Search

In recent years, many first responder (i.e., fire and police) organizations have had issues with recruitment. Changes to population demographics (e.g., reduced physical activity and increased obesity) have contributed to these recruitment challenges because more adults may not be fit enough to meet the minimum requirements for physically demanding occupations. Applicants to first responder job positions may solicit strength and conditioning coaches to help train them for entry fitness testing and academy training. Although the training principles for athletes have crossover to first responder trainees, several unique considerations must be understood by the coach so they can best prepare their trainee. This review will discuss some of the unique considerations for developing the physical fitness of first responder trainees. This includes understanding what entry fitness tests (if any) may be required and how this can vary across different organizations and states. The strength and conditioning coach should also understand how fitness training could be implemented at the training academy stage and what specific modalities may have a greater focus within their trainee's specific academy. The review will provide actionable information for the strength and conditioning coach who may have limited experience in the physical preparation of first responder trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore variation-dependent differences in push-up and sit-up tests, as well as to identify the relationships between push-up and sit-up variations commonly performed among tactical personnel. Data from 41 (age = 21.1 ± 1.8 years, body mass = 89.5 ± 15.5 kg) male police cadets from one US-based training academy who performed the standard push-up (PUStandard), hand-release push-up (PUHand-release), standard sit-up (SUStandard), and hands behind the head sit-up (SUBehindHead) were examined. The maximum number of repetitions completed for each exercise was used for analyses with paired-samples t tests used to identify significant differences between outcome measures and effect sizes (ES) to determine change in magnitude. A significant difference, with a large ES, was found in the number of repetitions completed between the push-up variations (p < 0.001, ES = 0.75) and sit-up variations (p < 0.001, ES = 1.02). Performance in PUStandard was only able to explain 39% of the variation in PUHand-release (r = 0.62, r² = 0.39, p < 0.001), and performance in the SUStandard was only able to explain 29% of the variation in SUBehindHead (r = 0.54, r² = 0.29, p < 0.001). The current study suggests differences in performance capabilities may be dependent on the push-up and sit-up variations chosen for testing. Although it is still unclear whether one variation would be a better predictor of police work performance, agencies must give special attention to the overall construct validity of fitness tests for entry and retention of law enforcement officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement, analysis, and reporting of physical qualities within sport is vital for practitioners to support athlete development. However, several challenges exist to support this process (e.g., establishing comparative data, managing large data sets) within sport. This article presents 7 challenges associated with physical testing in sport and offers solutions to overcome them. These solutions are supported by a description of the Profiling Physical Qualities (ProPQ) tool. The ProPQ tool uses advanced data analysis, visualization, and interactive elements, to enhance stakeholders' use of data to optimize player development and coaching practices. The ProPQ is currently used across rugby league in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using this customized occupational-specific VO2max GXT simulates both on-the-job ambulatory movement and, with the addition of bunker gear, the physiological demands associated with the occupational tasks of structural firefighters. Objective: The aim of the study is to validate a customized V˙O2max Graded Exercise Test (GXT) protocol specifically to accommodate firefighters with different cardiovascular fitness levels. Methods: Career male firefighters (N = 15) completed 3 customized GXTs on a treadmill: 1 in athletic clothes and 2 in their bunker gear to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max). Results: The on-duty task protocol was reliable, V˙O2max values of 40.2 ± 4.6 mL·kg·min−1 and 40.3 ± 5.3 mL·kg·min−1 between trials yielded an interclass correlation of 0.911 with a typical error of 1.48 mL·kg·min−1 and a coefficient of variation of 4.0%. The validity analysis indicated consistent maximal V˙O2 values for the GXTs yielding mean interclass correlation of 0.94 with typical error of 1.16 mL·kg·min−1 and a coefficient of variation of 2.9%. Conclusions: The customized GXT for structural firefighters has shown to be a reliable, valid, and applicable method of testing cardiovascular fitness in firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bennett, H, Fuller, J, Milanese, S, Jones, S, Moore, E, and Chalmers, S. The relationship between movement quality and physical performance in elite adolescent Australian football players. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2824–2829, 2022—The assessment of movement quality is commonplace in competitive sport to profile injury risk and guide exercise prescription. However, the relationship between movement quality scores and physical performance measures is unclear. Moreover, whether improvements in these measures are associated remain unknown. Over a 4-year period, 918 individual elite adolescent Australian Rules Footballers completed the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and physical performance testing (5- and 20-m sprint, vertical jump, planned agility, and 20-m shuttle run test), allowing the analysis of relationships between FMS parameters and performance measures. In addition, 235 athletes completed testing over 2 consecutive years, allowing the analysis of relationships between changes in these outcomes. Small associations were observed between FMS composite score, hurdle step performance, in-line lunge performance, trunk stability push-up performance, rotary stability, and measures of speed, power, agility, and aerobic fitness (ρ = 0.071–0.238). Across consecutive seasons, significant improvements were observed in the deep squat subtest (d = 0.21), FMS composite score (d = 0.17), and 5- (d = 0.16) and 20-m sprint times (d = 0.39). A negative association between change