levels of baseline fitness and being female were negatively associated with changes in all fitness measures. Older firefighters had smaller changes in pull-up, curl-up and push-up performance. CONCLUSIONS During the first year of fitness assessment implementation, the fire department generally improved. The findings suggest that fire departments which enforce mandatory fitness assessments must establish policies for dealing with inadequate performance and offer resources to aid individual firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Martin
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Toczko
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Robert G Lockie
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California, USA
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Laroche MA, Chassé É, Théoret D, Lalonde F, Comtois AS. Assessment of Training Load, Sleep, Injuries, and Operational Physical Performance During Basic Military Qualification. Mil Med 2023; 188:e2018-e2025. [PMID: 36355828 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimizing training load (TL) and sleep is essential to maximize physical performance and prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) for Canadian forces recruits during the 10-week basic military qualification (BMQ) course. The purpose of this study was to assess the TL, sleep duration, the occurrence of MSKIs during the BMQ, and the operation fitness performance during the BMQ. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty Canadian recruits, eight females and 32 males, (age 24 ± 5 years; height 176.4 ± 10.4 cm), were monitored with an accelerometer (GENEActiv) on their wrist between weeks 1 and 9 to evaluate the TL and sleep duration. During weeks 2 and 10, the recruits completed an operational fitness evaluation. Injury surveillance was performed over 10 weeks. RESULTS TL intensity was significantly different (P = 0.0001) from week to week. The weekly average total time of moderate and vigorous physical activity was 189.7 ± 48.1 min and 44.7 ± 15.2 min, respectively. The average sleep duration was 5.4 ± 0.4 h per night and decreased to 4.2 h ± 0.4 during field exercises. A significant difference in sleep duration was observed between recruits with and without a MSKI. The recruits accumulated a total of 95 days under medical restrictions with an average of 3.8 consecutive days. The VO2peak estimated from the Fitness for Operational Requirements of Canadian Armed Forces Employment job-based simulation test significantly improved from weeks 2 to 10 (pre, 47.1 ± 6.3; post: 50.2 ± 5.8; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TL is of high magnitude and varies from week to week. The reported mean sleep duration per week may perhaps negatively impact the occurrence of MSKI. No significant improvement was detected in operational fitness by the end of the BMQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Andrée Laroche
- Personnel Support Program, Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Richelain, QC J0J 1R0, Canada
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Étienne Chassé
- Human Performance Research and Development, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J7, Canada
| | - Daniel Théoret
- Human Performance Research and Development, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J7, Canada
| | - François Lalonde
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Alain-Steve Comtois
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
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Bajić S, Veljović D, Bulajić BĐ. Impact of Physical Fitness on Emergency Response: A Case Study of Factors That Influence Individual Responses to Emergencies among University Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2061. [PMID: 37510503 PMCID: PMC10379190 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there is a direct correlation between the physical fitness of the general population, specifically students, and the response times to fire-emergency-related building evacuations and to identify which physical fitness factors more significantly influenced emergency movement times. (2) Methods: In this quantitative investigation, 21 students (both men and women of the same age) volunteered to participate. We first evaluated their physical fitness; then, we analyzed their reaction times and speed. (3) Results: The results of this study revealed a relationship between emergency response times and evaluations of muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscle power, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. The physically active group demonstrated a stronger initial response (i.e., a shorter time to reach a safe location) to fictitious emergency scenarios. The reduction in the necessary response time did not, however, appear to be related to the degree of flexibility. (4) Conclusions: This study showed how physical fitness might alter initial emergency response times and lessen the effects of a disaster on the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senka Bajić
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dragoljub Veljović
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Lovćenska 16, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- RISE Lab, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Borko Đ Bulajić
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Prontenko KV, Okhrimenko IМ, Yevdokimova OO, Mannapova KR, Filonenko VM, Tverdokhvalova IL, Bondarenko LO. PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION OF CADETS' PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND PHYSICAL READINESS FOR COMBAT STRESS. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2023; 76:1450-1456. [PMID: 37463381 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202306118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To investigate the impact of special physical training sessions on the formation of cadets' psychological resilience and physical readiness for the stress factors of future professional and combat activities. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: The research involved 96 cadets (men) in the 2nd training year of S. P. Koroliov Zhytomyr Military Institute (Ukraine) aged 18-20 years, who were divided into two groups: the experimental (E, n = 47) and the control (C, n = 49). The cadets of the E group studied according to the authors' program, and the C group cadets - according to the existing program. Cadets' psychological resilience was studied using psycho-diagnostic methods aimed at assessing their volitional qualities. Cadets' physical fitness was assessed by the tests of general and special physical training. RESULTS Results: It was found that the level of general physical training of the E and the C group cadets was significantly the same (p > 0.05) at the end of the research but in terms of special physical training and psychological readiness, the E group cadets had all indicators significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) better than those of the C group. CONCLUSION Conclusions: It has been proved that the special physical training sessions conducted according to the authors' program were more effective than the existing program in forming cadets' physical readiness and psychological resilience for stress factors of future professional and combat activities.
