Effects of the Foam Massage Roller on VEGF-A and FGF-2 Blood Levels in Young Men.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Angiogenesis induced in muscles or massaged tissue is thought to support their regeneration and performance. Therefore, different methods that could promote angiogenesis are investigated. The aim of this study was to examine whether the use of the foam roller massager for lower limb muscles affects VEGF-A and FGF-2 levels in young men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 60 healthy young men attending Military University of Land Forces, Wroclaw, Poland. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group included 40 individuals who performed self-massage of the lower limbs using a foam roller. The control group comprised 20 individuals who did not perform massage. Massage was applied to lower limb muscles four times a week for seven weeks. Blood was collected before the experiment and after weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. ELISA was used to determine changes in VEGF-A and FGF-2 levels in blood serum. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated a significant increase in VEGF-A serum levels in the group of individuals who underwent massage each week compared to VEGF-A concentrations before the experiment. The increase in VEGF-A levels in the experimental group was observed throughout the experiment compared to the control group. No significant changes in serum FGF-2 levels were found. CONCLUSION: The use of a foam massage roller increased VEGF-A serum levels, which may indicate stimulation of angiogenesis.

Factors Influencing the Executive Functions of Male and Female Cadets.

Executive functions (EFs) are related to human abilities that allow individuals to achieve planned goals, contribute to creativity and the analysis of new ideas, and allow for adaptation to new situations in daily life. Thorough analyses of the factors affecting EFs can aid in the development of appropriate training programs for various social and professional groups, including the military. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the EFs of cadets (18 women and 108 men) studying at a military academy in Poland after the first and second terms of military training, and to investigate gender differences in the level of EFs, shooting performance (SP), and components of physical fitness (PF). The Neuropsychological Color Trails Test (CTT-2) was used to determine some of the EFs of the test subjects. Meanwhile, the level of SP was represented by the score achieved during marksmanship training implemented during military training. Assessment of the subjects' PF was guided by the principles of the Health-Related Fitness assessment concept, i.e., health-related fitness. Differences between men and women in specific variables were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples, whilst the relationship between variables was analyzed using the best subset regression method. The results revealed that cadets' EFs were influenced by their SP and their level of strength. However, there were no significant differences between male and female cadets in the levels of EFs or SP.

Executive Function Level in Cadets' Shooting Performance.

Executive functions (EF) are crucial to a person's unique abilities, enabling one to achieve goals, adapt to new situations and manage social interactions. EF are also very important for the effective performance of military tasks including the shooting performance (SP) of soldiers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EF with SP and gender differences in the level of these traits among cadets of the General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces in Wroclaw i.e., 156 persons (19 females and 137 males). The level of EF and processes related to attention was measured with usage of the Color Trails Test (CTT-1 and CTT-2). SP was assessed on the basis of scores from four different small arms and rifle shootings at a fixed target and at emerging targets. The relations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Spearman correlation. The variation in the mean values of CTT scores and SP of men and women was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The results of the present study did not reveal any significant differences between women and men in the level of EF and SP. The key finding of the present study is that the higher SP of males in all shooting events of the study and of females in pistol shooting were significantly correlated with higher executive functions.

Alternating Attention and Physical Fitness in Relation to the Level of Combat Training.

The level of combat training (CT) of the future commander-leader is of critical importance to the armed forces in national defense. This study aimed to search for the relationship between the level of alternating attention, physical fitness and shooting accuracy (SA), and academic achievements in practical military subjects (PMS). The study group consisted of 137 cadets of the Military University of Land Forces. The measure of alternating attention in the study was the Color Trails Test results. Motor components were assessed by measuring hand static strength, endurance run, and time of a speed and agility run. SA and PMS were taken as measures of cadets' CT. Significantly higher PMS were associated with higher levels of strength and better endurance in cadets. The physical fitness of the cadets did not significantly affect the cadets' SA. The main result of the study is the revelation of the level of alternating attention as a strong determinant of cadets' SA. The authors suggest that the main emphasis should be put on the physical preparation of a modern soldier, focused on the development of strength and endurance skills. It is also reasonable to introduce cognitive stimulation exercises to shooting training.

Influence of Physical Fitness and Attention Level on Academic Achievements of Female and Male Military Academy Cadets in Poland.

A professional soldier should be characterized not only by high physical fitness but also by high intellectual and cognitive skills. Therefore, it is important to focus on the future commanding cadre-cadets that are educated in military academies. The aim of the study was to look for correlations between the level of physical fitness and attention and academic achievements (AA) in different subjects among cadets studying at military academies. The research group consisted of students of a military academy in Poland, i.e., 228 cadets, including 31 women and 197 men. Correlations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation. Correlations between AA and somatic parameters and motor components were analysed using optimal regression, using the best subset method. A statistical difference was found between men and women in terms of the level of somatic and motor development; men also performed significantly better in practical military subjects. In the female group, dominant hand strength is a significant determinant of AA in civilian and theoretical military subjects. The findings suggest the need for specialized training aimed at bridging the major differences in physical fitness between men and women by placing greater emphasis on muscle strength development.