Effects of a single-day pre-academy physical test training session on physical fitness scores of police candidates.

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.

Effects of Occupational Load on the Acceleration, Change of Direction Speed, and Anaerobic Power of Police Officers.

ABSTRACT: Kukic, F, Jankovic, R, Dawes, JJ, Orr, R, and Koropanovski, N. Effects of occupational load on the acceleration, change of direction speed, and anaerobic power of police officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1237-1243, 2023-Police officers engage in movements such as foot pursuits, sudden directional changes, or prolonged sprinting while wearing occupational loads (including body armor, baton, radio, handcuffs, and sidearm). This study investigated the effects of incrementally heavier loads carried by police students on their physical performance. Police students ( n = 63; male n = 39 male and 24 female students) performed an acceleration over a 10-m distance (Acc 10m ), Illinois agility test (IAT), and 300-yard shuttle run test (ShR 300y ) without load, with a 5-kg load (handgun, spare empty magazine, baton, and handcuffs), and with a 10-kg load (loaded vest). The effects of different load conditions were investigated for both sexes using a repeated-measure analysis of variance and Cohen's effect size. Female students carried relatively heavier loads and were slower than male students in Acc 10m , IAT, and ShR 300y . Load significantly ( p < 0.001) impaired the performance in Acc 10m , IAT, and ShR 300y in both sexes, but the effects were greater ( p < 0.001) among female police students. A load as little as 5 kg was sufficient to reduce Acc 10m , IAT, and ShR 300y among police students. Increasing the load to 10 kg (i.e., wearing the body armor) did not significantly affect Acc 10m and IAT among male students, but it did affect Acc 10m and IAT among female students. Sprint endurance (i.e., ShR 300y ) was strongly affected by both loads regardless of sex. Strength and conditioning programs should focus on strength, power, and anaerobic endurance to improve performance while carrying occupational loads. Occasional training with loads similar to those at work may further ensure that officers are fit for purpose.

Physical Activity as a Means to Improve Subjective Vitality of University Students.

Purpose: This study compared physical self-concept and subjective vitality of police, physical education, and psychology students. Moreover, the study investigated whether students who reported a higher level of physical activity differently rated physical self-concept and subjective vitality and whether physical activity was associated with subjective vitality. Methods: The study sample included 422 university students (249 females) from three state academic institutions: University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies (n = 165), Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (n = 156) and Faculty of Psychology (n = 101). The mean age was 20.85 ± 3.59 years. They completed a physical self-description questionnaire, the subjective vitality scale, and a physical activity questionnaire using the Survey Monkey platform. Multivariate analysis of variance investigated the differences in physical activity, physical self and vitality, while regression analysis investigated the association of physical self and physical activity with subjective vitality. Results: Police students and physical education students reported higher levels of physical activity and perceived higher their own physical self and subjective vitality than psychology students. From the whole sample, students who were sufficiently physically active also scored higher on physical self-concept and subjective vitality. There was a significant association of physical activity level with subjective vitality. Conclusion: Physical activity was directly associated with students' subjective evaluation of their own health. It can be concluded that students should aim to attain a minimum of 150 min per week of physical activity. Students and faculties should be involved in the attainment of minimal levels of physical activity. This could improve students' subjective perception of self, along with objective measures of health and wellbeing.

Muscle Contraction Adaptations in Top-Level Karate Athletes Assessed by Tensiomyography.

BACKGROUND: This paper aimed to compare the involuntary stimulated neuromuscular response of thigh muscles in top-level karate athletes and recreational groups. METHODS: The study included 13 male karate athletes (KAs) and 14 non-athlete male individuals (NAs). Tensiomyographic (TMG) measurements were obtained from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between KAs and NAs in knee extensor/flexor delay time (Td), contraction time (Tc), total contraction time (Tct), maximal radial displacement of the muscle belly (Dm) and rate of muscle tension development (RMTD). On a group level, KA dominant-leg extensors and flexors and also non-dominant-leg knee flexors had significant differences when compared to NA. Tct is a TMG parameter in which the KAs and NAs differ the most in the case of the knee extensors, while flexor muscles differ the most in the RMTD parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The lower Tct values indicate an improved ability of top-level karateka to make fast contractions of the agonist muscles. KAs' higher RMTD values suggest on strength characteristics needed in breaking actions of the antagonist muscles. Existence of contraction-relaxation-contraction neuromuscular pattern in the RF muscle suggests on implementation of training strategies that involves both rapid muscle contractions and relaxations.

Effects of Maximal and Submaximal Anaerobic and Aerobic Running on Subsequent Change-of-Direction Speed Performance among Police Students.

