Koulla M. Parpa

Predicting Performance on a Firefighter's Ability Test From Fitness Parameters

The purpose of this project was to identify the relationships between various fitness parameters such as upper body muscular endurance, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, body composition and performance on an ability test (AT) that included simulated firefighting tasks. A second intent was to create a regression model that would predict firefighter performance on the test. Thirty-eight experienced firefighters performed the AT and underwent assessments for the fitness parameters. Multiple regression analyses indicated that variation in the fitness parameters explained a significant, F(6, 36) = 6.31, p < .001, proportion (55%) of the variation observed in the AT. The results demonstrated that upper muscular strength and endurance as well as low body composition were significantly related (p < .01) to better performances on the simulated firefighting tasks. Variables such as low back and hamstring flexibility, upper and lower body strength, and body composition may contribute significantly to the models predictive power.

Peak Isokinetic Torques of Football Players Participating in Different Levels in Cyprus and Lower Limb Asymmetries

BACKGROUND: Lower body strength is considered to be a critical component towards successful exercise performance in football players. The aim of this study was to describe the peak isokinetic torque of the knee in professional football players of different League divisions in Cyprus and assess bilateral and unilateral asymmetries of strength. METHODS: Four hundred and twenty-nine professional male football players participated in this study (Division 1, n = 245 and Division 2, n = 184). The isokinetic muscle function of the knee was measured using the Humac Norm Testing and Rehabilitation system (CSMi Medical & Solution, USA). Measurements were collected at angle speeds of 60 °/sec and 300 °/sec, for 3 and 25repetitions respectively. RESULTS: At both angle speeds, peak isokinetic torque of the knee joint was significantly higher in the right and left knees of players in Division 1 (D1) compared to those competing in Division 2 (D2). At both testing speeds, peak flexor torque of the left hamstrings was significantly higher in players participating in Division 1 compared to those competing in Division 2. The right hamstrings yielded similar results, except at 60 °/sec, where no difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable data regarding the forces produced by the lower body of football players participating in D1 and D2 in Cyprus, whilst also disclosing there to be no bilateral imbalances or abnormal H/Q ratios. The results of this study may provide pertinent information that can be used by the coaching staff for training and recruiting purposes.