in rotary stability and change in jump height (ρ = −0.236) from one season to the next was detected. Results suggest FMS scores have limited relationships with measures of performance in footballers. To optimize athletic performance, once acceptable movement capabilities have been established, training should not prioritize improving movement quality over improvements in strength, power, and change of direction ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soccer match play dictates that players possess well-rounded physical capacities. Therefore, player physical development plans must consider developing several fitness components simultaneously. Effective individualization of training is likely facilitated with appropriate player profiling; therefore, developing a time-efficient and informative testing battery is highly relevant for practitioners. Advances in knowledge and technology over the past decade have resulted in refinements of the testing practices used by practitioners working in professional male and female soccer. Consequently, a contemporary approach to test selection and data analysis has progressively been adopted. Furthermore, the traditional approach of using a testing battery in a single day may now be outdated for full-time players, with a flexible approach to the scheduling of testing perhaps more suitable and time efficient. Here, guidance on testing for maximal aerobic, submaximal aerobic, linear and change of direction speed, and stretch-shortening cycle performance (i.e., jump testing) are presented for male and female players, with emphasis on time-efficient tests, while facilitating effective individualized training prescription. Normative and meaningful change data are presented to aid decision making and provide a reference point for practitioners. Finally, a time-efficient approach to scheduling fitness testing is presented, which complements daily training outcomes of a weekly periodization approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lockie, RG, Moreno, MR, and Dawes, JJ. A research note on relationships between the vertical jump and standing broad jump in law enforcement recruits: implications for lower-body power testing. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2326–2329, 2022—Jump testing is often used to infer lower-body power in law enforcement recruits. The vertical jump (VJ) is most common, but can be equipment-intensive. The standing broad jump (SBJ) also provides a measure of lower-body power, requires less equipment, and could be practical for training staff with limited resources. There has been no analysis of the relationships between the VJ and SBJ in law enforcement recruits to ensure they measure similar qualities. This research note investigated the relationships between the VJ and SBJ in recruits from one agency. The sample included 71 men and 23 women who completed the VJ and SBJ before academy. Independent samples t -tests compared the sexes in both jump tests. Pearson's correlations calculated relationships between the VJ and SBJ variables (VJ height, height relative to body mass, peak power and power-to-body mass ratio calculated from VJ height; SBJ distance and distance relative to body mass) in all recruits combined, men, and women. Male recruits outperformed females in all absolute VJ and SBJ variables (p < 0.001), except for relative-to-body mass VJ and SBJ. There were large significant relationships between most jump variables for all recruits combined, men, and women (r = 0.371–0.684). Relative VJ and SBJ did not significantly relate (r = 0.123–0.203). There were generally strong relationships between the VJ and SBJ in recruits, although the relative data indicated some differences in qualities assessed by each jump. Nonetheless, training staff could use the SBJ as a lower-body absolute power indicator, especially with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is a functional movement in basketball and is also frequently used as an assessment of lower-body power. The CMJ can be performed in a variety of manners, and multiple variables can be extracted, and calculated, from the ground reaction force (GRF) time curve. The purpose of this article is to present kinematic and kinetic data collected from adolescent male basketball players during performance of the CMJ with hands on hips (HOH) or with an arm swing while reaching overhead to a target (i.e., vertical jump reach [VJR]). This study also sought to determine the effectiveness of a machine learning algorithm to identify the most important features that relate to jump height. Bilateral GRF data were collected on 89 right-handed male basketball athletes (age: 13.19 ± 0.72 year old, mass: 60.44 ± 13.35 kg, standing reach height: 228.49 ± 16.79 cm) using force platforms (Forcedecks, Vald Performance, Newstead, Queensland, Australia) and their associated software. Fifty- six bilateral kinematic and kinetic variables from each condition were analyzed using supervised machine learning to identify the top 10 important features to predict jump height in each condition, and to predict VJR height using HOH data. Vertical center of mass flight height was greater during VJR trials than during HOH trials (38.9 ± 6.8 cm vs. 32.6 ± 5.5 cm, respectively). The only common predictor variables between the conditions were concentric impulse and peak power. HOH jump data were able to predict VJR height with a mean error of 7.13 cm. These data suggest that important force platform data relating to jump height differ depending on test condition, and that data from CMJ performed with HOH, particularly peak power, concentric impulse, and concentric rate of power development, can be used to predict jump height during functional performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bishop, C, Berney, J, Lake, J, Loturco, I, Blagrove, R, Turner, A, and Read, P. Bilateral deficit during jumping tasks: relationship with speed and change of direction speed performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1833–1840, 2021—Research to date has investigated the phenomenon of the bilateral deficit (BLD); however, limited research exists on its association with measures of athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the magnitude of the BLD and examine its relationship with linear speed and change of direction speed (CODS) performance. Eighteen physically active and healthy university students performed double- and single-leg countermovement jumps (CMJs), drop jumps (DJs), and standing broad jumps (SBJs) to calculate the BLD across jump tasks. Subjects