Change-of-direction speed (CODS) directly impacts success in sports, police, and military performance. Movements requiring CODS are often preceded by aerobic or anaerobic running. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of maximal and submaximal anaerobic and aerobic running on subsequent CODS performance. A sample of 50 police students (42% female and 58% male) performed a maximal 300-yard shuttle run test (SR300y) and a 2.4-km Cooper test (CT2.4km) at maximal effort and also at 95, 90, 85, 80, and 75% of maximal effort. CODS was assessed using the Illinois Agility Test (IAT) immediately following each intensity level of each test at 12 separate testing sessions. To avoid fatigue, the period between each consecutive session was a minimum of 3 days. Paired samples t-tests were used to determine the differences between the two conditions (anaerobic lactic and aerobic) and for the IAT. A repeated measure analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to analyze partial effects of different running intensities on the IAT. A significant reduction in speed was observed between the initial IATmax time and the IATmax time after performing the SR300y at intensities of 95, 90, 85, and 80% of maximal speed on this test. IAT performance was significantly slower when performed after the CT2.4km at 95 and 90% of maximal aerobic speed. The effects of the SR300y on the IAT were significantly greater than the effects of the CT2.4km. No significant differences were found by sex. Building up to 90% intensity, anaerobic running has a greater negative impact on subsequent CODS performance than does aerobic running.

Association between perceived stress, coping profile and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic among male and female police students.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was a sudden unknown stressor that could cause fear among people. Police officers were in the front lines, often unknowingly in direct contact with infected individuals, thus fear of getting infected (i.e., fear of COVID-19) could be higher in this population. Police students are preparing for the job of police officers and how they cope with a sudden unknown situation could be of importance for job performance and their mental health if such a situation occurs. This study aimed to investigate the association of perceived stress and coping strategies with fear of COVID-19 in police students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Perceived stress scale-10, Brief COPE, and Fear of COVID-19 (FSV-19) were administered to 340 police students (female = 183 [53.82%] and male = 157 [46.18%]). Correlation analysis was applied to test the association between perceived stress, all dimension of coping and fear of COVID-19. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to investigate between-gender differences. For mediating and moderating effect of coping primary coping style were used. RESULTS: MANOVA reviled that significant differences occurred in perceived stress, 3 primary coping styles and fear of COVID-19 based on a gender. Stepwise regression analysis extracted the most significant predictors of fear of COVID-19. Perceived stress was the strongest predictor in general and in both genders. Denial and self-distancing were significant coping subscales in males, while humour and denial were significant in females. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived stress and coping strategies that students used to deal with the situation moderately defined their fear of COVID-19 outbreak, with perceived stress being the strongest predictor. Med Pr. 2022;73(3):179-90.

Specific Physical Ability Prediction in Youth Basketball Players According to Playing Position.

This study investigated the hierarchical structure of physical characteristics in elite young (i.e., U17-U19) basketball players according to playing positions. In addition, their predictive value of physical characteristics was determined for the evaluation of players' physical preparedness. Sixty elite male basketball players performed 13 standardized specific field tests in order to assess the explosive power of lower limbs, speed, and change-of-direction speed. They were divided into three groups according to playing positions (guard [n = 28], forward [n = 22], center [n = 10]). The basic characteristics of the tested sample were: age = 17.36 ± 1.04 years, body height = 192.80 ± 4.49 cm, body mass = 79.83 ± 6.94 kg, and basketball experience = 9.38 ± 2.10 years for guards; age = 18.00 ± 1.00 years, body height = 201.48 ± 3.14 cm, body mass = 90.93 ± 9.85 kg, and basketball experience = 9.93 ± 2.28 years for forwards; and age = 17.60 ± 1.43 years; body height = 207.20 ± 3.29 cm, body mass = 104.00 ± 9.64 kg, and basketball experience = 9.20 ± 1.62 years for centers. For all playing positions factor analysis extracted three factors, which cumulatively explained 76.87, 88.12 and 87.63% of variance, respectively. The assessed performance measures were defined as significant (p < 0.001), with regression models of physical performance index (PPINDEX). PPINDEX of guards = -6.860 + (0.932 × t-test) - (1.656 × Acceleration 15 m) - (0.020 × Countermovement jump); PPINDEX of forwards = -3.436 - (0.046 × Countermovement jump with arm swing) - (1.295 × Acceleration 15 m) + (0.582 × Control of dribbling); PPINDEX of centers = -4.126 + (0.604 × Control of dribbling) - (1.315 × Acceleration 15 m) - (0.037 × Sargent jump). A model for the evaluation of physical performance of young basketball players has been defined. In addition, this model could be used as a reference model for selection procedures, as well as to monitor the efficacy of applied training programmes within the short, medium and long-term periodization.

