Anxiety could be felt even in objectively peaceful situations, but a vision of conflict could result in increased stress levels. In this article, we aimed to identify hidden patterns of mental conditions and create male profiles to illustrate the different subgroups as well as determinants of anxiety levels among them in accordance with proximity to a possibility of direct exposure to military action. A sample of Ukrainian males, in duty as conscripts to military service (n = 392, M±SD = 22.1±5.3) participated in a survey. We used the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. In addition to psychological indices, social-demographic data were collected. To discover the number of clusters, the k-means algorithm was used, the optimal number of clusters was found by the elbow algorithm. For validation of the model and its use for further prediction, the random forest machine-learning algorithm, was used. By performing k-means cluster analyses, 3 subgroups were identified. High values of psychological indices dominated in Subgroup 2, while lowest values dominated in Subgroup 3. Subgroup 1 showed a more even distribution among the indices. The strength of the relevance and main determinants of the prediction of the presented model mostly consisted of mental qualities, while socio-demographic data were slightly significant. There is no clear relevance between proximity or even the experience of military actions and anxiety levels. Other factors, mostly subjective feelings about mental conditions, are crucial determinants of feeling anxiety.

The gender type of fighters and the technique of movement may have a significant impact on the level of effectiveness of sporting rivalry, yet their significance may differ depending on a multitude of factors. Hence, the aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of the effective mass and foot acceleration on the force of the turning kick and the side kick depending on the gender type of competitors represented. Material and Methods: The research was participated in by nine practitioners of taekwon-do, four men and five women of a minimum age of 18, all of whom have a black belt. They executed a series of kicks on a tensometric platform known as AMTI, model MC12-2K, series 2000 mounted on a stable construction and a padded training target in order to protect the fighters from injury. The data relating to the acceleration was acquired by means of installing a wireless sensor IMU Ultium by the firm Noraxon near the foot, which is synchronized with the tensometric platform registering the force of the blow. Results: The registered differences between the force pressure in the analysed kicks (turning kick F=84.14; p<0.001) (side kick F=46.62; p<0.001), while also the lack of statistical significance between the effective mass in the case of the turning kick (H=2.80; p=0.094) and the side kick (H=0.02; p=0.879) between men and women. By comparison with men, a strong correlation was noted amongst women between the effective mass and pressure force (r=0.79; p<0.05). Conclusion: Our research reveals that there is a lack of significant differences between women and men in terms of the effective mass acquired in the blows administered, both in the case of turning kicks and side kicks. Nevertheless, due to the lower mass of women that is determined genetically, this factor will always reduce the value of the force of kick acquired. Interdependency of the effective mass and foot acceleration exists depending on the gender type represented while executing a turning kick. However, the execution of the side kick reveals a similar interdependency between these indicators both in the cases of women and men.

Summary: Study aim : The aim of the current study is to reveal the characteristics of punch techniques applied in taekwon-do. Material and methods : The skill quantification was performed on 10 taekwon-do ITF competitors. During the test, they were asked to perform straight punches using both the preferred and the non-preferred fist into the air (i.e. without a physical target) in the lateral position employing both traditional and sport style. Applying reflective markers on fists, the punching kinematic data were collected in the HML (Human Motion Lab). For data analyses, the average and standard deviation of duration, velocity and acceleration were used. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to determine possible differences (p < 0.05) between the dominant fist and non-dominant fist as well as between the traditional and sport punch. Results : The results revealed that the sport punch is notably faster (shorter punch duration) with a higher acceleration than the traditional one. There is no significant difference between the preferred and non-preferred fist. The results could suggest that the left and right straight punches during taekwon-do training sessions are equally developed. However, the different goals of the punch techniques, i.e. the traditional punch for generating power and the sport punch for quickness, cause significant differences (p < 0.01) in action time. Conclusion : The results imply that a trade-off strategy may play a role in a match, namely a powerful punch for a possible final win or a quick punch for point collection.

The research aimed to evaluate the modified model of wave periodization efficiency in running speed tests conducted among soccer players aged 12 to 16. Participants included prospective players of a leading Polish top league soccer club. The research was carried out from 2018 to 2022 in June (Testing A) and December (Testing B) of each year. The test involved 30-m straight line running with 5-, 10-, and 30-m split time measurements. For this purpose, electronic photocells were used (FITLIGHT, Canada). The six-month training intervention increased the athletes' speed as there was a considerable decrease in the running time over the distance of 5 m (F = 7.86; p < 0.001), 10 m (F = 73.99; p < 0.001) and 30 m (F = 127.55; p < 0.001). Analysis of running performance of young soccer players aged 12–16 showed a significant improvement in speed at distances of 5, 10 and 30 m, confirming training effectiveness based on the wave periodization model. The negative correlation between testing year and performance suggests the influence of biological development on players' speed. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted training, which was reflected in reduced differences between test scores. Improving initial running technique can contribute to better match results, which emphasizes the need for an individual approach to the physical preparation of players.