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Massuça LM, Santos V, Monteiro LF. Identifying the Physical Fitness and Health Evaluations for Police Officers: Brief Systematic Review with an Emphasis on the Portuguese Research. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071061. [PMID: 36101439 PMCID: PMC9312045 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Police health and physical fitness are essential for improving quality of life and police skills. This review aims to identify and analyze international and Portuguese studies that have investigated the relationships between various aspects of physical fitness as specified by job descriptions and to understand the health-related requirements of police officers. This will help to select the most used fitness measures and health-related parameters for police officers and improve training curricula for these occupational groups. Abstract This review aims (i) to identify and analyze the most used physical fitness tests for police officers (from international and Portuguese studies) and (ii) to understand the health-related physical fitness requirements according to the job descriptions of police officers. A total of 29 studies were included. Eighteen were from around the world and eleven were related to Portuguese police officers. All studies showed acceptable methodological quality in the assessment of physical fitness, and the most used fitness components were muscular strength, endurance, power, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, flexibility, and agility. For the analysis of health parameters, they are insufficient at the international level, while at the Portuguese level we have an acceptable sample. We try to analyze the relationship between physical fitness and health, but the studies conducted so far are insufficient. This review provides summary information (i) to help select the most used fitness measures and health-related parameters for police officers, and (ii) that will serve as a starting point for evaluating the relationship between the health and physical fitness of police officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís M. Massuça
- ICPOL Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-352 Lisbon, Portugal; (V.S.); (L.F.M.)
- CIDEFES, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: or or ; Tel.: +351-967033079
| | - Vanessa Santos
- ICPOL Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-352 Lisbon, Portugal; (V.S.); (L.F.M.)
- CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Luís F. Monteiro
- ICPOL Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-352 Lisbon, Portugal; (V.S.); (L.F.M.)
- CIDEFES, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
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Biomechanical and Psychological Predictors of Failure in the Air Force Physical Fitness Test. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10040054. [PMID: 35447864 PMCID: PMC9030411 DOI: 10.3390/sports10040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical fitness is a pillar of U.S. Air Force (USAF) readiness and ensures that Airmen can fulfill their assigned mission and be fit to deploy in any environment. The USAF assesses the fitness of service members on a periodic basis, and discharge can result from failed assessments. In this study, a 21-feature dataset was analyzed related to 223 active-duty Airmen who participated in a comprehensive mental and social health survey, body composition assessment, and physical performance battery. Graphical analysis revealed pass/fail trends related to body composition and obesity. Logistic regression and limited-capacity neural network algorithms were then applied to predict fitness test performance using these biomechanical and psychological variables. The logistic regression model achieved a high level of significance (p < 0.01) with an accuracy of 0.84 and AUC of 0.89 on the holdout dataset. This model yielded important inferences that Airmen with poor sleep quality, recent history of an injury, higher BMI, and low fitness satisfaction tend to be at greater risk for fitness test failure. The neural network model demonstrated the best performance with 0.93 accuracy and 0.97 AUC on the holdout dataset. This study is the first application of psychological features and neural networks to predict fitness test performance and obtained higher predictive accuracy than prior work. Accurate prediction of Airmen at risk of failing the USAF fitness test can enable early intervention and prevent workplace injury, absenteeism, inability to deploy, and attrition.
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Decker A, Hilton B, Dawes J, Lockie R, Orr RM. OUP accepted manuscript. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:960-966. [PMID: 35274122 PMCID: PMC9357344 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Decker
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | | | - Jay Dawes
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Robert Lockie
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Robin M Orr
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +61-468-646-027; e-mail:
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