Miřátský, P, Hank, M, Gryc, T, Brožka, M, Cabell, L, Escamilla, R, Zahálka, F, and Malý, T. Fitness differences among professional firefighters utilizing various conditioning regimens throughout the year. J Strength Cond Res 39(7): e898-e908, 2025-The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters of physical fitness of Czech frontline professional firefighters ( n = 92), who performed various physical activities according to their preferences within their regular physical preparation for 1 year. These firefighters were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on their training preferences and sport focus: General Sports Activities (GSA; n = 30), Fire Sport (FS; n = 36), and Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA; n = 26). All subjects completed (in period September) a battery of laboratory fitness tests including body composition, lower limb muscular strength and power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Firefighters in the FS and TFA groups were found to have significantly higher values ( p < 0.01) for the following variables: fat-free mass, isokinetic strength, muscle power, maximum aerobic capacity, minute ventilation, and heart rate at the anaerobic threshold than their counterparts in the GSA group. There were no significant differences in body mass ( p = 0.21) and body mass index (BMI) ( p = 0.48) between the firefighter groups. Professional frontline firefighters' level of physical fitness is improved by the incorporation of specific physical training activities, duties, and disciplines. This can have a direct impact on frontline firefighters' capacity to fight fires safely and effectively.
- MeSH
- anaerobní práh fyziologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hasiči * MeSH
- kardiorespirační zdatnost fyziologie MeSH
- kondiční příprava * metody fyziologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- složení těla fyziologie MeSH
- srdeční frekvence fyziologie MeSH
- svalová síla fyziologie MeSH
- tělesná výkonnost * fyziologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Introduction: Trunk and shoulder strength are consistently shown to be involved in performance limitations, as well as contributing to stability, power output, and reducing the risk of injury. Although their biomechanical interaction is a critical aspect for athletes, there is limited research on the relationship between trunk and shoulder strength in sports where upper body mechanics are critical for optimal performance. Purpose: This study examined the differences and relationships between trunk rotational strength and shoulder rotational strength among athletes participating in mixed martial arts (MMA), tennis, swimming, and baseball. Methods: Maximal voluntary contraction tests were performed to evaluate strength of 39 professional adult male athletes from disciplines of MMA (n = 6), tennis (n = 11), swimming (n = 11) and baseball (n = 11). Peak force data were used in sports comparison and relationship analysis between trunk and shoulder rotation strength parameters. Results: The findings revealed a complex and significant relationship between trunk and shoulder strength, with unique patterns for each athletic discipline. Tennis players exhibited a strong correlation between trunk bilateral differences and internal shoulder rotation, while other disciplines demonstrated a more balanced use of trunk asymmetry. Swimmers displayed the best interactions between trunk and shoulder overall, emphasizing the aquatic environment's biomechanical demands. In MMA, the strongest correlation was between shoulder internal and external rotation with the trunk, mainly due to the number of defensive movements in addition to offensive ones. Baseball pitchers showed a significant correlation between internal/external shoulder rotation strength ratio and trunk asymmetry. Conclusion: While no differences in peak force variables were found, unique relationships between trunk and shoulder rotational performance were discovered. The results suggest a long-term sport-specific adaptation of the trunk-shoulder interaction in sports that require upper limb power movements. It seems, that the relationship between the various parameters of trunk and shoulder was influenced by the movement stereotype of each sport. Therefore, recognition of sport-specific interactions is critical to the development of effective training programs that enhance performance and potentially reduce injury risk in different sports. Researchers and practitioners should focus on longitudinally monitoring fluctuations in TRS and SRS relationships throughout each sport season and examining potential associations with injury incidence.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
In light of previous research highlighting the prevalence of asymmetries in soccer players and possible links to injury risks, there is a crucial gap in the biomechanical understanding of complex relationships between lower extremity and trunk asymmetries in elite soccer players. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level, relationships, and differences among twelve different parameters of strength, morphological, and neuromuscular asymmetries in elite soccer players. Methods: Elite male soccer players (n = 25, age 21.7 ± 3.9 years) were tested in the following tests: bilateral fluid distribution, hip flexor range of motion, postural stability, isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors, isometric lateral trunk rotation strength, eccentric strength of knee flexors, isometric bilateral strength of hip adductors, and vertical ground reaction force in counter-movement jump-free arms, counter-movement jump, squat jump, and drop jump tests. One-way ANOVA, Pearson's coefficient (r), and partial eta squared (ηp2) were used for data analysis. Results: Significant differences in asymmetries were found in elite soccer players (F11,299 = 11.01, p < .01). The magnitude of asymmetry over 10% was in postural stability and drop jump parameters. The lowest magnitudes of asymmetries were in the fluid distribution of the lower limbs and the vertical ground reaction force during the take-off phase in squat jumps. The highest asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant sides were found in postural stability and drop jump. A total of eleven significant correlations (p < 0.05, r = 0.41-0.63, R2 = 0.17-0.40) were detected between the analyzed asymmetries in elite soccer players. The lateral trunk rotation asymmetries were significantly correlated to vertical ground reaction force asymmetries and knee extensors. Conclusion: Long-term exposure in elite soccer leads to unilateral biomechanical loading that induces abnormal strength and morphological adaptations in favor of the dominant side while linking lower limb and trunk strength asymmetries. By unraveling these complex relationships, we strive to contribute novel methods that could inform targeted training regimens and injury prevention strategies in the elite soccer community. The data should encourage future researchers and coaches to monitor and develop trunk strength linked to lower body kinematics.