also performed 10- and 30-m sprints and a 505 CODS test, which were correlated with all BLD metrics. Results showed varying levels of BLD across CMJ metrics (jump height, peak force, eccentric impulse, concentric impulse, and peak power), DJ metrics (ground contact time and flight time), and the SBJ (distance). However, a bilateral facilitation was shown for jump height and reactive strength index during the DJ test. The main findings of this study were that: (a) a larger BLD in CMJ height related to a faster 505 COD (left leg) (r = 20.48; p = 0.04), 505 COD (right leg) (r = 20.53; p = 0.02), and COD deficit (right leg) (r = 20.59; p = 0.01), (b) a larger BLD in CMJ concentric impulse related to faster 505 COD (left leg) (r = 20.51; p = 0.03), 505 COD (right leg) (r = 20.64, p = 0.01), and COD deficit (right leg) (r = 20.60; p = 0.01), and (c) a larger BLD in DJ flight time related to a faster 505 COD (left leg) (r = 20.48; p = 0.04). These results suggest that a larger BLD is associated with faster CODS performance, but not linear speed. This highlights the individual nature of the BLD and may support the notion of developing movement competency on one limb for enhanced CODS performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Physical therapists have been called upon to conduct annual screens focused on optimizing movement and slowing the progression of impairments in body functions. Screens are thought to be important, especially in an aging population, but there are limited data on participants' impression of screening and their implementation into practice. The first objective of this study was to examine aging adults' perception of a physical therapist–led physical fitness screening tool, the Adult Functional Independence Test (A-Fit). The A-Fit is a comprehensive screen that includes tests of posture, flexibility, balance, mobility, endurance, and strength for those aged 50 years and older. The second objective was to examine the practicality and implementation of the A-Fit, taking into consideration time requirements and the ability of the test components to identify deficits. Methods: This was a cohort study using a convenience sample of 37 participants (26/11 females/males, mean age = 59.6 years). A physical therapist performed the A-Fit to assess participants' physical fitness and then developed a physical activity plan to address the participants' deficits and goals. Performance on the A-Fit, the relationship between the components of the A-Fit, and time to complete the A-Fit were examined. One week after the session, participants' perceptions of the A-Fit and the overall session were assessed by survey. Results and Discussion: Participants strongly agreed that the screen was beneficial, useful, and worth their time. Fifty-eight percent of participants would repeat the A-Fit annually and 42% would pay for this service. Seventy-four percent reported that they would pay between $1 and $100. The average session length was 75 (SD = 13.4) minutes. On average, participants had 5.2 (SD = 3) deficits in physical fitness. Deficits in upper body strength and balance were the most frequent areas of deficits. Only single leg stance balance and ankle strength were highly correlated indicating that most of the A-Fit components were measuring different aspects of fitness. Conclusion: The A-Fit could be a feasible screening tool for physical therapists to implement in the clinical setting and have value in identifying aging adults with declines in physical fitness and those who would benefit from further interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the physical profiles of state-level netball athletes provides conditioning professionals with testing norms and an understanding of important capacities within particular positions. The purpose was to examine positional differences in physical capacities of state-level netball athletes. Forty-six state-level netball athletes completed physical capacity assessments in the second week of their preseason, over 2 seasons. Tests included stature, 20-m sprint (with 5 and 10 m splits), 505 change-of-direction, countermovement jump, single-leg bounding, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level one. A linear mixed-model with fixed and random effects was used in conjunction with magnitude-based inferences to determine meaningful differences with 90% confidence limits (CLs). Midcourt athletes were shorter in stature than shooters (effect size [ES]: 1.26, CL 0.88-1.63) and defenders (-2.58, -3.35 to -1.80). Midcourt athletes were faster than shooters and defenders in linear acceleration over 5 and 10 m distances and 505 change-of-direction (ES range: -0.34 to -0.59). Shooters presented poorer intermittent endurance than midcourt (-0.82, -1.34 to -0.31) and defenders (-0.56, -1.19 to 0.07). Defenders jumped higher than midcourt athletes (-0.56, -1.30 to 0.19) and shooters (-0.61, -1.18 to -0.04), and possessed greater bounding ability compared with shooters (ES range: -0.23 to -0.57). Midcourt athletes require a more holistic set of physical capacities including acceleration, change-of-direction, jumping, and intermittent endurance. For defender and shooter positions, results indicate physical requirements that may be more specific to their positions. Conditioning professionals can use these findings to target specific physical qualities to maximize position-specific performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lockie, RG, Ruvalcaba, TR, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, Dawes, JJ, and Orr, RM. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in law enforcement agency recruits: relationship to performance in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1666– 1675, 2020—Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) use tests to assess recruit physical fitness. Body fat can influence test performance but is difficult to measure during academy because of time, equipment constraints, and instructor knowledge. This study examined relationships between waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), practical measures of fat distribution, and fitness test performance. Retrospective analysis of 267 LEA recruits (age: ~28 years; height: ~1.73 m; and body mass: ~80 kg; 219 males and 48 females) was conducted. The tests included: WC and WHR; grip strength; push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions in 60 seconds; vertical jump (VJ); medicine ball throw; 75-yd pursuit run (75PR); and multistage fitness test (MSFT) shuttles. Partial correlations, controlling