Obstacle Course Research Articles

Development of Virtual Reality Walking Collision Detection Test on Head-mounted display.

Detecting and avoiding collisions during walking is critical for safe mobility. To determine the effectiveness of clinical interventions, a realistic objective outcome measure is needed. A real-world obstacle course with moving hazards has numerous limitations (e.g., safety concerns of physical collision, inability to control events, maintaining event consistency, and event randomization). Virtual reality (VR) platforms may overcome such limitations. We developed a VR walking collision detection test using a standalone head-mounted display (HMD, Meta Quest 2) with the Unity 3D engine to enable subjects' physical walking within a VR environment (i.e., a busy shopping mall). The performance measures focus on the detection and avoidance of potential collisions, where a pedestrian may (or may not) walks toward a collision with the subject, while various non-colliding pedestrians are presented simultaneously. The physical space required for the system was minimized. During the development, we addressed expected and unexpected hurdles, such as mismatch of visual perception of VR space, limited field of view (FOV) afforded by the HMD, design of pedestrian paths, design of the subject task, handling of subject's response (detection or avoidance behavior), use of mixed reality (MR) for walking path calibration. We report the initial implementation of the HMD VR walking collision detection and avoidance scenarios that showed promising potential as clinical outcome measures.

A set of components of psychophysical readiness of representatives of security and defense sector institutions of Ukraine with law enforcement functions for the use of small arms, as the basis of personal safety in extreme conditions of SCA

Summarizing the results of the monitoring of specialized Internet sources, taking into account the results of the analysis of scientific and methodological and reference literature, it was established, that the urgent issue of the development and approval of pedagogical models (technologies), methods, pedagogical conditions for the formation of psychophysical readiness of future officers of institutions of the security and defense sector of Ukraine with law enforcement functions for the use of small arms is devoted to the insufficient number of scientific works, this, in turn, emphasizes the relevance and practical component of the chosen direction of scientific research.
 The main goal of the study is to test directions for improving the components of the psychophysical readiness of future law enforcement officers to use service firearms. Research methods: abstraction, measurement, expert evaluation, survey, comparison, observation (mathematical statistics), etc.
 In the process of research and analytical work, directions for improving the components of psychophysical readiness of future law enforcement officers for the use of service firearms were developed and tested. Taking into account the content of educational and professional training programs for future law enforcement officers, the practical experience gained by representatives of the institutions of the security and defense sector of Ukraine during armed resistance to the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, directions for improving the components of the psychophysical readiness of representatives of the studied category to use firearms were identified and scientifically substantiated, that is, psychological and combat readiness appear as separate components. In turn, combat readiness consists of: from physical (special physical), fire, tactical-special and situational readiness. The effectiveness of the implementation of directions for improving the components of the psychophysical readiness of future law enforcement officers for the use of firearms has been experimentally proven, in particular, it was found that during the experiment, the number of Eg acquirers with a low level of formation decreased significantly (by 43%), while at the same time, the number of respondents with a high level of formation of psychophysical readiness to use of firearms increased (by 16%). The results of the theoretical research are implemented in the system of special physical and fire training (professional education) of cadets: Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs and Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine.
 Prospects for further research in the chosen field of scientific intelligence provide for the improvement of the system of special physical training of future police officers with an emphasis on the use of special obstacle courses.

Sensory Obstacle Courses to Promote Movement Concepts in Elementary Physical Education

Sensory obstacle courses provide lesson ideas for teachers targeting objectives in both cognitive and psychomotor domains. Specific cognitive learning includes the movement concepts needed to navigate obstacles set up in the gymnasium aimed at developing athletic motor skills competences needed for sports. Sensory courses include using stations and obstacles where success involves using vision, hearing and touch to navigate the learning environment. Using these senses and combining with movement is supported by embodied learning where broader educational as well as physical education goals are targeted. How to set up the activity for all learners is the focus of this article, as well as providing ideas for assessment to help physical educators make use of sensory obstacle courses to promote learning in elementary school children.