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine relationships of external load variables between beach and indoor volleyball amongst individual positions on the team. The movements of eight beach and fourteen indoor female volleyball players were recorded during elite playoff matches; in total, 2,336 three-dimensional trajectories were analyzed. Time-outs and intervals between rallies or sets were excluded from active play time. In both beach and indoor volleyball, 80% of rallies lasted up to 10 s, and players covered 4.5 to 10 m of court during 60% of rally play. Differences in dependent variables of external load were found between independent variables of sports and player positions (p < 0.05). The distance covered in beach volleyball rallies and Player LoadTM parameters was significantly higher by up to 23%. The unstable court surface with sand in beach volleyball elevated explosive Player LoadTM (accelerations in all three orthogonal planes of motion higher than 3.5 m/s3) in beach volleyball players compared to those of players on stable flooring in indoor. While beach volleyball blocker and defender positions showed no significant difference in parameters between each other, they differed in all parameters when compared to player positions in indoor volleyball. Indoor blocker and libero reached higher loads than setter, outside and opposite positions in various parameters. Factors that influence external load include the larger relative court areas covered by each player in beach volleyball, complexity of players' roles, and game strategy. This data adds to the knowledge of elite match demands in female volleyball. Specified agility-drill distances and times are essential for training optimization and must be supported by scientific observation. Researchers, coaches, and conditioning specialists should find this helpful for achieving a higher degree of training regulation.
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- operantní podmiňování MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- volejbal * MeSH
- výbušné látky * MeSH
- zrychlení MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the weekly training load between starters and non-starters classified based on the match starting line-up, with respect to the playing position and a training day. Notably, 31 young adult soccer players (age: 18.79 ± 1.04 years) competing in the 3rd Czech division were monitored across the season. The weekly training load was measured using a GPS system as follows: total distance covered (TD), high-speed running distance (HSR), sprint running distance (SR), and acceleration and deceleration distance (ACDC). We found higher values in three out of four observed variables (HSR, SR, and ACDC, excluding TD) for starters compared to non-starters (p < 0.05), with small to moderate effect sizes (d = 0.40-0.49). Differences were observed especially in players who were fullbacks, offensive midfielders, and forwards. Moreover, the largest differences were found in training prior to a match day for HSR, SR, and ACDC (p < 0.05). Non-starters experienced lower weekly external loads in offensive player positions, predominantly in high-intensity variables, which are essential for their physical performance. It seems that non-starters may experience potential under-loading in the training process. Coaches and practitioners should be aware of this potential risk and find an appropriate method to compensate for load discrepancies, particularly in terms of high-intensity activities.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Background and objective: Type of physical activity may influence morphological and muscular asymmetries in the young population. However, less is known about the size of this effect when comparing various sports. The aim of this study was to identify the degree of bilateral asymmetry (BA) and the level of unilateral ratio (UR) between isokinetic strength of knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) among athletes of three different types of predominant locomotion in various sports (symmetric, asymmetric and hybrid). Material and methods: The analyzed group consisted of young elite athletes (n = 50). The maximum peak muscle torque of the KE and KF in both the dominant (DL) and non-dominant (NL) lower limb during concentric muscle contraction at an angular velocity of 60°·s-1 was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: Data analysis showed a significant effect of the main factor (the type of sport) on the level of monitored variables (p = 0.004). The type of sport revealed a significant difference in the bilateral ratio (p = 0.01). The group of symmetric and hybrid sports achieved lower values (p = 0.01) of BA in their lower limb muscles than those who played asymmetric sports. The hybrid sports group achieved higher UR values (p = 0.01) in both lower limbs. Conclusions: The results indicate that sports with predominantly symmetrical, asymmetrical, and hybrid types of locomotion affected the size of the BA, as well as the UR between KE and KF in both legs in young athletes. We recommend paying attention to regular KE and KF strength diagnostics in young athletes and optimizing individual compensatory exercises if a higher ratio of strength asymmetry is discovered.