for sex, calculated relationships between WC, WHR, and the fitness tests. Recruits were split into quartile groups (based on the sample size) for WC and WHR (group 1 had the lowest WC and WHR; and group 4 the highest). A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni post hoc, compared between-group test performance. A greater WC related to lesser push-up, situp, VJ, 75PR, and MSFT performance (p # 0.024). When recruits were split into WC groups, group 4 had lesser performance in push-ups, sit-ups, VJ, and the 75PR compared with all groups (p ≤ 0.038). When split into WHR groups, group 4 performed less push-ups than group 1, less MSFT shuttles than group 3, and had a lower VJ compared with all groups (p ≤ 0.042). Recruits with a greater WC tended to have poorer fitness test performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the height, body mass, and physical characteristics of female academy netball players by position (centers, defenders, and shooters). Data were collected on 43 regional academy players during the preseason period and comprising height, body mass, and physical characteristics (single-leg hop [SLH], squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ], 5- and 10-m sprint, 505 change of direction speed and cardiorespiratory fitness). Defenders and shooters demonstrated significantly (p ≤ 0.05; d ≥ 1.1) greater body mass compared with centers. Defenders demonstrated significantly (p ≤ 0.05; d = 1.6) greater height compared with centers; however, no significant differences were noted between centers and shooters (p = 0.19; d = 0.7) and defenders and shooters (p = 0.70; d = 0.5). Centers performed better during the SLH left leg (p = 0.01; d = 1.0), SJ (p = 0.03; d = 1.1), CMJ (p = 0.01; d = 1.4), 5-m (p = 0.04; d ≥ -0.9) and 10-m sprint (p = 0.01; d = -1.2), 505 left (p ≤ 0.03; d ≥ 1.0), 505 right (p ≤ 0.03; d = 1.3), and cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01; d ≥ 1.2) compared with other positions. No other significant differences were observed. These findings demonstrate that height, body mass, and physical characteristics differ between positions in female netball players and provide normative data for English academy netball players. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider the specific demands on individual positions when training female netball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate a VO2max protocol designed specifically for the occupational demands of firefighters by incorporating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: Career firefighters completed a stage-graded exercise test (GXT) with submaximal square-wave verification bout while wearing PPE (pants and boots) to determine VO2max. Using the self-reported Physical Activity-Rating (PA-R) scale and an estimated nonexercise regression equation of V02max for comparison to measured. Results: Twenty-eight male, career firefighters performed the GXT and square-wave bout. VO2 values (mean ± SD) from the GXT and the square-wave verification bout were 41.04 ± 6.98 and 39.74 ± 6.42 mL/kg/min, respectively (ICC = 0.98, typical error = 0.96 mL/kg/min, CV = 2.4%). Conclusion: Our data suggest an incremental treadmill protocol that incorporates PPE and square-wave verification as an occupational-specific tool to measure cardiovascular fitness in firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validity and reliability of an on-court fitness test for assessing and monitoring aerobic fitness in squash. J Strength C o n d Res 33(5): 1 4 0 0 -1 4 0 7 , 2 0 1 9 -C u rre n t on-court assessments of aerobic fitness in squash are not designed to yield a wealth of physiological data. Moreover, tests may require complex computer equipment or involve simulated racket strokes, which are difficult to standardize at high intensities. This study investigated the validity and reliability of a squash-specific fitness test which can yield both a standalone performance score, as well as pertinent physiological markers such as V o2max, the lactate turnpoint and oxygen cost, in a sport-specific environment. Eight national squash players completed 3 tests in a counterbalanced order: an incremental laboratory treadmill test (LAB) and 2 on-court fitness tests (STs) that involved repeated shuttle runs at increasing speeds. V o2max during ST was agreeable with LAB (typical error [TE] = 3.3 m l-k g - 1 -min- 1 , r = 0.79). The mean bias between LAB and ST was 2.5 m l-k g -1 -min- 1 . There were no differences in maximum heart rate, postexercise blood lactate concentration, or end of test rating of perceived exertion between LAB and ST (p > 0.05). The ST was highly reliable, with 74 (10) laps completed in ST 1 and 75 (1 2) laps in ST2 (mean bias = 1 lap, TE = 3 laps, r = 0.97). Physiological markers were also reliable, including V o2max, (TE = 1.5 m l-k g - 1 -min-1 , r = 0.95), the lap number at 4 m M oU 1 (TE = 4 laps, r = 0.77), and average V o 2 across the first 4 stages (TE = 0.94 m l-k g - 1 -min- 1 , r = 0.95). W e observed good agreement between LAB and ST for assessing V o2max and between both on-court trials for assessing test performance and selected physiological markers. Consequently, we recommend this test for monitoring training adaptations and prescribing individualized training in elite squash players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ehlert, AM, Cone, JR, Wideman, L, and Goldfarb, AH. Evaluation of a goalkeeper-specific adaptation to the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1: reliability and variability. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 819-824, 2019-The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) has been shown to be a reliable test with strong correlations to physical match performance in field soccer players. However, the YYIR1 has less goalkeeper (GK) specificity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of a goalkeeper-specific adaptation of the YYIR1 (YYIR1 -GK). Sixteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate GKs (8 men and 8 women) performed the YYIR1-GK test twice (>4 and <7 days apart) to determine its reliability and variability. Subjects were tested at the same time of day and in a controlled indoor environment. Heart rate using polar monitors and rating of perceived exertion were obtained at the end of each stage of the YYIR1 -GK. Test-retest reliability for each test was assessed by Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and coefficient of variation (CV). The YYIR1 -GK was shown to have a strong test-retest reliability and low variability