Moving Past the One-Size-Fits-All Education-Training Model of Police Academies to the Self-Prescribed Individualized Exercise Prescription Model.

Law enforcement agencies generally employ the "one-size-fits-all" education-training model. Its effectiveness compared to alternative training models has been under scrutiny. Physical fitness scores of Serbian male (n = 98) and female (n = 79) police cadets during their yearly evaluation were compared. Cadets trained for the first 3 years with the "one-size-fits-all" model. In the fourth year, they self-prescribed an individualized exercise program based on the obtained curriculum knowledge. A two-way MANOVA revealed a significant effect of academic years on combined variables (p < 0.001) and significant differences between academic years for deadlift, half squat, standing long jump, sit-ups and 12-min Cooper test time (p < 0.001). Sex also had a significant main effect on combined variables (p < 0.001) with males outscoring females on all of the fitness assessments. For pull-ups, there was a significant year * sex interaction (p = 0.01) with the third year to be pivotal for female and male performance, respectively. In conclusion, the use of a "one-size-fits-all" model, presented differences in physical fitness scores between the years one to three, pointing to its questionable effectiveness. On the contrary, the self-prescribed individualized exercise program of the fourth year elicited greater fitness scores, indicating the need to evaluate the applicability of such a training model more.

Use of IMU in Differential Analysis of the Reverse Punch Temporal Structure in Relation to the Achieved Maximal Hand Velocity.

To achieve good performance, athletes need to synchronize a series of movements in an optimal manner. One of the indicators used to monitor this is the order of occurrence of relevant events in the movement timeline. However, monitoring of this characteristic of rapid movement is practically limited to the laboratory settings, in which motion tracking systems can be used to acquire relevant data. Our motivation is to implement a simple-to-use and robust IMU-based solution suitable for everyday praxis. In this way, repetitive execution of technique can be constantly monitored. This provides augmented feedback to coaches and athletes and is relevant in the context of prevention of stabilization of errors, as well as monitoring for the effects of fatigue. In this research, acceleration and rotational speed signal acquired from a pair of IMUs (Inertial Measurement Unit) is used for detection of the time of occurrence of events. The research included 165 individual strikes performed by 14 elite and national-level karate competitors. All strikes were classified as slow, average, or fast based on the achieved maximal velocity of the hand. A Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant general differences in the order of occurrence of hand acceleration start, maximal hand velocity, maximal body velocity, maximal hand acceleration, maximal body acceleration, and vertical movement onset between the groups. Partial differences were determined using a Mann-Whitney test. This paper determines the differences in the temporal structure of the reverse punch in relation to the achieved maximal velocity of the hand as a performance indicator. Detecting the time of occurrence of events using IMUs is a new method for measuring motion synchronization that provides a new insight into the coordination of articulated human movements. Such application of IMU can provide additional information about the studied structure of rapid discrete movements in various sporting activities that are otherwise imperceptible to human senses.

Perceived and Measured Physical Fitness of Police Students.

The physical fitness of police officers needs to support good health and physical performance. Physical fitness comprises a considerable amount of training for police students who are to become police officers. However, to what degree police students are able to perceive their fitness level and differentiate between health-related and performance-related physical fitness is unknown. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of differentiation between health-related and performance-related physical fitness using physical self-concept and measured indicators of physical fitness. The second aim of this study was to investigate the association between components of physical self-concept and measured indicators of physical fitness of police students. The sample of 177 police students of both sexes (98 males and 79 females) completed a 40-item physical self-description questionnaire and their physical abilities were assessed for handgrip strength, standing long jump, 30 s sit-ups, and 12-min running. Principal component analysis established health-related and performance-related physical fitness from both perceived and measured physical fitness measures. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the perceived and measured physical fitness. Results suggest small to moderate ability to recognize the level of certain physical abilities, indicating the association between psychological mechanisms and biological functioning.

Differences in Body Composition across Police Occupations and Moderation Effects of Leisure Time Physical Activity.