Evaluación del entrenamiento visual sobre habilidades físicas y funciones visuales en adultos mayores de Bucaramanga, Colombia

Introduction: Visual training has been used to improve locomotion fall risk in older adults. Objective: This study evaluates the effects of visual training on physical abilities and visual functions of older adults from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study of older adults who underwent visual evaluation and assessment of physical abilities through the Senior Fitness Test, a standardized obstacle course, and the eye-hand coordination test. For 10 weeks, all adults attended daily recreational physical activities. Additionally, those assigned to the experimental group received a weekly session of visual training. Results: A total of 52 adults with a median age of 68.5 years were enrolled. Of the participants, 84.21% (48) were female and 93.94% were obese. Normal values were presented for aerobic resistance and lower and upper limb strength. Overall, 91.3% (21) had no ocular pathologies impacting visual acuity. Those who received visual training showed statistically significant improvements in the time it took to run the obstacle course and on the eye-hand coordination test. Conclusions:Visual training has a positive effect on hand-eye coordination, vision-mediated locomotion, and balance in older adults. These results suggest that virtual reality may enhance reaction speed, balance, and coordination.

A robust role for motor cortex.

The role of motor cortex in non-primate mammals remains unclear. More than a century of stimulation, anatomical and electrophysiological studies has implicated neural activity in this region with all kinds of movement. However, following the removal of motor cortex, rats retain most of their adaptive behaviors, including previously learned skilled movements. Here we revisit these two conflicting views of motor cortex and present a new behavior assay, challenging animals to respond to unexpected situations while navigating a dynamic obstacle course. Surprisingly, rats with motor cortical lesions show clear impairments facing an unexpected collapse of the obstacles, while showing no impairment with repeated trials in many motor and cognitive metrics of performance. We propose a new role for motor cortex: extending the robustness of sub-cortical movement systems, specifically to unexpected situations demanding rapid motor responses adapted to environmental context. The implications of this idea for current and future research are discussed.

Using augmented reality to cue obstacles for people with low vision.

Detecting and avoiding obstacles while navigating can pose a challenge for people with low vision, but augmented reality (AR) has the potential to assist by enhancing obstacle visibility. Perceptual and user experience research is needed to understand how to craft effective AR visuals for this purpose. We developed a prototype AR application capable of displaying multiple kinds of visual cues for obstacles on an optical see-through head-mounted display. We assessed the usability of these cues via a study in which participants with low vision navigated an obstacle course. The results suggest that 3D world-locked AR cues were superior to directional heads-up cues for most participants during this activity.

Assessment of Physical Tests in 6-11 Years Old Children: Findings from the Play Lifestyle and Activity in Youth (PLAY) Study.

The purpose was to evaluate selected physical tests in children and to compare the outcomes by sex. A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate children 6-11 years who completed five physical tests: hand grip, vertical jump, sit and reach, Y-balance, and obstacle course (time and score). The outcome measures including test results were descriptively examined and compared by sex. The study participants consisted of 133 children (62 males and 71 females, with a median age of 7.8 years). Girls showed superior sit and reach performance (p = 0.002) compared with boys. Boys demonstrated better Y-balance scores (p = 0.007) and faster obstacle time (p = 0.042) than girls. Sex comparison within three age groups (6-<8 years, 8-<10 years, and 10-<12 years) showed that girls performed better on the sit and reach compared with boys in the in 6-<8 years (p = 0.009). Boys demonstrated higher Y-balance scores (p = 0.017) and faster obstacle time (p = 0.007) compared with girls in the 8-<10-year age group. These data will serve to guide future efforts to evaluate normative measures of physical literacy and guide targeted training interventions to promote sustained physical activity in children with deficits relative to their age and sex norms.

A Non-Laboratory Gait Dataset of Full Body Kinematics and Egocentric Vision

In this manuscript, we describe a unique dataset of human locomotion captured in a variety of out-of-the-laboratory environments captured using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based wearable motion capture. The data contain full-body kinematics for walking, with and without stops, stair ambulation, obstacle course navigation, dynamic movements intended to test agility, and negotiating common obstacles in public spaces such as chairs. The dataset contains 24.2 total hours of movement data from a college student population with an approximately equal split of males to females. In addition, for one of the activities, we captured the egocentric field of view and gaze of the subjects using an eye tracker. Finally, we provide some examples of applications using the dataset and discuss how it might open possibilities for new studies in human gait analysis.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL SOBRE A APTIDÃO FÍSICA NOS CORREDORES DE ATLETISMO

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of functional strength training in running training allows athletes to produce a continuous development behavior improving their various functional and competitive abilities. Objective: Study the effect of functional training on the physical quality of runners in track and field. Methods: Six athletes were selected whose changes in parameters of the technical index of the hurdle stage before and after training were analyzed to explore the influence of functional training on the specific technique of the hurdle stage. Results: In the fitness test items of the 6 athletes, the performances of 30 meters, 100 meters, triple standing jump, and backward ball throw were increased by 0.02 seconds, 0.09 seconds, 0.09 meters, and 0.20 meters, respectively, compared to the average before training. An average improvement of 2.50 points was shown in functional movement screening scores. Conclusion: Functional training can improve the physical quality of athletes, positively helping athletes’ obstacle course running performance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Main components of physical training and formation of self-defense skills of students’ majority «Law enforcement activities»