for male (r = 0.981, ICC = 0.980, CV = 5.82%) and female (r = 0.969, ICC = 0.956, CV = 9.60%) NCAA GKs, respectively. Male GKs performed significantly more stages and therein covered a greater distance in the YYIR1-GK than the female GKs (p = 0.05). This study suggests that the YYIR1 -GK is a consistent assessment of intermittent fitness with high test-retest reliability and low variability in male and female NCAA GKs. It is suggested that larger numbers of GKs of various skill levels be evaluated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between exercise intensity and time to task failure (P-T relationship) is hyperbolic, and characterized by its asymptote (critical power [CP]) and curvature constant (W'). The determination of these parameters is of interest for researchers and practitioners, but the testing protocol for CP and W' determination has not yet been standardized. Conventionally, a series of constant work rate (CWR) tests to task failure have been used to construct the P-T relationship. However, the duration, number, and recovery between predictive CWR and the mathematical model (hyperbolic or derived linear models) are known to affect CP and W'. Moreover, repeating CWR may be deemed as a cumbersome and impractical protocol. Recently, CP and W' have been determined in field and laboratory settings using time trials, but the validity of these methods has raised concerns. Alternatively, a 3-minute all-out test (3MT) has been suggested, as it provides a simpler method for the determination of CP and W', whereby power output at the end of the test represents CP, and the amount of work performed above this end-test power equates to W'. However, the 3MT still requires an initial incremental test and may overestimate CP. The aim of this review is, therefore, to appraise current methods to estimate CP and W', providing guidelines and suggestions for future research where appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brooks, ER, Benson, AC, and Bruce, LM. Novel technologies found to be valid and reliable for the measurement of vertical jump height with jump-and-reach testing. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2838–2845, 2018—Vertical jump testing is used by coaches and athletes across many sports and disciplines to assess lower-body power and neuromuscular fatigue. A range of devices are available to measure jump height, with recent innovations attempting to improve portability, usability, and accessibility. New devices should be evaluated for their effectiveness and dependability in specific tests before being adopted. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of 2 novel measurement devices for jump height testing with a jump-and-reach protocol. Twenty-six healthy, active adults participated during 2 testing occasions. A wearable inertial measurement unit (VERT) and a smart device application (My Jump 2) were compared with established measures (force platform and jump-and-reach apparatus [Yardstick]). Correlations between the VERT and force platform were r = 0.95 (90% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–0.97), and r = 0.93 (90% CI: 0.90–0.95) for the Yardstick. Correlations between the My Jump 2 app and force platform were r = 0.98 (90% CI: 0.97–0.99), and r = 0.94 (90% CI: 0.92–0.96) for the Yardstick. Reliability, measured as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was 0.91 (90% CI: 0.87–0.94) for the VERT, and 0.97 (90% CI: 0.96–0.98) for the My Jump 2 app. Intrarater reliability for the My Jump 2 app was ICC = 0.99 (90% CI: 0.99–0.99). The VERT and the My Jump 2 app have both shown acceptable validity and reliability compared with both the force platform and Yardstick. However, practitioners should consider which measurement device/s to use based on the acceptable level of potential error for their population and testing objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HURLING IS A HIGH INTENSITY, INTERMITTENT, AMATEUR GAELIC GAMES SPORT. A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDIES HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE BIOMECHANICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND INJURY EPIDEMIOLOGY CHARACTERISTICS OF HURLING ATHLETES, AND THIS REVIEW PROVIDES THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONAL WITH GUIDELINES ON KEY PARAMETERS RELATING TO THE NEEDS ANALYSIS OF HURLING. A PROPOSED FITNESS TESTING BATTERY AND PROGRAM DESIGN FOR THE REDUCTION OF INJURIES AND ENHANCED PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IS PROVIDED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hockey player's body composition and physical fitness are suggested to influence coaching decisions regarding on-ice playing time. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between seasonal body composition changes, off-ice preseason testing, and on-ice metrics. Twenty-one Canadian collegiate hockey players (22.70 ± 1.30 years old, 181.0 ± 5.92 cm, 86.52 ± 6.41 kg) underwent off-ice physical testing at the beginning of their season and had one total body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan at the beginning and end of the season. The team's statistician tracked all on-ice metrics. Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships between off-ice tests (long jump, vertical jump, beep test, and Wingate test), change in body composition (body fat percentage, visceral adiposity, and total lean tissue mass), and on-ice performance (average time on ice, average shift length, power play time, penalty kill time, and shot differential). Long jump was correlated with shot differential (r = -0.532, p ≤ 0.05) and average shift length (r = -0.491, p ≤ 0.05) while fatigue index was correlated with average ice time (r = -0.476, p ≤ 0.05). Hockey performance is a complex interaction of player's body compositions and skeletal fitness that interact to affect on-ice playing metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined high-intensity activities in a top-class ice-hockey game and the effect of training status. Male ice-hockey players (n = 36) from the National Hockey League participated. Match analysis was performed during a game and physical capacity was assessed by a sub- maximal Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Ice-hockey test, level 1 (YYIR1-IHSUB). Venous blood samples were collected 24-hour post-game to determine markers of muscle damage. Players performed 119 ± 8 and 31 ± 3m⋅min-1 of high intensity and sprint skating, respectively, during a game. Total distance covered was 4,606 ± 219 m (2,260-6,749 m), of which high-intensity distance was 2042 ± 97 m (757-3,026 m). Sprint-skating speed was 5-8% higher (p ≤ 0.05) in periods 1 and 2 vs. period 3 and overtime. Defensemen (D) covered 29% more (p ≤ 0.05) skating in total than forwards (F) and were on the ice 47% longer. However, F performed 54% more (p ≤ 0.05) high-intensity skating per minute than defensemen. