Enhancement of Physical and Combat Preparedness of SAF Members - Validation Study

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Cardio Respiratory Fitness; Physical Fitness; Aerobic Capacity; Combat Preparedness; Physical Examination

• Registration Number: NCT05218798
• Lead Sponsor: University of Ljubljana

Brief Summary

The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test in the Slovenian Armed Forces. We will compare the results obtained from a continuous treadmill running test, 2-mile run test, and 30-15IFT.

Detailed Description

Since the ability to perform military tasks depends on the physical fitness of soldiers (PF), one of the most commonly measured PF components during routine physical examinations is cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). There are several tests used to measure CRF in the armed forces. Because of its simplicity, the most commonly used test of CRF is the 2-mile run test, but it has its own limitations when it comes to specificity of battlefield requirements, training prescription and optimization, and estimation of Vo2max. In combat situations, soldiers rarely run long distances on the battlefield. Therefore, the 2-mile run test does not appear to represent any specificity of combat. Furthermore, based on the data collected from this test, it is difficult to prescribe and optimize a training program for an individual subject. Therefore, the goal of the proposed project is to investigate the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test in the Slovenian Armed Forces.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2022-01-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-01-19
• Study First Posted: 2022-02-01
• Study Start: 2022-02-14
• Primary Completion: 2022-06-01
• Study Completion: 2022-06-01
• Status Verified: 2024-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-01-09
• Last Update Posted: 2024-01-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 34

Inclusion Criteria

Members of Slovenian Armed Forces with no acute and/or chronic neuromuscular and skeletal injuries and/or any other chronic disease or conditions.

Exclusion Criteria

older than 45 years of age acute and/or chronic neuromuscular and skeletal injuries the existence of any chronic disease or condition

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Maxima Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max)	30 minutes	Measure of maximal aerobic capacity (Vo2max)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Stroop test	2 minutes	The stroop is a neuro-psychological test extensively used to assess the ability to inhibit cognitive interference that occurs when the processing of a specific stimulus feature impedes the simultaneous processing of a second stimulus attribute.
Maximal Running Speed	30 minutes	Maximal running speed achieved during different Vo2max testing batteries. The speed of the last successfully completed stage will be recorded as the test result, i.e. the maximum running speed (V) during IFT, or the last running speed reached during a continuous test will be defined as VTR
Jumping ability	10 minutes	Countermovement and squat jumps will be used to assess muscle fatigue from pre to post-different Vo2max testing procedures. Jumping ability will be assessed by vertical jump tests, using a bilateral force plate (model 9260AA6, Kistler, Switzerland) with Kistler MARS software to record ground reaction force data.
Tensiomyography (TMG)	10 minutes	We will use TMG to assess muscle fatigue from pre to post-different Vo2max testing procedures. The contractile properties of the individual muscles will be assessed by the non-invasive TMG method. We will measure knee extensor and flexors muscles of the dominant leg only.
D2 test	5 minutes	The D2 Test of Attention is a neuropsychological measure of selective and sustained attention and visual scanning speed. It is a paper and pencil test that asks participants to cross out any letter "d" with two marks around above it or below it in any order.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Sport; 🇸🇮 Ljubljana, Slovenia