Obstacle Course Research Articles

Temporal trends in weight-based disparities in physical fitness of children: 30-years of continuous surveillance through Slovenian national system

BackgroundObesity in childhood has deleterious consequences for health while improving physical fitness can significantly reduce health risks related to high body mass index. We aimed to examine the evolution of disparities in physical fitness based on weight status among 7–15-year-olds in Slovenia between 1989 and 2019 and compare these trends across sex, age and socioeconomic status.MethodsWe used annual data collected within the SLOfit monitoring system in the period between 1989 and 2019, totalling 4,256,930 participants (about 137 000 per year). We examined cardiorespiratory fitness (600-m run test), muscular fitness (60-s sit-ups, bent arm hang, and standing broad jump test) and skill-related fitness (backwards obstacle course, 60-m dash, arm plate tapping). We grouped children according to the IOTF cut-offs for BMI to those living with normal weight or excess weight and estimated changes in physical fitness over time by fitting quantile regression models separately by sex and age group, and then using segmented regression to identify the patterns of trends over time.ResultsWeight-based disparities in physical fitness were large in 1989 and have further increased by 2019. The increase in disparities was generally around 5 percentiles larger in boys, and 10–15-year-olds compared to younger children. It was particularly pronounced for body core strength and speed in boys (up to 15 and 19 percentiles, respectively) and upper body strength and speed among girls (up to 13 percentiles). Most of the increase in disparities in health-related fitness accumulated during the 2010s, when the fitness of children generally improved, but much less so in children living with excess weight.ConclusionsDespite recent improvements in population fitness levels, children with excess weight seem to be left behind, which adds to existing health inequalities. Our results should encourage policymakers to redesign policies aimed at promoting physical activity and enhancing physical fitness to make them more equitable and ultimately lead to reducing inequalities in fitness.

Effects of Balance-Based Recreational Therapy on Postural Stability in Those Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have reported increased incidence rates of falling in compari-son to undiagnosed peers. Falls in this population have been found to be related to increasing symptom intensity as well as decreases in overall quality of life. The follow-ing examines the effectiveness of balance-based Recre-ational Therapy within the community setting as part of a multidiscipline treatment team known as the Stillwater Communication, Arts, Nutrition, & Exercise program. A combination of previous data analysis from this longitudinal study have found that participants improved or main-tained their physical functioning and reported less occurrences of falling. Treatment protocol focused on strength, balance, and gait-utilizing modalities such as exercise, obstacle courses, boxing training, and tai chi. Data collection of postural stability, or static balance, occurred throughout the 8-month treatment period on a monthly ba-sis and the month 1 and month 8 mean differences were analyzed for statistical and clinical significance. Assessments revealed the successful increase and/or maintenance of overall postural stability through the 8-month treatment period. Results were not statistically significant, yet provide clinical evidence to the effectiveness of RT com-munity-based balance training for individuals diagnosed with PD. The following study builds upon previous evidence that recreational therapy can be an effective treatment option for those who have been diagnosed with PD and potentially others who are ex-periencing issues with their balance. Implications for future studies and current prac-tice are provided.

Physiological Response and Sports Injury Risk Relevant Biomechanics in Endurance Obstacle Course Races

Obstacle course races (OCR) have experienced significant growth in recent years, with millions of participants worldwide. However, there is limited research on the specific physiological demands and injury prevention strategies required for these events. This study aimed to analyze the physiological responses and injury risks in participants of a 5 km (Sprint) and 13 km (Super) OCR. Sixty-eight participants were assessed for cortical arousal, leg strength, isometric handgrip strength, blood lactate, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, urine composition, spirometry values, hamstring flexibility, lower limb stability, foot biomechanics, and scapular kinematics, one hour before and immediately after the races. The results showed a significant decrease in leg strength (Sprint: r = −0.56, p < 0.01; Super: r = −0.54, p = 0.01) and urine pH (Sprint: r = −0.70, p = 0.03; Super: r = −0.67, p = 0.01) in both distances, with increases in urine colour, protein, and glucose (Sprint: p < 0.04). In the 13 km race, lower limb stability decreased significantly post-race (r = −0.53, p = 0.01). Positive correlations were found between performance and pre-race handgrip strength (Sprint: r = 0.71, p = 0.001; Super: r = 0.72, p = 0.01) and spirometry values (FVC, FEF 25–75%, FEV1) (Sprint: r = 0.52, p = 0.031; Super: r = 0.48, p = 0.035). Thermoregulation capacity, reflected in a higher pre-race body temperature and lower post-race body temperature, also correlated with improved performance (r = 0.49, p = 0.046). Injury risk increased post-race, with a significant decline in lower limb stability (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of targeted training programs, focusing on grip strength, leg strength, respiratory muscle training, and hydration strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in OCR athletes.