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) was 338 ± 45 (78-757) U⋅L-1 24-hour post-game. Heart rate loading during YYIR1-IHSUB correlated inversely (p ≤ 0.05) to the frequency of high-intensity skating bouts (r = 20.55) and ...O2max (r = 20.85) and positively to post-game CK (r =0.49; p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, ice hockey is a multiple-sprint sport that provokes fatigue in the latter half of a game. Forwards perform more intense skating than defense-men. Moreover, high-intensity game activities during top-class ice hockey are correlated with cardiovascular loading during a submaximal skating test. Taken together, training of elite ice-hockey players should improve the ability for repeated high-intensity skating, and testing should include the YYIR1-IHSUB test as an indicator for ice-hockey-specific physical match performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the anthropometric, maximal oxygen uptake (...O2max), and positional differences of first division (D1) professional football players from players of second (D2) and third (D3) divisions in Cyprus football leagues. Four hundred twenty-one professional male football players participated in this study. All subjects underwent anthropometric and body composition evaluation. In addition, they performed an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill for ...O2max evaluation. The results were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance, between subjects design revealing significant effects among the divisions. Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) tests demonstrated that players from D1 scored significantly higher on ...O2max and lasted significantly longer on the treadmill than participants of D2 and D3 (p ≤ 0.05). Similar findings were demonstrated when D2 was contrasted against D3 players. Goalkeepers, defenders, and forwards demonstrated significantly higher anthropometric measurements, whereas wingers and midfielders demonstrated significantly higher ...O2max (p ≤ 0.05) than goalkeepers and defenders. The findings of this study clearly demonstrated that cardiovascular fitness, as determined by CPET, is an important fitness parameter that differentiates professional football players who play at a more advanced level. This could be attributed to the different seasonal schedules that allow for longer transition time for lower division players and thus favoring greater detraining effects. Emphasis should be given by fitness professionals on transition period training to minimize the detraining effects especially in lower divisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT) as a test in netball using female athletes. Twenty-six female subelite netballers (mean age = 19.7 ± 4.6 years, mean height = 176.0 ± 6.1 cm, mean body mass = 69.7 ± 9.3 kg) completed the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (yo-yo IRT1) and the 30-15 IFT. Participants performed both assessments 1 week apart before the intervention and both tests 1 week apart after the training intervention (for a total of 4 testing sessions). A 6-week training intervention occurred between the test occasions. Pearson's correlations revealed significant very strong relationships between the 30-15 IFT and yo-yo IRT on both test occasions (test occasion 1: r = 0.71, p = 0.003 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.35-0.89], magnitude of effect, most likely; test occasion 2: r = 0.72, p = 0.001 [95% CI: 0.42-0.88], magnitude of effect, most likely). Repeated-measures analysis of variances examining the effect of position on performance changes revealed main effects for test occasion and a position x test occasion interaction for both the 30-15 IFT and the yo-yo IRT1 (30-15 IFT: test occasion [F(1,14) = 28.68, p = 0.001, ηp² = 0.67], position x test occasion interaction [F(2,14) = 9.38, p = 0.003, ηp² = 0.57]; yo-yo IRT1: test occasion [F(1,15) = 11.72, p = 0.004, ηp² = 0.44], position x test occasion interaction [F(2,15) = 9.96, p = 0.002, ηp² = 0.57]). Results show that the 30-15 IFT is a suitable test for female netballers as it was able to detect improvements in performance after a training intervention, in addition to having a very strong significant relationship with the yo-yo IRT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Law enforcement agencies frequently use physical ability tests (PATs) as a method of evaluating occupational performance. These tests are designed to replicate essential occupational tasks frequently performed by officers in the field. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships exist between the selected physical fitness tests and PAT performance and to determine which of these tests best differentiates between high and low PAT performers. Full-time highway patrol officers (n = 495) submitted self-reported anthropometric data (mean age = 39.6 + 7.7 years) along with fitness assessments taken from their organization's yearly fitness tests. All subjects completed a series of field-based fitness tests, as well as an occupationally specific PAT. Results of the study indicated that the selected tests accounted for almost 69% of the total variance on PAT performance. Overall, the 20-m meter multistage fitness test, 1-minute sit-up performance, and vertical jump height best predicted PAT performance. Furthermore, it was revealed that high performers were significantly more fit in all measures of dynamic fitness when compared with lower performers. No significant differences were discovered in static strength between groups. Strength and conditioning specialists should focus on developing aerobic capacity, trunk muscular endurance, and whole-body anaerobic power to improve PAT and occupational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article cites the findings of a study which demonstrate that anthropometric and physical characteristics develop across age categories and provide comparative data for English Academy Rugby Union players. According to the study, momentum, maximal speed, and the ability to maintain acceleration were all discriminating factors between age categories, suggesting that these variables may be more important to monitor rather than sprint times.