The article provides a brief analysis of the main components of physical training and self-defense skills of students majoring in Law Enforcement. Particular attention is focused on the tactics of self-defense and personal safety of future employees of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine. The purpose and tasks of the educational discipline “ Physical training and self-defense skills ” are substantiated. The system of physical training and formation of self-defense skills of students majoring in “ Law enforcement ” includes: general physical training (gymnastics, athletics, running, marching throws, etc.) and special physical training (mastering techniques of physical impact and special actions, skills to overcome individual artificial and natural obstacles, special obstacle courses, performing special exercises). The principles of special physical training as a component of the professional training of law enforcement officers, which contributes to the achievement of objective readiness for effective professional actions with minimal risk to one's own life and health, are defined. Defined types, methods of implementation, directions of physical exertion in order to adapt the body to physical exertion. Adaptation of the body to physical exertion is manifested in the improvement of various functions of the body that provide muscle activity and, as a result, in the increase in the level of physical fitness of those who do it. It is noted that during classes, most of the students' physical training tasks are solved by using general impact loads. However, using exercises of partial and local impact, such shifts in the functional state of the body are achieved that are impossible when using loads of general impact. The intensity of performing exercises in classes is characterized by the degree of intensity of activity of various functional systems of the body during its performance. Intensity is closely related to the speed of movement, density in duels and skirmishes, duels.

Pouzdanost novokonstruisanih specifičnih testova za procenu profesionalne radne fizičke pripremljenosti vatrogasaca

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of newly designed tests for assessing professional firefighters' physical fitness. A total of 15 healthy and physically active firefighters participated in this study. The following tests were performed: Modified Step Test (MStepT), Fire and Rescue Obstacle Course (VPol), Firefighting Equipment Carry Test (NVOpr, and Dummy Drag Test (VLut). The testing was carried out using a randomized method. There was a 10-minute break between the tests. After a week, retesting was conducted under the same conditions. The results of the regression analysis showed that the value of the adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2 ) for all tests ranged from 0.90 (90.00%) to 0.98 (98.00%), from MStepT to NVOpr respectively, and the repeatability (reliability) of the tests in relation to the sample used in testing for all variables was highly statistically significant (p = 0.000). A moderate effect size (d = 0.748, 95% CI = 0.162 - 1.314) was found for the VPol variable, while the effect size was found small (d = 0.212 - 0.281) for the variables (MStepT, NVOpr, VLut). The findings demonstrated that the examined tests can be applied in the practice of professional firefighters for the purposes of testing physical fitness related to the job. Methodologically, it is acceptable to conduct tests for firefighters in complete PPE so that the test conditions and workload are similar to the situational conditions during intervention in the field.

FORMATION OF PSYCHOPHYSICAL READINESS OF CADETS DURING APPLIED EXERCISES

Aim: is to study the level and dynamics of the development of physical and psychological qualities of the cadets in the process of engagement in pentathlon classes. Materials and methods: The research involved 18-23 years old cadets (men) of the first-fourth years of training. The level of the cadets' physical qualities was assessed by their results in the 100 m run, pull-ups, 3 km run, overcoming of the obstacle course. The level of the cadets' psychological qualities was studied using the following methods: well-being-activity-mood methodol¬ogy; methods of self-assessment of psycho-emotional state; methods of determining the level of the development of volitional self-regulation of the individual. Results: The positive influence of pentathlon classes on the development of physical and psychological qualities in the cadets and the improvement of their psycho-emotional state was established. The greatest effect was found in exercises aimed at de-veloping endurance and agility as well as coordination skills. Conclusions: It was found that pentathlon classes are more effective than the traditional physical training classes; they affect the level of the development of all cadets' physical qualities. The high level of physical and psychological qualities of the cadets will help to improve their future professional activities.