This study investigated differences in the body composition of police officers from different occupational groups and the moderation effects of leisure time physical activity (LTPA). A sample of 237 police officers (special anti-terrorist unit, gendarmerie, firefighters, and general duties) participated in the study. Body mass index (BMI), percent of body fat (%BF), percent of skeletal muscle mass (%SMM), and index of hypokinesia (IH) were assessed using a multichannel bioelectric impedance analyzer and officers reported the amount of LTPA using an international physical activity questionnaire. The sample was divided in three groups relative to LTPA, sedentary (0-149 min/week), moderately active (150-299 min/week), and very active (300+ min/week). Multiple analysis of variance (4 × 3) was used to analyze if occupational groups differed based solely on occupation, if officers from the same occupation differed in muscularity and fatness based on LTPA, and if any differences in body composition occurred between officers from different occupations with the same level of LTPA. Police officers from more physically demanding occupations demonstrated lower %BF and IH, while having higher %SMM. This was also observed among the officers of the same occupation who reported a higher LTPA, while officers who reported very high LTPA had similar body composition.

Indicators of Absolute and Relative Changes in Skeletal Muscle Mass during Adulthood and Ageing.

This study aimed to explore the set of variables related to skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in both sexes, and to create age- and sex-related models of changes in SMM, using the most representative indicator of muscular status. Body composition was assessed in 8733 subjects (♀ = 3370 and ♂ = 5363), allocated into subsamples according to age: 18-29.9, 30-39.9, 40-49.9, 50-59.9, 60-69.9, and 70.0-79.9 years. Nine variables were used: protein mass, protein percent, protein mass index, SMM, percent of SMM, SMM index, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, and protein/fat index. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA and MANOVA) were used to determine between- and within-sex difference in all variables by age. Correlation analysis established the relationship between age and muscularity variables. Principal Component Analysis extracted the variables that loaded highest in explaining muscularity, while regression analysis determined the linearity of association between the age and indicators of muscular status. Variables SMMI and PSMM were extracted as the most sensitive to age, with SMMI being gender-independent while showing the parabolic and sinusoidal form of change as function of ageing in males and females, respectively; and PSMM being sex-dependent while showing a linear trend of decrease in both sexes.

Association of sex-related differences in body composition to change of direction speed in police officers while carrying load / Asociación de diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en la composición corporal para cambiar la velocidad de dirección de oficiales de policía durante el transporte de carga

Regardless of sex or body size, police tasks may require officers to change direction speed (CODS) under occupational loads. The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition and CODS in female and male police cadets in both unloaded and occupationally loaded conditions. Body composition and CODS of 51 female (FPC) and 70 male police cadets (MPC) were assessed. Six body composition indices were used: Body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), percent of skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), protein fat index (PFI), index of hypokinesia (IH), and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI). The CODS was assessed by Illinois Agility Test (IAT) and IAT while carrying a 10-kg load (LIAT). An independent sample t-test was used to identify the differences between the sexes. The regression determined associations between body composition and LIAT. The alpha level was set at p < 0.05 a priori. MPC had significantly higher (p < 0.001) BMI, PSMM, PFI and SMMI and lower PBF and IH than FPC. MPC were also faster in IAT and LIAT, carrying lower relative loads that imparted less of an impact on CODS performance. Body composition was strongly associated with the time to complete LIAT (R2 = 0.671, p < 0.001). Difference in relative load and body composition influenced CODS performance in both unloaded and loaded conditions. Thus, optimizing body composition through increasing skeletal muscle mass and reducing fat mass could positively influence unloaded and loaded CODS performance and improve elements of police task performance.

El trabajo policial puede requerir que los oficiales cambien la velocidad de dirección (CVD) bajo cargas ocupacionales, indistintamente del sexo o tamaño corporal. El propósito de este estudio fue investigar la composición corporal y los CVD en cadetes de policía de ambos sexos, tanto en condiciones de descarga como de trabajo. Se evaluaron la composición corporal y los CVD de 51 mujeres (CPF) y 70 cadetes de policía masculinos (CPM). Se utilizaron seis índices de composición corporal: índice de masa corporal (IMC), porcentaje de grasa corporal (PGC), porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética (PMME), índice de grasa proteica (IGP), índice de hipocinesia (IH) e índice de masa muscular esquelética (IMME). El CVD fue evaluado por Illinois Agility Test (IAT) y IAT mientras transportaba una carga de 10 kg (LIAT). Se usó una prueba t de muestra independiente para identificar las diferencias entre los sexos. La regresión determinó asociaciones entre la composición corporal y LIAT. El nivel alfa se estableció en p <0,05 a priori. CPM registraron un IMC, PMME, PGC y IMME significativamente más altos (p <0,001) y PGC e IH más bajos que las mujeres (CPF). Los CPM también fueron más rápidos en IAT y LIAT, llevando cargas más bajas, las que tuvieron un impacto menor en el rendimiento de CVD. La composición corporal estaba asociada con el tiempo para completar LIAT (R2 = 0,671, p <0,001). La diferencia en la carga relativa y la composición corporal influyeron en el rendimiento de CVD tanto en condiciones descargadas como cargadas. Por lo tanto, la optimización de la composición corporal a través del aumento de la masa del músculo esquelético, y la reducción de la masa grasa podrían influir de manera positiva en el rendimiento de CVD descargados y cargados, mejorando el rendimiento del trabajo policial.