Тhe relationship between the level development of motor qualities of female cadets and their performance results exercises with kettles

The article examines the relationship between sports results in exercises with kettlebells and the level of development of motor qualities and the formation of military-applied motor skills of female cadets of the kettlebell sports section of a higher military educational institution under martial law. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literary sources, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing, methods of mathematical statistics. It was established that the majority of strength exercises and exercises that require the manifestation of endurance have a close and moderately significant relationship (p<0?01) with high results of female cadets in competitive kettlebell exercises, namely: pull-ups on a low bar, squats with barbell, barbell deadlift, hanging on the crossbar, complex strength exercise, 1 and 2 km run, jumping out in 1 min. Also, a close and average statistically significant relationship (p<0.01-0.05) was found between the high level of formation of military applied motor skills of female cadets and all exercises with weights (p<0,01-0,05) (general control exercise on the obstacle course, throwing a grenade range and 5 km dash march). The results of the study allow us to state that the use of exercises with kettlebells in the process of physical education under martial law conditions will ensure the effective development of motor qualities, the formation of military-applied motor skills in order to ensure the physical readiness of female cadets of higher military educational institutions for educational and future military-professional and combat activity.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH CONCUSSION BY MEANS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Brain concussion from blast waves is one of the most common injuries in combat. This injury is three times more common than wounds. Blast wave brain concussion has significant consequences and impairs the quality of life for an indefinite period of time, so the use of physical therapy to improve the quality of life of patients with its consequences is an urgent issue. Purpose to prove the effectiveness of physical therapy in improving the quality of life of patients after blast concussion. Methods. To achieve the aim of the study, the scientific literature was analyzed and information was systematised using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and others. To assess: sleep function, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used; pain perception, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Verbal Rating Scale were used; changes in emotional functions, the Wessman-Ricks Emotional State Self-Assessment (WESA) was used; and quality of life, the Health Survey (SF-36 v2) was used. Research results. The initial treatment of concussion is of great importance and includes a number of important aspects that can be performed by a first responder. Since concussion leads to partial or complete disability and largely results in disability, which leads to other problems at different levels, the prerequisites for developing a physical therapy programme aimed at improving the quality of life of patients were the selection of ICF components appropriate to the patients' condition. The physical therapy programme was individualised, tailored to each patient individually, taking into account their condition and wishes, with special attention paid to the primary tasks of pain relief and normalisation of sleep function, which is key to reducing all other consequences of concussion and improving the quality of life. After the implementation of the proposed physical therapy programme, patients in the main group improved their sleep, decreased their pain levels and improved their emotional state. All indicators at the end of the study were better in the main group than in the control group, although at the beginning of the study the indicators in both groups did not differ significantly. Comparison of the results of the SF-36 v2 Health Survey proves the effectiveness of the developed physical therapy programme in combination with conventional treatment of blast injury. Conclusions. The results of the study proved the positive impact of the physical therapy programme for patients with blast concussion, which took into account the patient's condition and wishes, and whose primary objectives were to stop the manifestation of pain and normalise sleep function, actively involve the patient in the rehabilitation process through Pilates, Yoga, Nordic walking and an obstacle course with a sports focus. Motivation for action and normalisation of the emotional state are important during the rehabilitation period. The combination of active activities with massage therapy, namely Thai traditional massage, Thai foot massage, Tibetan singing bowl massage and Rebozo massage, contributed to general relaxation, reducing the effects of stress, muscle and emotional stress, harmonising the emotional state, improving blood circulation and restoring all body systems.