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the assessment of conditioning-specific movement tasks (CSMTs) and physical fitness measures in talent identified under 16 year old rugby union players. Researchers evaluated 156 players. They found that most players could not competently perform the CSMTs used in rugby conditioning and may not be prepared to transition to competition level rugby.

The article focuses on a study which compared the repeated sprint ability (RSA) and repeated change of direction (RCOD) among soccer players belonging to different age groups from an elite team. The active recovery consisted of jogging to the starting line and waiting for the next sprint. It was found that the RSA and RCOD did not depend on age of the players.

Purpose: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that depression is a serious issue for teenagers, with 10% to 15% reporting some symptoms and 15% having considered attempting suicide in 2009. Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine the relations between cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms among young adolescents. Methods: The sample included 531 females and 455 males in grades 6 to 8. The FITNESSGRAM® physical fitness test battery was administered to the participants as part of required school activities. Two results from the test battery, cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI, were used to classify the students into meeting or not meeting the healthy fitness zones established for each test. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) was administered in the schools to assess behavioral and cognitive aspects of depression. Participants were classified as elevated depression (CES-DC ≥16, n = 295) or normal (<16, « = 691). Results: Logistic regression was used to assess the relations of Health Fitness Zone status for cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI with depression while controlling for age, ethnicity, sex, economic status (school lunch support), and other fitness factors (cardiorespiratory fitness or BMI). Children classified as not in the Health Fitness Zone for cardiorespiratory fitness had significantly higher odds of elevated depression (odds ratio = 1.71 (95% CI = 1.03-2.84)). BMI was not significantly related to depression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that a healthy level of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower level of depression as measured by the CES-DC. Because of the cross-sectional nature of this study, no cause and effect relations can be assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the off-ice fitness profiles of 204 elite female ice hockey players from 13 countries. Researchers found that athletes from countries with the best international records weighed more, had less body fat and greater lower body muscular power and upper body strength than less successful players and that athletes from the senior-level age group weighed more and had higher scores for lower body power, pull-ups, and aerobic capacity.

The article presents a study which examines the role of flexibility in basic functional tasks such as sitting and rising from the floor. The authors state that the actions of sitting and rising from the floor are also partially dependent on flexibility. They conclude that having high values of flexibility can provide the ability to sit and rise from the floor properly. They note that future research should explore the potential benefit of regular flexibility exercises.

The article reports on research conducted to investigate the relationships between maximal strength and muscular endurance test scores additionally to previously widely studied measures of body composition and maximal aerobic capacity. Researchers evaluated 846 young men. They found that push-up tests were indicative of body fat content, maximal aerobic capacity and upper body maximal strength and that repeated squat tests were indicative of body fat content and maximal aerobic capacity.

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the accuracy of one-repetition-maximum power clean tests in measuring strength and power performance. An overview of related previous research is provided, detailing the potential for high-intensity loading to cause structural damage to adolescents. Details of the experiment protocol are also presented, including use of the Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots.

The article presents the results of a study which investigated whether a device called the Cosmed Fitmate was a valid tool for predicting maximal oxygen consumption (also known as aerobic capacity), and whether measuring submaximal oxygen consumption could improve predictions of maximal aerobic capacity. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol.

The article presents the results of research on measures of aerobic fitness and sprinting ability in soccer players at the elite level. An overview of related previous studies is provided, along with details of the research protocol, which involved tests of maximal aerobic capacity and the performance of high-intensity exercise.

The article reports on research conducted to investigate the influence hamstring muscle extensibility had on the hamstring criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests. Researchers evaluated 240 young adults. They found that the hamstring criterion-related validity of the SR and TT tests is influenced by hamstring muscle extensibility and that the SR and TT tests are not valid measures of hamstring extensibility for subjects with reduced hamstring extensibility.

The article presents a study that compares cardiovascular responses to progressive cycle exercise in 12 adolescent soccer players and 10 untrained boys with assessment of ventricular inotropic and relaxation properties by Doppler ultrasound techniques. The study revealed no differences between young trained athletes and nonathletes in myocardial functional responses to progressive exercise which means that greater aerobic fitness in trained athletes reflected volume expansion of the cardiovascular system without contribution of enhanced systolic ventricular function. The study notes that this finding should be considered limited to young athletes with limited duration of athletic training.

The article reports on research conducted to compare the physical characteristics and performance of elite snowboarders and to assemble and evaluate a battery of tests to rate the performance of the snowboarders. Researchers evaluated 37 snowboarders. They found that the battery of tests that they developed explained between 61 and 98% of variance in snowboard performance and that starting speed, leg power, core power, and aerobic capacity are important in different snowboarding events.