Effects of a psychological skill training program on anxiety levels in top karate athletes / Efeitos de um programa de treino de habilidade psicológica sobre os níveis de ansiedade em atletas de caratê de elite / Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de habilidad psicológica sobre los niveles de ansiedad en atletas de karate de élite

ABSTRACT Introduction To achieve an improvement in self-regulation, and consequently competitive performance, it is necessary to evaluate psychological skills training programs. It was hypothesized that the introduction of autogenic training and guided imagery could bring about positive changes in anxiety and self-confidence, as compared to regular training and competitive activities. Objective To investigate the effects of a psychological skills training program on the optimization of anxiety and self-confidence. Methods Twenty-four athletes from the Serbian national karate team were divided into experimental (EXP) and control (CON) groups. During eight weeks, both groups underwent an identical karate training and competing program. The program was adapted for top karate athletes according to their daily routines and the specific demands of the activity. In addition, the EXP group underwent the psychological skills training program, based on autogenic training and guided imagery. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 was used to measure the multidimensional construct of the state of anxiety, and the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 to assess individual ability to imagine movements. Results Repeated measures ANOVA results indicated a difference in anxiety levels between the EXP and CON groups after the intervention. Further analysis indicated a decrease in cognitive anxiety and an increase in self-confidence among participants from the EXP group. Conclusion The applied psychological skills program had a positive effect on anxiety optimization and self-confidence levels in top karate athletes. As emotional self-regulation is also crucial for athletes of other sports, the implementation of this intervention can be recommended, provided that it is adapted to the specific characteristics of each sport. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatments results.

RESUMO Introdução Para a melhoria da autorregulação e, consequentemente, do desempenho competitivo, faz-se necessário avaliar os programas de treino das habilidades psicológicas. Foi formulada a hipótese de que os treinos autogênico e de visualização guiada poderiam induzir alterações positivas na ansiedade e na autoconfiança, quando comparados à prática das atividades regulares de treino-competição. Objetivo Investigar os efeitos de um programa de treino de habilidades psicológicas na otimização da ansiedade e da autoconfiança. Métodos Foram divididos em Grupos Experimental (EXP) e Controle (CON) 24 atletas da equipe nacional de caratê da Sérvia. Ao longo de 8 semanas, ambos os grupos foram submetidos a um programa de treino e competição idêntico. O programa foi adaptado para atletas de elite de caratê de acordo com suas rotinas diárias e as demandas específicas da modalidade. Adicionalmente, o grupo EXP participou do programa de treino de habilidades psicológicas, baseado no treino autogênico e na visualização guiada. Foram utilizados o Inventário de Estado de Ansiedade Competitiva-2, para medir o constructo multidimensional do estado de ansiedade, e o Questionário de Imagens de Movimento-3, para avaliar a habilidade individual para imaginar os movimentos. Resultados Os resultados da ANOVA por medidas repetidas indicaram diferença nos níveis de ansiedade dos Grupos EXP e CON após a intervenção. Análise mais profunda indicou redução da ansiedade cognitiva e aumento da autoconfiança nos participantes do Grupo EXP. Conclusão O programa habilidades mentais aplicado apresentou efeito positivo na otimização da ansiedade e dos níveis de autoconfiança dos caratecas de elite. Uma vez que a autorregulação do estado psicológico também é crucial para atletas de outras modalidades, a implementação desta intervenção pode ser recomendada, desde que adaptada às suas especificidades. Nivel de evidência II; Estudos terapêticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Para la mejora de la autorregulación y, consiguientemente, del desempeño competitivo, se hace necesario evaluar los programas de entrenamiento de las habilidades psicológicas. Fue formulada la hipótesis de que los entrenamientos autógeno y de visualización guiada podrían inducir alteraciones positivas en la ansiedad y en la autoconfianza, cuando comparados a la práctica de las actividades regulares de entrenamiento-competición. Objetivo Investigar los efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de habilidades psicológicas en la optimización de la ansiedad y de la autoconfianza. Métodos Fueron divididos en Grupos Experimental (EXP) y Control (CON) 24 atletas del equipo nacional de karate de Serbia. A lo largo de 8 semanas, ambos grupos fueron sometidos a un programa de entrenamiento y competición idéntico. El programa fue adaptado para atletas de élite de karate de acuerdo con sus rutinas diarias y las demandas específicas de la modalidad. Adicionalmente, el grupo EXP participó en el programa de entrenamiento de habilidades psicológicas, basado en el entrenamiento autógeno y en la visualización guiada. Fueron utilizados el Inventario de Estado de Ansiedad Competitiva-2, para medir el constructo multidimensional del estado de ansiedad, y el Cuestionario de Imágenes de Movimiento-3, para evaluar la habilidad individual para imaginar los movimientos. Resultados Los resultados de ANOVA por medidas repetidas indicaron diferencia en los niveles de ansiedad de los Grupos EXP y CON después de la intervención. Un análisis más profundo indicó reducción de la ansiedad cognitiva y aumento de la autoconfianza en los participantes del Grupo EXP. Conclusión El programa de habilidades mentales aplicado presentó efecto positivo en la optimización de la ansiedad y de los niveles de autoconfianza de los karatecas de élite. Dado que la autorregulación del estado psicológico también es crucial para atletas de otras modalidades, puede ser recomendada la implementación de esta intervención, desde que sea adaptada a sus especificidades. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Associations between Fitness Measures and Change of Direction Speeds with and without Occupational Loads in Female Police Officers.