Development of coordination abilities of mentally retarded children in physical education lessons

The aim of the study to develop a methodology for improving the level of development of the coordination abilities of mentally retarded children aged 8-9 years in the lessons of adaptive physical education. Methods The study was organized at a special correctional school from September 13 to December 16, 2023. 14 schoolchildren aged 8-9 took part in the experiment. Children from the control group studied according to the usual program, and children from the experimental group performed complexes of coordination exercises and used outdoor games during lessons on adaptive physical culture. The level of development of coordination abilities of mentally retarded children aged 8-9 years was determined by three tests: 3x10m shuttle run, one-leg stand, obstacle course. The Student’s T-Test was the main method of mathematical processing of the research results. Results Prior to the start of the study, the difference in performance in control tests in both groups was not significant and not reliable (p>0.05), which indicates the homogeneity of the groups. After the end of the pedagogical experiment, the indicators of coordination abilities of children from the control group improved, but not significantly or significantly (p>0.05). Significant positive changes occurred in the experimental group for all tests. In the shuttle run, the indicators became higher by 0.5 seconds (p>0.05), in the one-leg stand test, the indicators improved by 1.1 seconds (p>0.05), and in the obstacle course test, the indicators improved by 1.2 seconds (p<0.05). An intergroup comparison showed a difference in two of the three indicators of coordination abilities when the significant difference is the shuttle run (p<0.05) and the obstacle course (p<0.05). Conclusion The developed experimental methodology for the development of coordination abilities for mentally retarded children aged 8-9 years in the lessons of adaptive physical education has proven its effectiveness and is recommended for use in correctional schools in working with mentally retarded children. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1219-1226

Predicting Behavioral Intentions of Active Sport Tourists in a Non-traditional Event: The Case of Obstacle Course Runners in Spain

Non-traditional sport event has received much attention in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of sport event image and attitudes toward event in predicting satisfaction with event and behavioral intentions. A sample of 182 obstacle course runners in Spain was surveyed to test the research model using structural equation modeling. The results showed that event characteristics, which is one of the dimensions of sport event image, and participants’ attitudes toward event positively influenced satisfaction, which in turn, together with attitudes, positively influenced behavioral intentions for repeat visits and recommendations. However, the destination characteristics dimension of sport event image had no impact on attitudes and satisfaction. Finally, satisfaction had a mediating effect on the relationships between event characteristics and behavioral intentions, and attitudes and behavioral intentions. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

IOT- Based Potholes and Speed Breaker Detection

Abstract: Due to the rise in automobiles, climate change, and population density, there are now an alarmingly large number of potholes in the world. Understanding the physical features of potholes and their surroundings, such as the surfaces they appear on, the size and depth of common potholes, and the kinds of wear and tear that might result in pothole formation, is usually necessary for their identification. Itwould also require familiarity with technologies like deep learning and machine learning techniques that are frequently used for pothole identification. Poor road conditions are one of the major causes for road accidents. Developing countries in particular are witnessing in- creased accident rates due to these poor road conditions. Potholes, deep ridges, missing pitches, improper speed breakers, poorly constructed manhole covers and slabs all combine to greatly increase the probability of serious accidents thus transforming roads into obstacle courses. In this study we have developed a model to detect unwanted potholes, deep ridges and speed breakers using computer vision and machine learning tools. We have developed a customized dataset (called Bumpy) that we use to train our machine learning algorithms. In this paper we propose a method where we use the Tensorflow pre-trained model to detect the potholes, deep ridges and speed breakers. Our experimental results demonstrate high accuracy although there are many obstacles on the road.

Heart Rate Variability Monitoring in Special Emergency Response Team Anaerobic-Based Tasks and Training

The Law enforcement profession is known to impart high stress. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams are allocated particularly demanding law enforcement operations and may therefore attain high fitness levels but may accumulate excessive stress. Heart rate variability (HRV), an assessment of time differences between heartbeats, likely indicates holistic load in field settings. To date, though, little research measuring HRV has been conducted involving SWAT units. The purpose of this study was to explore HRV measurements following (1) annual firearms qualification and (2) potential stress exposure with respect to completion time on an anaerobically taxing obstacle course. Officers with greater obstacle course performance were hypothesized to also exhibit greater HRV. HRV was also expected to stratify personnel more effectively than heart rate. Prospective 3-lead ECGs were obtained from a cohort of male SWAT operators (n = 15) with 5.2 ± 4.3 years of experience at three time points throughout one training day. HRV was assessed by time, frequency, and non-linear domains. Differences between baseline and post-training values were significant as assessed by the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for heart rate, SDRR, LF, HF, and SD2. An enter-method linear regression model predicted post-training HF HRV by obstacle course time; r2 = 0.617, F (1,6) = 9.652, p = 0.021. Anaerobic performance may be highly valuable in SWAT units. HRV analysis may also be beneficial in measuring the psychophysiological impact of SWAT activities.