The article presents a study which examines the efficiency of Cooper 12-minute run/walk test (CT12) as a one-time estimate of cardiorespiratory fitness in children with persistent asthma. The study employs 45 asthmatic urban children, whose ages range from 7 to 14, to participate in exercise interventions. Moreover, the study found that CT12 is a good estimate of fitness but a poor indicator of fitness change.

The article presents the findings of the study which determine the quantification of velocity-specific fatigue using fatigue index. It notes that the result of the study also determine the effects of a curvilinear pedaling rate during the quantification and shows that velocity-specific fatigue is quantified in three ways. Moreover, results shows that net fatigue index and work deficit are considered to be the primary factors for the power-pedaling rate relation throughout the variable velocity process. The exact quantification of fatigue in elite cycling competition can make better the evaluation of training condition, gear ratio selection and fatigue resistance.

The article reports on the study that explores the relationship between repeated sprint testing, short sprints, and endurance test scores. The study evaluates the repeated sprint results in three ways, such as total time for all six sprints, percentage change from predicted times and percentage change from first to last sprint. It shows that the total sprint time and indices of the relative decrement in performance are not directly interchangeable.

Caffeine has been shown to improve sprint time, anaerobic power, and reaction time, all integral aspects of agility. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an acute caffeine dose would enhance agility and anaerobic power. Sixteen subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind experiment and performed the proagility run and the 30-second Wingate test 60 minutes after ingestion of caffeine (6 mg·kg-1) or placebo. No significant change was observed in the proagility run after caffeine ingestion compared with placebo. Also, no significant change was observed in peak power, mean power, or percent power decrease. Agility is an integral component of athletic skill and any reasonable method for enhancing agility would benefit active individuals. However, results from this study indicate that a 6 mg·kg-1 dose of caffeine does not impact agility as measured by the proagility run test or power output as measured by the 30-second Wingate test in recreationally active young adult males who are not habituated to caffeine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The StairMaster 4000 PT is a popular step ergometer which provides a submaximal test protocol (SM Predicted Vo2max) for the prediction of Vo2max (ml-kg-1min-1). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the SM Predicted Vo2max protocol by comparing it to results from a Vo2max treadmill test in 20 young healthy women aged 20-25 years. Subjects were 10 step-trained (ST) women who had performed aerobic activities and exercised on a step ergometer for 20-30 minutes at least 3 times per week for the past 3 months, and 10 non-step-trained (NST) women who had performed aerobic activities no more than twice a week during the past 3 months and had no previous experience on a step ergometer. The SM Predicted Vo2max protocol used 2 steady state heart rates between approximately 115-150 b-min-1 to estimate Vo2max. The Bruce maximal treadmill protocol (Actual Vo2max) was used to measure Vo2max by open circuit spirometry. Each subject performed both tests within a 7-day period. The means and standard deviations for the Actual Vo2max tests were 39.8 ± 6.1 ml-kg-1min-1 for the ST group, 37.6 ± 6.3 ml-kg-1min-1 for the NST group, and 38.7 ± 6.2 ml-kg-Lmin-1 for the Total group (N = 20); and for the SM Predicted Vo2max tests, means and standard deviations were 40.78 ± 14.0 ml-kg-1-min-1, 30.9 ± 4.8 ml-kg-1min-1 and 35.9 ± 11.4 ml-kg-1.min-1. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the means of the Actual Vo2max and SM Predicted Vo2max test for the Total group (N = 20) or the ST group (n = 10), but a significant difference (p < 0.05) was shown for the NST group. The coefficient of determination (R2) and standard error of estimate (SEE) for the SM Predicted Vo2max and Actual Vo2max tests were R2 = 0.18, SEE = 5.72 ml-kg-1-min-1 for the Total group; R2 = 0.00, SEE = 6.68 ml-kg-1.min-1 for the NST group; and R2 = 0.33, SEE = 5.32 ml-kg-1.min-1 for ST group. In conclusion, the SM Predicted Vo2max test has acceptable accuracy for the ST group, but significantly underpredicted the NST group by almost 7 ml; and, as demonstrated by the high SEEs, it has a low level of precision for both ST and NST subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on goal setting and maximal fitness testing, with a focus on how an individual's perception of achievement influences performance in volitional time-to-exhaustion cycle ergometer trials. Topics include a chi-square test to differentiate observed and expected frequencies, fitness testing, and prevention of spontaneous goal setting.

High-speed actions are known to impact soccer performance and can be categorized into actions requiring maximal speed, acceleration, or agility. Contradictory findings have been reported as to the extent of the relationship between the different speed components. This study comprised 106 professional soccer players who were assessed for 10-m sprint (acceleration), flying 20-m sprint (maximum speed), and zigzag agility performance. Although performances in the three tests were all significantly correlated (p < 0.0005), coefficients of determination (r2) between the tests were just 39, 12, and 21% for acceleration and maximum speed, acceleration and agility, and maximum speed and agility, respectively. Based on the low coefficients of determination, it was concluded that acceleration, maximum speed, and agility are specific qualities and relatively unrelated to one another. The findings suggest that specific testing and training procedures for each speed component should be utilized when working with elite players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]