Female police officers may be required to pursue offenders on foot while wearing occupational loads. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between fitness measures and change of direction speed (CODS) in female police officers and the influence of their occupational loads. Retrospective data were provided for 27 female police officers (age = 32.19 ± 5.09 y, height = 162.78 ± 5.01 cm, and mass = 71.31 ± 13.42 kg) and included fitness measures of: lower-body power (standing long jump (SLJ)), upper-body and trunk muscle endurance (push-up (PU) and sit-up (SU)), aerobic power (estimated VO2max), and CODS (Illinois agility test). The CODS test was performed without and with occupational load (10 kg). Paired sample t-tests (between-load conditions) and Pearson's correlations (relationships between measures) were performed with linear regression analysis used to account for the contribution of measures to unloaded and loaded CODS performance. CODS was significantly slower when loaded (unloaded = ~23.17 s, loaded = ~24.14 s, p < 0.001) with a strong, significant relationship between load conditions (r = 0.956, p < 0.001). Moderate to strong, significant relationships were found between all fitness measures ranging from estimated VO2max (r = -0.448) to SU (r = -0.673) in the unloaded condition, with the strength of these relationships increasing in the loaded condition accounting for 61% to 67% of the variance, respectively. While unloaded agility test performance was strongly associated with loaded performance, female police officer CODS was significantly reduced when carrying occupational loads. A variety of fitness measures that influence officer CODS performances become increasingly important when occupational loads are carried.

Age-related body composition differences in female police officers / Diferencias de composición corporal relacionadas con la edad en oficiales de la policía femenina

SUMMARY: Since performance in police occupations may depend on body composition and physical abilities, women are less likely to become police officers. However, information on age-related differences in body composition among female police officers (FPO) barely exists. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between age and body composition in FPO. Body composition of 95 FPO was assessed and divided into 4 age groups: 21-25 (age = 23.58 ± 0.84 years, body height [BH] = 1.61 ± 0.04 m, body mass [BM] = 65.55 ± 12.59 kg); 26-30 (age = 28.24 ± 1.20 years, BH = 1.61 ± 0.04 m, BM = 72.08 ± 12.80 kg); 31-35 (age = 32.73 ± 1.59 years, BH = 1.62 ± 0.06 m, BM = 74.88 ± 12.22 kg); and 36-40 (age = 37.71 ± 1.40 years, BH = 1.61 ± 0.08 cm, BM = 77.38 ± 11.61 kg). Eight body composition characteristics were measured using bioelectrical impedance (InBody 720): BM, body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), fat mass (FM), trunk fat mass (TFM), percent body fat mass (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and percent skeletal muscle mass (PSMM). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc test (p<0.05) and Cohen's effect size (ES) were used to determine significant differences in anthropometric variables by age. Statistically significant differences occurred in BM (F = 3.412, p = 0.021), BMI (F = 3.662, p = 0.015), FM (F = 3.411, p = 0.021) and FMI (F = 3.479, p = 0.019). A large inverse ES occurred in trend of age-related differences in PBF and PSMM. The BM is higher relative to age due to FM, which may cause a decrease in PSMM. The most critical period seems to be between 30-35 years.