EFEITOS DO EXERCÍCIO COM SLING NA RESISTÊNCIA DO CORE E DESEMPENHO DE JOGADORES DE BASQUETEBOL

ABSTRACT Introduction Strong core stability and strength enable the trunk to transfer the maximum amount of torque to the terminal segments, which is conducive to improving athletic performance. Because sling training is a new core exercise method, its effect on trunk endurance relative to basketball performance has rarely been studied. Objective To investigate whether a core exercise program in a specific sports group can improve core and sports-specific performance. Methods A total of 40 college students majoring in basketball were randomly assigned to training and control groups. A standardized set of core endurance and basketball-specific performance tests were used to determine and assess the effects of sling training on trunk strength, endurance, and control. Results Flexor, extensor, and right and left lateral trunk flexor muscles endurance were significantly greater in the training group than in the control group, and the time to complete the layup obstacle course was shorter than in the control group at the end of the training program, p&lt;0.01. No differences between the two groups were found in the penalty shot, the fixed position shot, or the vertical jump and reach at the end of the training program. Conclusions Sling exercises can improve the core endurance and strength of basketball players and increase the speed of lay-ups over obstructions. Level of evidence I; Randomized clinical trial.

Characterization of land use cover datasets from a global to an Andalusian level: an “obstacle course” for users

Characterization of land use cover datasets from a global to an Andalusian level: an “obstacle course” for users

Dynamics of indicators of cadets’ physical readiness in the process of their military-professional training

The article examines the dynamics of the development of paratrooper cadets’ physical qualities in the process of military-professional training under the influence of crossfit classes. 95 cadets (men) of the Military Academy (Odesa) took part in the study. Two groups were formed: EG (n=47) and CG (n=48) from the cadets aged 18-22 with reliably identical indicators of physical qualities (р&gt;0.05). EG cadets engaged in crossfit classes according to the authors’ methodology, CG cadets trained according to the current method of physical training. The analysis of the dynamics of physical qualities development was carried out based on the results of cadets’ testing for: 100 m run, pull-ups, overcoming an obstacle course, 3 km run. The high effectiveness of the authors’ methodology of developing physical qualities in paratrooper cadets using crossfit, compared to the current method of physical training, has been proven. At the end of the experiment, a significantly (р≤0.05-0.001) better level of physical qualities development was found in EG cadets compared to CG, according to all tests.

Relationship between the indicators of physical and combat training in paratrooper cadets

Modern combat activity of servicemen of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine takes place in extreme conditions and is characterized by diversity, tension and specificity, significant physical loads, which leads to high requirements for the physical readiness of servicemen, in particular for their versatility – readiness to act in any conditions, environment, time of day. The aim of the article is to investigate the relationship between indicators of physical and combat training in paratrooper cadets. The study was conducted at the Military Academy (Odesa) at the Airborne Assault Troops Specialist Training Faculty in 2020- 2021. 256 male cadets took part in the study. Two groups were formed: Group No. 1 (n=40), whose cadets worked in the Crossfit classes of the academy during their studies, and Group No. 2 (n=216), whose cadets practiced according to the current system of physical training at the academy and did not additionally attend none of the sports classes. The cadets’ physical fitness was assessed by the results of 100 m run, pull-ups, overcoming an obstacle course, 3 km run. The standards of combat training included: landing of personnel in a helicopter; movement on the battlefield; occupying a trench, firing position; delivery of ammunition under enemy fire; packing combat kit into combat vehicles and others. A high level of correlation between the indicators of physical training of cadets of group No. 1, formed in the process of Crossfit classes, and the results of their compliance with combat training standards was revealed. This allows us to assert the effectiveness of Crossfit classes in improving the indicators of military-professional (combat) activity of paratrooper cadets.

A CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MOVEMENT AND DIVERGENCE OF UNMANNED SHIP ACCORDING TO COLREG

A variant of unmanned ship control system with obstacle avoidance in accordance with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) is proposed in the paper. The system consists of three subsystems: trajectory control subsystem, obstacle avoidance subsystem, course and speed control subsystem. The trajectory control subsystem generates a course that allows you to move along a predetermined trajectory. A gradient vector of the auxiliary function algorithm is used for this. In this algorithm, the alfa weight coefficient, which determines the degree of convergence of the unmanned ship to a given trajectory, is set. To ensure more efficient control convergence of the unmanned ship to a given trajectory, it is proposed to use the variable value of alfa, which depends on the condition of the coincidence of the unmanned ship course with the direction of the route and the value of alfa change for one iteration. The obstacle avoidance subsystem is based on the method of Velocity Obstacles, when all variants of the unmanned ship velocity vectors, at which a collision with an obstacle in the future is possible, are determined provided that the obstacle does not maneuver. The subsystem is activated when a dangerous situation occurs. The distance of the closest approach to the obstacle and the time of following to the point of the closest approach are calculated for identify a dangerous situation. Also, the subsystem implements a mechanism for determining the type of dangerous situation and compliance with COLREG. In total, four basic avoidance scenarios have been identified: head-on, crossing (obstacle moves to the left or right), and overtaking. To perform collision avoidance, the cost function of all variants of the course and speed is calculated, and the best variant is selected. The selected course and speed are transmitted to the course and speed control subsystem. The system is implemented in the Matlab / Simulink modeling environment. The simulation results confirmed the operability of the system, which ensures the movement of the unmanned ship along a given route and avoidance obstacles in case of dangerous situations in accordance with COLREG.