Initial validation and feasibility of a Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course for wheelchairs

Many Canadian manual wheelchair users face many challenges in winter months such as slippage on ice- or snow-covered ramps, snow windrows, and casters becoming stuck in deep or hard packed snow. These barriers impact wheelchair users’ ability to participate in the community. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and feasibility of a winter wheelchair obstacle course known as the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN). The results demonstrated that the SNOWMAN course authentically represented real-world winter conditions, as confirmed by participant responses and qualitative feedback from four manual wheelchair users. The course was comprehensive, covering a range of winter obstacles typically encountered by wheelchair users. Construct validity was established by differentiating performance between manual wheelchairs and a motorized platform with snow tracks, showcasing varying completion times and device satisfaction levels. Feasibility was also assessed, with the administration protocol being mostly adhered to, safety measures implemented, and usability scores meeting acceptable thresholds. The SNOWMAN course showed promise for evaluating wheelchair adaptations and devices for winter conditions, as well as training users in winter mobility skills. Future research directions include comparing different wheeled mobility devices, exploring adaptations for usability in winter, and developing new technology tailored for challenging terrains and winter conditions. The SNOWMAN course could serve as a valuable tool for both research and clinical applications in enhancing winter mobility for wheelchair users.

Horses’ Cardiovascular and Glucocorticoid Responses to Equine-Assisted Therapy with Women with Intellectual Disability: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Research on equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has primarily been centered on human health. Relatively few studies have addressed the impact of EAT on horses. This study sought to monitor four experienced therapy horses’ cardiovascular and glucocorticoid activity over the course of standardized EAT sessions designed to support women with intellectual disability. In the control condition, horses completed the EAT protocol solely with the therapist, thereby resembling a training session. Descriptive data analysis revealed higher levels of heart rate during an experimental EAT session and increased salivary cortisol when horses were navigated by the client through an obstacle course during the “challenge” phase of the protocol, pointing at a greater physical demand due to the recipient on horseback. Given the parasympathetic activity and overall heart rate variability across experimental EAT sessions and the cortisol recovery after the sessions, the findings do not give rise to any acute animal welfare concerns. For a more holistic interpretation of the present research results, further investigation into the horse perception of EAT, based on a bigger sample size and additional markers of welfare, is needed.

Overview of the various methods used to assess walking ability in broiler chickens.

Walking ability is a highly important animal-based indicator of welfare in broilers that warrants monitoring across commercial production. A review of the technical and scientific literature on existing methods for assessing walking ability in broilers was conducted, and the reliability, validity and feasibility of the different methods were assessed when relevant information was available. Visual gait scoring has high validity, minimal equipment needs and is relatively quick to perform; however, this method is subjective and requires extensive training. Due to this, more objective tests, such as the latency to lie test, have been developed, although more validation of these tests is required. Other identified methods, such as obstacle courses, the rotarod test and kinetic and kinematic approaches, require considerable amounts of equipment, making them impractical for use during on-farm inspections. Automated methods that rely on movement or activity data have potential for future development but currently lack the resolution of traditional gait scoring and require equipment such as cameras or accelerometers. Objective, seemingly valid, repeatable and feasible options exist for the assessment of walking ability that would facilitate the monitoring of commercial broiler welfare; however, more validation of these methods is required, especially in commercial farm settings.

An overhead line virtual test track for the assessment of railway catenary pantograph interaction

This paper presents the infrastructure geometry of a virtual test track for investigating the dynamic performance of train pantographs and overhead line systems with discrete features including height transitions and overlaps. This has been developed to support cascade of legacy fleets to new regions of the rail network and to better understand how legacy electrification infrastructure can support more modern fleets. The geometry is developed as an ‘obstacle course’ representative of overhead line fitted to legacy routes which have been electrified after their initial construction and is reusable across overhead line equipment types and modelling packages. A range of demonstration results are presented to illustrate application of three pantograph models. The virtual test track geometry and dynamic modelling can be used to assess the performance of catenary/pantograph combinations for overhead line geometries with discrete features and large height variations that are not currently covered by validation methods such as described in BS EN50318. The approach is applicable as a planning tool to establish safe working speeds across a range of overhead line features when full overhead line geometry is not available, or will be too costly to obtain, in the context of extending the utilisation of legacy assets.