RESUMEN: Debido a que el desempeño en los trabajos policiales puede depender de la composición corporal y las capacidades físicas, las mujeres tienen menos probabilidades de convertirse en agentes de policía. Sin embargo, existe escasa información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con la edad en la composición corporal entre las mujeres policías (MP). Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre la edad y la composición corporal en la MP. La composición corporal de 95 MP se evaluó y dividió en 4 grupos etarios: 21-25 (edad = 23.58 ± 0.84 años, altura corporal [AC] = 1.61 ± 0.04 m, masa corporal [MC] = 65,55 ± 12,59 kg); 26-30 (edad = 28,24 ± 1.20 años, AC = 1,61 ± 0,04 m, MC = 72,08 ± 12,80 kg); 31-35 (edad = 32,73 ± 1,59 años, AC = 1,62 ± 0,06 m, MC = 74,88 ± 12,22 kg); y 36-40 (edad = 37,71 ± 1.40 años, AC = 1,61 ± 0,08 cm, MC = 77,38 ± 11,61 kg). Se midieron ocho características de la composición corporal utilizando la impedancia bioeléctrica (InBody 720): MC, índice de masa corporal (IMC), índice de masa grasa (IMC), masa grasa (MG), masa grasa del tronco (MGT), porcentaje de masa corporal grasa (PMC) , masa muscular esquelética (MME) y porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética (PMME). Se utilizó un análisis de varianza multivariable (MANOVA) con la prueba post-hoc de Bonferroni (p <0.05) y el tamaño del efecto de Cohen (ES) para determinar diferencias significativas en las variables antropométricas por edad. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en MC (G = 3,412, p = 0,021), IMC (G = 3,662, p = 0,015), MG (G = 3,411, p = 0,021) y IMG (G = 3,479, p = 0,019). Se produjo un ES inverso grande en la tendencia de las diferencias relacionadas con la edad en PGC y PMME. La MC es más alta en relación con la edad debido a la MG, lo que puede causar una disminución en el PMME. El período más crítico parece ser entre 30-35 años.

Discrimination of different body structure indexes of elite athletes in combat sports measured by multi frequency bioimpedance method / Discriminación de diferentes índices de estructura corporal de atletas de elite en deportes de combate medidos por el método de bioimpedancia de múltiples frecuencias

In order to achieve high results in sports, it is necessary to provide an adequate status of an athlete in according to various factors, among which the body structure is one of greater importance. The aim of this research is to define the most discriminated indicators of body structure indexes, thanks to which a specific change of physical structure can be observed according to a branch of sport and type of combat sport. Variables in the research were: body height, body mass, body mass index, free fat mass index, fat mass index, protein mass index, skeletal muscle mass index, percent of body fat, percent of skeletal muscle mass and protein fat index. The measuring of the body composition is realized by using multichannel segmental bioimpedance with InBody 720 apparatus, applied on the total of 112 male high level senior-age athlete members of different national team's member of Republic of Serbia (62 judokas, 29 Greco-Roman style wrestlers and 21 karatekas). The discriminative analysis has shown that subsamples of the athletes statistically differ in morphology on Wilks' lambda level (0.435, p = 0.000), and that following variables have the highest discrimination compared to athlete respondents in sport function: percent of skeletal mass (0.34), percent of body fat (0.28) and protein fat index (0.26), as the first isolated factor (p = 0.000) by which is explained 86.3 %, that is body weight (0.74), skeletal muscle index (0.73), protein mass index (0.72), body mass index (0.72) and free fat mass index (0.70), as the second factor (p = 0.030) by which 13.7 % variability of measured body structure space is explained. By establishing body structure models of judokas, wrestlers and karatekas for variables examined and by using modern technological method of measuring (InBody 720, 2008) we got new information that characterize specificity of the sport, which all contribute to spreading and improving already existing knowledge in the sports sciences and sport body morphology area.