The Development of New Social Worlds through Obstacle Course Racing

This study draws upon the concept of social worlds to investigate how individuals adopt and develop into the social worlds in the new and event-based leisure activity of obstacle course racing (OCR). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 OCR participants in Belgium. Three progressive and connected stages were identified in the development of OCR social worlds. Despite regular event participation, most individuals did not change how they organize themselves socially from their initial participation, and consequently did not join OCR social worlds. The importance of OCR as a social experience was a barrier in this progress. Only a small group of individuals progressed to compete in OCR, and consequently contributed to OCR social worlds by volunteering their time. The absence of sport-specific training opportunities and the continued search for more challenging and extraordinary events were identified as barriers that limit development of OCR. Implications for the industry are discussed.

The influence of training with free-fight means on motor skills, sensory functioning and quality of life of a child with autism (unique case)

The motor sphere of children with autism is characterized by the presence of stereotyped movements, difficulties in the formation of objective actions and household skills, and violations of fine and gross motor skills.&#x0D; The aim of the work was to establish the influence of adaptive training with elements of free-fight on the development of motor skills, sensory profile and quality of life of a child with autism.&#x0D; A 12-year-old boy A. with a diagnosis of childhood autism, social maladaptation (disability subgroup A) was chosen for the experiment. The child does not speak, cannot read or write, has impaired coordination of movements (walking on tiptoes, motor stereotypies, motor disinhibition), insufficient understanding of language. Somatically, the boy is healthy, loves motor activity.&#x0D; An assessment of the child's sensory functioning was carried out according to the Short Sensory Profile method, developed and recognized by The Psychological Corporation (USA), a survey of parents about the child's quality of life before the start of training and after a forced break in training, in addition, an assessment of the quality of direct blows with the hand and foot was carried out punching bags at each session.&#x0D; During the research period, the boy A. performed, under the guidance of a coach, exercises for coordination of movements ("obstacle course"), interaction with the coach (gymnastic exercises, various available games with a ball), exercises for developing the strength of various muscle groups (work with "Bulgarian bag", dumbbells) and special free-fight exercises (hits with hands and feet on punching bags and a dummy).&#x0D; A significant improvement of the child's sensory functioning was established, namely all types of sensitivity, except auditory filtering and sensitivity to taste and smell. The child's parents noted a significant increase in the quality of life of both the boy himself and the entire family. Significant progress was observed in learning the technique and the success of the boy's performance of special free-fight exercises. Adaptive training with elements of free fight served as a significant sensory stimulus for a child with autism, contributed to the learning of motor skills, and improved the quality of life of the family.

Influence of the instability of the field crop sprayer boom on the spraying uniformity

The purpose of the paper was to determine the influence of the instability of the sprayer field boom on the amount of working fluid applied to the sprayed plants. To achieve such aim, experiment was planned with the use of an obstacle course specially designed for this purpose and using artificial plants. Three nozzles of different types were investigated, i.e., universal flat-jet ISO F-03-110 (F110), low-drift ISO LD-03-110 (LD) and injector (anti-drift) ISO-03-110 MiniDrift (MD). Obtained results indicate that obstacles have clearly noticeable influence of spraying quality, understood as level and stability of working fluid deposition values. The worst results were obtained for MD nozzle while the best results were obtained for LD nozzle, both in terms of under/overdosing the working fluid (maximum 36% of overdose) and stability of results, what can lead to the conclusion that LD nozzles should be recommended for spraying fields with rough surfaces. • Influence of the sprayer boom instability on the spraying quality was evaluated. • Obstacle course was prepared according to the guidelines of the ISO 22763 standard. • Evaluated were three types of nozzles. • Variability of working fluid deposition was the biggest for anti-drift nozzle. • Low-drift nozzle seems to be the most appropriate for spraying uneven fields.