Determining cut-off scores for simulated tasks in Brazilian Air Force military personnel

IntroductionCombat readiness assessments through simulated tasks (STs) have been developed for the Brazilian Air Force (BAF) to establish physical employment standards. Previous research has established BAF critical combat tasks with...

Relationships Between Physical Ability Test Performance and Fitness in Recruits From a Southeastern U.S. Police Department.

Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Sanchez, KJ, Gonzales, SM, Viramontes, E, Kennedy, K, and Dawes, JJ. Relationships between physical ability test performance and fitness in recruits from a southeastern U.S. police department. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1472-1478, 2024-Police recruit occupational ability may be predicted by a physical ability test (PAT). This study determined relationships between a department-specific PAT and fitness test performance among police recruits. Retrospective analysis was conducted on recruit data (1,069 men and 404 women) from one department collected during 2005-2009 and 2016-2020. The following data were provided: grip strength; sit-and-reach; 60-second push-ups; 60-second sit-ups; 2.4-km run; and the PAT. The PAT involved exiting a vehicle and opening the trunk; running ∼201 m; completing an obstacle course; dragging a 68-kg dummy 31 m; completing an obstacle course and running ∼201 m; dry firing a weapon 6 times with each hand; and trunk item placement and vehicle reentry. Relationships between the PAT and fitness tests were measured by partial correlations and stepwise linear regression, both controlling for sex. The PAT was completed in a mean time of 4:16 ± 1:07 minutes:seconds. The PAT significantly ( p < 0.001) related to all fitness tests. Moderate relationships were found for push-ups ( r = -0.35), sit-ups ( r = -0.41), and the 2.4-km run ( r = -0.43). Small relationships were found with grip strength ( r = -0.19) and the sit-and-reach ( r = -0.17). The final regression model, which included sex and all fitness tests except the sit-and-reach, explained ∼53% of the variance. Sex and the 2.4-km run explained ∼47% of the variance. Aerobic fitness appeared to have the greatest impact on PAT performance, which may have related to the PAT design and duration. Tasks completed in succession, and the use of a relatively light dummy, may stress aerobic fitness and muscular endurance to a greater extent.

Neuro-ophthalmic Tests for Assessment of Vision Before and After Phacoemulsification in Cataractous Dogs

Background: The aim of current study was to assess pre and post-operative vision status through neuro-ophthalmic examination of 24 canine eyes after phacoemulsification with implantation of different acrylic intra ocular lenses. Methods: The study was conducted on 24 canine eyes. Preoperatively, detailed neuro-ophthalmic tests viz. Menace response, Pupillary light reflex (PLR), Obstacle Course and Moving object (cotton ball) were conducted for assessment of vision due to cataract and to exclude other ocular pathologies. Dogs were divided in four groups with 6 eyes in each group and subjected to phacoemulsification procedure for removal of cataractous lens and implanted with square edge or round edge, hydrophilic or hydrophobic intra ocular lenses (IOL). Post operatively, aforementioned neuro-ophthalmic tests were conducted on 3, 7 and 15 days and scores were given and comparatively analysed for vision acuity. Result: Preoperatively, neuro-opthalmic tests indicated poor and absent vision in eyes affected with various stages of cataract. Post operatively, the visual outcome in dogs of all treatment groups were assessed from the scores obtained in various neuro-ophthalmic tests. Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation revealed restoration of vision in 50% dogs in group I, II, IV and in 66.66% dogs of group III on day 15 after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. It was concluded that neuro-ophthalmic tests are useful and mandatory protocols for pre and post-operative vision assessment in dogs with cataract.

Functional performance of a vibrotactile sensory substitution device in people with profound vision loss.