Para obtener logros deportivos de alto nivel, es necesario conseguir el estatus adecuado dependiendo de varios factores, entre los cuales destaca el factor morfológico. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir los indicadores más discriminantes de la composición corporal o índices morfológicos, por lo cual se puedan monitorear los cambios específicos en la estructura del cuerpo en relación con la rama del deporte y el tipo de deportes de combate. Las variables del estudio fueron: altura del cuerpo, masa corporal, índice de masa corporal, índice de masa grasa, índice de proteína masa, índice de masa del músculo esquelético, porcentaje de grasa corporal, porcentaje de masa del músculo esquelético y el índice grasa proteína. La medición de la composición corporal fue realizada utilizando la bioimpedancia segmentaria multicanal con Inbod café 720 sobre una muestra de 112 deportistas de sexo masculino de categoría sénior, miembros nacionales seleccionados de la República de Serbia (62 practicantes de judo, 29 practicantes de lucha grecorromana y 21 practicantes de karate). El análisis discriminativo demostó que las submuestras de los atletas en general difieren significativamente en la morfología a nivel de lambda de Wilks ­ 0.435, (p = 0.000), y que las siguientes variables tienen la mayor discriminación en relación con la prueba de los atletas en la función del deporte: porcentaje de la masa esquelética (0.34), porcentaje de grasa corporal (0,28) y el índice de grasa proteína (0.26), como el primer factor aislado (p = 0.000), lo que explica 86,3 %, respectivamente la masa corporal (0.74), el índice de músculo esquelético (0,73), el índice de proteína de masa (0,72), índice de masa corporal (0,72), e índice de masa libre de grasa (0,70), como el segundo factor (p = 0,030), lo que explica 13,7 % de las mediciones espaciales de variabilidad. Al definir los módulos morfológicos de los practicantes de judo, karate y lucha grecorromana para las variables investigadas y usando el método tecnológico de medida más nuevo (InBody 720), hemos obtenido nuevas informaciones que caracterizan las especificidades de los deportes, lo que contribuye a la ampliación y el desarrollo de los conocimientos anteriores sobre dicho asunto.

Hematological, oxidative stress, and immune status profiling in elite combat sport athletes.

The aim of this study was to profile hematological, oxidative stress, and immunological parameters in male athletes who practiced combat sports and to determine whether the type of combat sport influenced the measured parameters. Eighteen karate professionals, 15 wrestlers, and 14 kickboxers participated in the study. Hematological, iron-related, oxidative stress, and immunological parameters were measured at the beginning of a precompetitive period. The general linear model showed significant differences between the karate professionals, wrestlers, and kickboxers with respect to their hematological and iron status parameters (Wilks' Lambda = 0.270, F = 2.186, p < 0.05) and oxidative stress status (Wilks' Lambda = 0.529, F = 1.940, p < 0.05). The immature reticulocyte fraction was significantly higher in wrestlers (0.30 ± 0.03) compared with kickboxers (0.24 ± 0.04; p < 0.05) and karate professionals (0.26 ± 0.04; p < 0.05). Low hemoglobin density was significantly lower in wrestlers and kickboxers (p < 0.05) compared with karate professionals (karate: 3.51 ± 1.19, wrestlers: 1.95 ± 1.10, and kickboxers: 1.77 ± 0.76). Significant differences were observed between the karate professionals and wrestlers with respect to their pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (437 ± 103 vs. 323 ± 148, p < 0.05) and superoxide-dismutase activity (SOD) (73 ± 37 vs. 103 ± 30, p < 0.05). All the measured parameters (with the exception of SOD activity) fell within their physiological ranges, indicating that the study participants represented a young and healthy male population. Hematological parameters differed between kickboxers and karate professionals. The low pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and high SOD activity in wrestlers could be associated with the long-term impact of wrestling as a type of strenuous exercise.

Anthropometric and physical performance profiles of elite karate kumite and kata competitors.

KARATE TOURNAMENTS CONSIST OF TWO EQUALLY IMPORTANT KARATE DISCIPLINES: the kumite and kata competitions. Due to being based both on the distinctive selection of movement techniques and their kinematic and kinetic patterns, we hypothesized that the elite kumite and kata competitors could differ regarding their anthropometric and physical performance profiles. Thirty-one senior male karate competitors of the national karate team (kumite n = 19; kata n = 12) participated in this study. The tests applied included both the assessment of anthropometric (body height, mass and body mass index) and the following physical performance measurements: the adductor and hamstring flexibility (sideward leg splits test), speed and acceleration (20-m sprint test with 10-m acceleration time), explosive power (countermovement and standing triple jump), agility ("T"- test) and aerobic endurance (20-m multistage shuttle run test). The kumite competitors revealed a larger body size through body height (p = 0.01) and mass (p = 0.03), while the differences in body composition were non-significant. The kumite competitors also demonstrated higher acceleration (p = 0.03) and explosive power (standing triple jump; p = 0.03). A 6-7° higher flexibility of the kata competitors remained somewhat below the level of significance (p = 0.09). The findings could be interpreted by the distinctive differences in the movement techniques. Specifically, a higher explosive power could be beneficial for kumite, while both a smaller stature and higher flexibility (particularly of the lower extremity) could be important for the exceptionally low postures of the kata competitors. Although further elucidation is apparently needed, the obtained finding could be of importance for both the early selection and training of karate competitors.