The reliability, validity and usefulness of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test for cardiorespiratory fitness assessment in military personnel.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) in soldiers. The 34 infantry members of the Slovenian armed forces were recruited as participants. Participants performed the continuous incremental treadmill test (TR), a 2-mile run (2MR) test, and two 30-15IFT tests. Additionally, participants were divided into a highest-scoring group (HSG) and a lowest-scoring group (LSG) based on their scores on the Army Physical Fitness Test. A very high reliability ratings were observed for 30-15IFT measures, as follows: end-running speed (ERS) ERSIFT (ICC = 0.971), maximal heart rate (HRmax) HRmaxIFT (IC = 0.960), and maximal relative oxygen consumption (VO2max) VO2max-IFT (ICC = 0.975). Although 30-15IFT measures demonstrated high correlations (r = 0.695-0.930) to the same measures of TR test, ERS, HRmax and VO2max were higher in the 30-15IFT (p > 0.05). Furthermore, ERSIFT and predicted VO2maxIFT were higher in HSG compared to LSG, whereas HRmax did not differ. The results of this study show that the 30-15IFT test is a reliable, valid and useful tool for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in the armed forces. Moreover, the ERS and predicted VO2max values derived from the 30-15IFT could be considered more sensitive markers of combat readiness than the parameters derived from the TR and 2MR tests.Trial registration number: NCT05218798.

Application of the Laser Linear Distance-Speed-Acceleration Measurement System and Sport Kinematic Analysis Software.

The industrial development of technology, with appropriate adaptation, enables us to discover possibilities in sport training control. Therefore, we have developed a new approach to linear running analysis. This study aims to determine the measurement possibilities using an LDM301A laser system in obtaining basic kinematic parameters. The second goal is the application of specialized computer programs based on appropriate algorithms to calculate a vast number of variables that can be used to adjust the training and the rivalry. It is a non-invasive, non-contact measurement method. We can also determine the influence of both subjective and objective external factors. In this way, we can also conduct training with real-time scientific feedback. This method is easy to use and requires very little time to set up and use. The efficiency and running economy can be calculated with various time, speed, acceleration, and length indexes. Calculating the symmetries between the left and right leg in velocity, stride lengths, support phase times, flight phase times, and step frequency are possible. Using the laser measurement method and detailed kinematic analysis may constitute a new chapter in measuring speed. However, it still has to compete with classic photocell measurement methods. This is mainly due to their high frequency of measurement used, despite some reservations about the scale of measurement errors.

Comparative biomechanical analysis of the rotational shot put technique.

The study aimed to establish the modalities of the rotational shot put technique of two elite shot putters with substantially different constitutional characteristics. A biomechanical analysis of the technique was carried out using the APAS 3-D kinematic system, whereby a 15-segment model of shot putters was defined by 18 reference points. To enable the calculation of the kinematic and dynamic parameters, independent routines were programmed by the Matlab software. Anthropometric characteristics were established on the basis of 15 variables measured by the International Biological Programme (IBP) procedure. The results of the study revealed some differences between the athletes in terms of their mesomorphic constitutional component, body mass index, circular measures of the lower and upper extremities and the muscular, fat and bone mass. The technique models of both shot putters differ mostly in terms of the following kinematic and dynamic parameters: absolute release velocity, height of release, maximum angular velocity of the elbow of the throwing arm, trajectory of the centre of gravity of the body and the shot, torsional rotation of the shoulder axis relative to the hip axis, maximum force applied to the shot, kinetic energy and the kinetic energy differential of the shot.

Comparative analysis of selected biomechanic characteristics between a support backward swing and support swing for the 1 1/4 straddle-piked forward salto on the parallel bars.

The aim of our research was to study the relationships between performance variables in a support backward swing (SBS), which was used as a progressive step in the learning procedure for a 1 1/4 straddle-piked front somersault and the swing prior to a 1 1/4 straddle-piked front somersault from support to bent arm support on the parallel bars (5/4S). Mitja Petkovsek, parallel bars gold medallist at the 2000 EC in Bremen, performed these elements. Kinematic analysis involved CMAS software (Praha, 1993), and the Suskana body segment model that has 17 points and 15 segments. Kinetic variables were estimated using 2D IMGIM software, which has 8 points and 6 segments (Colja and Cuk, 1994). The results indicated that some kinematic aspects of the two types of swings were similar but there were important differences in kinetic aspects of the motion. During the swing for the 5/4S, force and torque were higher than in the SBS.