This study has shown a vibrotactile sensory substitution device (SSD) prototype, VibroSight, has the potential to improve functional outcomes (i.e., obstacle avoidance, face detection) for people with profound vision loss, even with brief familiarization (<20 minutes). Mobility aids such as long canes are still the mainstay of support for most people with vision loss, but they do have limitations. Emerging technologies such as SSDs are gaining widespread interest in the low vision community. The aim of this project was to assess the efficacy of a prototype vibrotactile SSD for people with profound vision loss in the face detection and obstacle avoidance tasks. The VibroSight device was tested in a movement laboratory setting. The first task involved obstacle avoidance, in which participants were asked to walk through an obstacle course. The second was a face detection task, in which participants were asked to step toward the first face they detected. Exit interviews were also conducted to gather user experience data. Both people with low vision (n = 7) and orientation and mobility instructors (n = 4) completed the tasks. In obstacle avoidance task, participants were able to use the device to detect (p<0.001) and avoid (p<0.001) the obstacles within a significantly larger range, but were slower (p<0.001), when compared with without the device. In face detection task, participants demonstrated a great level of accuracy, precision, and sensitivity when using the device. Interviews revealed a positive user experience, although participants identified that they would require a lighter and compact design for real-world use. Overall, the results verified the functionality of vibrotactile SSD prototype. Further research is warranted to evaluate the user performance after an extended training program and to add new features, such as object recognition software algorithms, into the device.

A Comparison of Pneumatic Actuators for Soft Growing Vine Robots.

Soft pneumatic actuators are used to steer soft growing "vine" robots while being flexible enough to undergo the tip eversion required for growth. In this study, we compared the performance of three types of pneumatic actuators in terms of their ability to perform eversion, quasi-static bending, dynamic motion, and force output: the pouch motor, the cylindrical pneumatic artificial muscle (cPAM), and the fabric pneumatic artificial muscle (fPAM). The pouch motor is advantageous for prototyping owing to its simple manufacturing process. The cPAM exhibits superior bending behavior and produces the highest forces, whereas the fPAM actuates fastest and everts at the lowest pressure. We evaluated a range of dimensions for each actuator type. Larger actuators can produce more significant deformations and forces, but smaller actuators inflate faster and can evert at a lower pressure. Because vine robots are lightweight, the effect of gravity on the functionality of different actuators is minimal. We developed a new analytical model that predicts the pressure-to-bending behavior of vine robot actuators. Using the actuator results, we designed and demonstrated a 4.8 m long vine robot equipped with highly maneuverable 60 × 60 mm cPAMs in a three-dimensional obstacle course. The vine robot was able to move around sharp turns, travel through a passage smaller than its diameter, and lift itself against gravity.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ МОБИЛЬНОГО ПОЛИГОНА ДЛЯ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО УРОВНЯ ПОЖАРНЫХ ПОДРАЗДЕЛЕНИЙ

There is a certain tendency to gradually decrease the number of registered natural and man-made fires, which is due to the fire-fighting measures taken, as well as the professional work of the fire departments of EMERCOM of Russia. The authors noted that rescuers working in an inhospitable environment are exposed to many negative factors, including aggravating the emotional and psychological state. Therefore, practical exercises are constantly conducted in fire departments in heat and humidity chambers, on obstacle courses, etc. in order to strengthen the morale of specialists and increase their physical performance. In the work, the authors set the task of determining the feasibility of using a mobile landfill to improve the professionalism of firefighters. To solve it, an experimental study of changes in the physical condition of the selected test group was conducted for two months. It was found that over time, the level of physical activity and performance increased, the emotional state gradually stabilized, and self-confidence began to appear.

Effects of Structured Physical Activity on Motor Fitness in Preschool Children.

The aim was to investigate the impact of a specific structured movement activities (SMA) program compared to free play activity (FRP) on the strength, speed, agility, coordination, and balance of motor fitness (MF) in 6-year-old boys and girls. A total of 53 children (24 boys, 29 girls) were randomly allocated to either the SMA group or the FRP group. Both group activities were administered three times a week over a 6-month period. MF variables were assessed before (pre-) and after (post-) using tests: the flamingo balance (FLA), the standing long jump (SLJ), plate tapping (PTT), the obstacle course backwards (OCB), and the shuttle run 4 × 5 m (SRT). At the post-test, the SMA program resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in OCB, PTT, SLJ, and SRT tasks. For FRP, a noteworthy improvement was observed only in OCB (ES = 0.45, p < 0.05). An ANCOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 21.71-52.41, η2 = 0.258-0.512, p < 0.01) for OCB, PTT, and SRT, favoring SMA over FRP. The present findings suggest that SMA may be more effective than FRP when aiming to develop motor coordination, agility, and speed of movement in children.