INTRODUCTION: The subject of this study was the creation of a new type of laboratory walking stress test for the Special Forces of the Army of the Czech Republic. This study developed a test model that has been validated in practice and that reflects the fact that the performance of endurance without and with a load varies considerably. Especially, if we focus on operators, as their activities are always performed with loads/full gear (equipment, weapons, equipment, etc.). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 men/operators from the Special Forces of the Army of the Czech Republic volunteered for this study. The maximal exercise test/spiroergometry was designed to include performance at a load of 55 kg/121 lb, a constant speed of 5.3 km/h, and an increase in incline angle of 1 degree after each elapsed minute. The test was performed on a treadmill under standard time, location, and temperature conditions. During the test, the following values were recorded: VO2 = oxygen consumption indicating the intensity of the exercise was monitored, VO2/kg = oxygen consumption converted to body weight, VO2/HR = pulse oxygen (the amount of oxygen converted in one heartbeat), HR = heart rate, VE = ventilation, volume of air exhaled in 1 min, breathe frequency (BF) = respiratory rate in 1 min. RESULTS: Out of the total number of 24 respondents, the study found these mean values of variables. The variable mapping the oxygen consumption, which indicates the intensity of VO2 loading, was 3.8, with the lowest value being 3.2 and the highest being 4.5. After converting oxygen consumption to bodyweight, VO2/kg was 46, the lowest value of 38.8, and the highest 53.0 were measured for this variable. Pulse oxygen, i.e., the amount of oxygen calculated per heart contraction VO2/HR, was 20.5, the lowest value 16.0, and the highest 26.0. The average HR heart rate was 183.5, with the lowest value being recorded at 164 and the highest value is 205. Ventilation, i.e., the amount of exhaled air per minute in VE, was measured at 144.9, the lowest value was 114.7, and the highest was 176.6. The BF in 1 min was 58.5, the lowest value 35, and the highest 70. The mean time load was 10:20 min, the shortest test length was 7:25 min, and the longest was 13:23 min. These values correspond to the degree of inclination of the ascent, i.e., the mean value was 10 degrees, the smallest achieved slope was 7 degrees, and the largest 13 degrees. CONCLUSION: The designed weighted walking test proved to be fully functional and effective in measurement. The further established protocol corresponds to the requirements of the current needs of the Special Forces of the Army of the Czech Republic. Last but not least, the walking stress test is applied for the external and internal selection and screening of operators. Data obtained from testing were used to develop deployment requirements for patrol/nuclear combat missions.
- MeSH
- Walking MeSH
- Exercise * physiology MeSH
- Oxygen MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Oxygen Consumption * physiology MeSH
- Heart Rate MeSH
- Exercise Test MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Many animals react to threatening stimuli such as a predator attacks by freezing. However, little experimental research investigated freeze response in humans. Here, we have employed practices commonly used in self-defense training to create two unique scenarios simulating armed physical threat. Sixty healthy men volunteers divided into three groups of twenty (untrained, trained but unexperienced, trained and experienced) underwent these scenarios accompanied by measurement of biochemical, physiological, and psychological markers of stress. Our results show that untrained individuals exhibit stronger freezing reactions, while highly skilled participants display the lowest propensity for freezing, especially in high-intensity scenarios. Moreover, the study shows variations in anxiety levels and selected biomarkers, with cortisol and osteocalcin showing different patterns in low and high-intensity scenarios, and suggests a complex interplay between these factors, electrodermal activity, and stress perception.
- MeSH
- Biological Factors * MeSH
- Hydrocortisone MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Stress, Psychological psychology MeSH
- Self Concept * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Navzdory proinkluzivním snahám v České republice jsme svědky faktu, že lidé se zdravotním postižením jsou příliš často oběťmi trestných činů. Z těchto důvodů si uvědomujeme, že je třeba se rizikem napadení či znalostí řešení konfliktních situací lidmi se zdravotním postižením zabývat. Cílem příspěvku je evaluace kurzu Sebeobrana pro osoby se zrakovým postižením. Pomocí exploračních metod jsme zjišťovali zkušenosti osob se zrakovým postižením s rizikovým či násilným chováním vůči této specifické skupině a jejich bezpečnostním obavám. Na základě detailního průzkumu byla vytvořena metodika sebeobrany pro osoby se zrakovým postižením. Před a po intervenčním programu jsme pomocí shodného dotazníku zjišťovali zejména změny ve vnitřní jistotě účastníků kurzu při řešení konfliktních situací v různých fázích konfliktu. Pro posouzení získaných dat jsme použili tzv. věcnou významnost a změny ve skóre jednotlivých otázek byly vyjádřeny pomocí koeficientu Cohenovo d. Na základě koeficientu věcné významnosti byly nalezeny pozitivní efekty, které potvrzují účinnost intervenčního programu v podobě sebeobrany pro skupinu osob se zrakovým postižením. Vyzdvihujeme zejména zlepšení ve využití komunikačních strategií a zvýšení sebejistoty při čelení verbálních konfliktů. Zásadní posun jsme také zaznamenali v oblasti překonávání vlastních obav, což může významně ovlivňovat kvalitu života jedince. Vytyčené cíle kurzu sebeobrany pro osoby se zrakovým postižením byly splněny. Frekventanti kurzu prokázali zvýšení víry ve vlastní schopnosti reagovat a řešit konfliktní situace.
Despite pro-inclusive efforts, we are witnessing the fact, that people with disabilities are too often victims of crime. For these reasons, we realize that we need to deal with the risk of attack. Also it is important to improve the level of knowledge of solving conflict situations by people with disabilities. The aim of this paper is evaluation of self-defense courses for persons with visual impairments. By exploration method we investigated the experience of people with visual impairment with risk or violent behavior towards this specific group and their security concerns. Based on detailed survey methodology of self-defense was created for persons with visual impairments. Before and after the intervention program we are using the same questionnaire to find out particular changes in the security concerns of participants. Practical significance of changes in scores for each of the questions were expressed by Cohens d. We found out positive effects in terms of practical significance, which confirm the effectiveness of the program of self-defense for a group of people with visual impairments. Highlights in particular the improvement in the use of communication strategies and increase confidence in the face of verbal conflict. We have seen a major shift in overcoming own fears, which can significantly affect the quality of life of individuals. Goals of self-defense courses for people with visual impairments have been met. Participants of the course demonstrated increased faith in his own ability to respond, confront and resolve conflict situations.