- MeSH
- koleno MeSH
- kosterní svaly MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- sportovci MeSH
- sporty * MeSH
- svalová síla * MeSH
- točivý moment MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The aim of this study was to identify and compare parameters related to anthropometry, body composition (BC), and morphological asymmetry in elite soccer players in nine age categories at the same soccer club (n = 355). We used a bio-impedance analyzer to measure the following indicators of BC: body height (BH); body mass (BM); relative fat-free mass (FFMr); percentage of fat mass (FM); and bilateral muscle mass differences in the lower extremities (BLD∆). Age showed a significant influence on all parameters observed (F64,1962 = 9.99, p = 0.00, λ = 14.75, η2p = 0.25). Adolescent players (from U16 through adults) had lower FM values (<10%) compared to players in the U12-U15 categories (>10%). The highest FFMr was observed in the U18 category. Players in the U12 and U13 categories showed more homogenous values compared to older players. With increasing age, significantly higher FFMr was observed in the lower extremities. An inter-limb comparison of the lower extremities showed significant differences in the U17 category (t27 = 2.77, p = 0.01) and in adult players (t68 = 5.02, p = 0.00). Our results suggest that the end of height growth occurs around the age of 16 years, while weight continues to increase until 20 years. This increase is not linked to decreasing FM, nor to the FFMr, which remains stable. We found morphological asymmetries between limbs in players of the U17 category and in adult players.
- MeSH
- antropometrie MeSH
- bérec * anatomie a histologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- fotbal * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- složení těla * MeSH
- sportovní výkon * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and isokinetic strength asymmetry and magnitude in young athletes. Methods: One hundred and thirty nine male subjects (soccer, floorball, non-athletes) were measured for proportion of muscle mass between upper extremities (BADΔ) and lower extremities (BLDΔ). Moreover, the peak muscle torque of knee extensors (PTE) and flexors (PTF), ipsilateral (H:Q) and bilateral strength ratio (Q:Q, H:H) were measured. Results: We found significant differences in observed parameters with respect to different sport activities (F = 13.02, p = 0.00, ηp2 = 0.80). Higher values of BADΔ were observed in the non-active (0.19 ± 0.11 kg) group compared with soccer players (0.10 ± 0.11 kg). We found a lower value of BLDΔ in floorball players (0.32 ± 0.11 kg) compared with soccer players (0.58 ± 0.27 kg) and non-active boys (0.63 ± 0.28 kg). Results revealed significantly higher PTE in soccer players compared with non-active boys and floorball players and higher Q:Q ratio in soccer players (10.99 ± 7.75%) compared with non-active boys (7.47 ± 5.92%). Conclusions: This study revealed that there are morphological and strength asymmetries in the observed groups, which may have potential maladaptive effects (e.g. uncompensated overload of extremity) in athletes affected by specific load.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Cílem studie bylo porovnat provedení vertikálního výskoku z místa a z rozběhu u elitních basketbalistů. Sledovanou skupinou byli hráči basketbalu elitní úrovně (n=26, věk 25 ± 3,9 roku, výška 195 ± 9,3 cm, hmotnost 91,8 kg ± 13,3 kg). Sledované vertikální výskoky hráči prováděli ze statické pozice s pomocí horních končetin (countermovement jump free arms, CMJ-FA) a z dynamického dvou krokového rozběhu (countermovement jump step run up, CMJ-RU). Analýza pohybu hráčů byla realizována pomocí kinematické videoanalýzy, výška výskoku byla měřena optometrickým systémem OptoJump Next (MicroGate, Italy). Absolutní výška vertikálního výskoku byla kalkulována z doby letu a u výskoku ze statického postoje dosáhla CMJ-FA 48,91 ± 4,85 cm, a u výskoku s rozběhem CMJ-RU 54,65 ± 5,87 cm. Rozdíl mezi uvedenými průměrnými hodnotami dosažených výskoků byl 5,7 cm, což představuje 12%. Měření prokázalo předpoklad, že výška výskoku po rozběhu je u všech sledovaných hráčů vyšší než z klidu, ale dosažené výsledky rozdílu průměrné výšky 5,72±3,13 cm naznačují vysoké interindividuální rozdíly mezi jednotlivými hráči.
The aim of this study was to compare the performance of vertical jump from the standing static position and step run up jump of the elite basketball players. Observated was group of elite basketball players (n = 26, age 25 ± 3.9 years, height 195 ± 9.3 cm, weight 91.8 kg ± 13.3 kg). Vertical jumps were performed by players from the static position (countermovement jump, CMJ) and dynamic two-step approach (step run up, SRU). Motion analysis was performed using players kinematic video analysis, jump height was measured by optometric system OptoJump Next (MicroGate, Italy). Absolute vertical jump height was calculated from the flight time. Jump from a static position reached CMJ 47.81 ± 4.85 cm, and jump-SRU with 53.26 ± 5.87 cm. The difference between the average values achieved leaps was 5.7 cm, which represents 12%. Measurements showed the assumption, that the height of the SRU jump is higher for all players than the CMJ (from static position), but the results of the difference of the average height of 5.72 ± 3.13 cm indicating high inter-individual differences between players.
- Klíčová slova
- kinematická analýza, basketbal,
- MeSH
- audiovizuální záznam metody využití MeSH
- basketbal * fyziologie MeSH
- biomechanika * fyziologie MeSH
- financování organizované MeSH
- kineze fyziologie klasifikace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- pohyb fyziologie MeSH
- sporty MeSH
- statistika jako téma MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
