Obesity prevalence and trends of PBF related to age were defined on a sample of 8100 people among whom, 4955 were male (Age = 31.2 ± 10 yr) and 3145 were female (Age = 32.1 ± 11.3 yr). Body structure measurements were performed using a standardized method of multichannel bioimpedance analysis (BIA), using a body structure analyzer - InBody 720. The total sample was divided into two subsamples according to sex, where every subsample was divided into five different age groups.The mean PBF values of the Male total sample were 18.2 ± 8.0 % and the female total sample was 28.3 ± 9.2 %. Results of Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post-hock showed that there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between all age groups among themselves except groups 50 - 60 and 60 - 65 (p = 0.09). Analysis of obesity prevalence according to the PBF indicator in different age groups revealed the existence of statistically significant (p < 0.001) trends of increasing obesity with age, both in men and women. Based on the result of this study, it can be concluded that most of the Serbian working population are in the range of normal PBF values, excluding the male 30-39.9 yr and female 60-65 yr age categories as groups which are more prone to obesity levels.

Police work is a stressful occupation, where officers are exposed to chronic and intense stressors. When it comes to understanding and predicting reaction to prolonged stress, it has been shown that there is more to personality than what can be captured by the most widespread personality models. Adding Mental Toughness as the capacity to tolerate and overcome stress at work, as well as the Dark Triad as a tendency for malevolent behaviour, to the traditional model of assessing the personality of a police officer can improve the prediction of important outcomes. The aim of this paper was to examine the psychometric properties of the Serbian translations for the Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI) and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) in a population of police students. The research was conducted on a sample of 92 students in their first and second years at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies. Considering the specificity of the sample, both instruments showed good reliability (Cronbach's Alpha Based on Standardized Item a = 0.81 for MTI and a = 0.84 for DDTD); factor structure was confirmed for the MTI (ch² = 51.5, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.864) and DTDD (ch² = 105, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.886) as well as convergent (r=-.384, p < 0.01 between Mental toughness, and Machiavellianism). Although deviations from the normal distribution were obtained, having in mind the rigor of psychological and physical selection into the Police University, the obtained psychometric properties of the MTI and DTDD were acceptable and we recommend the instruments for further usage.

Affordable high-frame-rate cameras and open-source software, such as Kinovea (ver. 2025.1.0), have expanded the potential for conducting kinematic assessments outside laboratory settings. This study examined the reliability and validity of Kinovea’s semi-automated linear kinematics tracking tool by comparing its outputs with those from a 3D marker-based motion capture system (Qualisys). Ten recreationally active male basketball players (x̄ ± SD: age 23.7 ± 1.7 years; height 183 ± 5 cm; body mass 76.8 ± 9.8 kg) performed three CMJ trials, simultaneously recorded using both systems. Reflective markers placed on the shoulder, hip, and knee were tracked in Kinovea by two raters with different levels of experience to extract core CMJ variables (total take-off time and maximum vertical displacement) and complementary variables (eccentric and propulsion duration, and minimum vertical displacement). Inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation (CV%), standard error of measurement (SEM), and Bland–Altman analysis. Results showed excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.73–0.99) across all markers, with the hip and knee demonstrating the highest consistency. Strong validity relative to Qualisys was observed for both raters (ICC = 0.68–0.99; r > 0.80), with small systematic biases primarily in temporal variables. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Kinovea’s semi-automated 2D analysis yields reliable and valid CMJ measurements comparable to 3D motion capture, even for less experienced users. As a free and easily deployable tool, it offers a widely accessible alternative for field-based performance monitoring and applied biomechanics research where laboratory-grade equipment is not available.

Background/Objectives: The correlation of handgrip strength (HGS) and morphological characteristics with Big Five personality traits is well documented. However, it is unclear whether these relationships also exist in highly trained and specialized populations, such as tactical athletes, and whether there are specific differences compared to the general population. This study aimed to explore the interplay of handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 205 participants. A standardized method, procedure, and equipment (Sports Medical solutions) were used to measure the isometric neuromuscular characteristics of the handgrip. Basic morphological characteristics of body height, body mass, and body mass index were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Psychological characteristics were assessed with the Mental Toughness Index and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant correlations were obtained, as well as differences between tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. The most prominent correlations were between the excitation index with Psychopathy and the Dark Triad (ρ = −0.41, −0.39) in female tactical athletes, as well as Neuroticism with body height, maximal force, and the maximum rate of force development in the male general population (ρ = 0.49, 0.43, 0.41). The obtained results also revealed gender and occupational specific patterns of researched relationships. Conclusions: Although the results of this study indicated the possibility of the existence of correlations between handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes of both genders, nevertheless, at the moment, there is not enough solid evidence for that. That is why new research is needed. An analysis of muscle contractile and time parameters as neuromuscular indicators in the HGS task proved to be a possible promising method, which brought numerous new insights about the researched relationships. For practical application in the field, we propose including Mental Toughness and the Dark Triad traits in the selection process for future police officers and national security personnel based on the obtained results.

This study aimed to explore the interplay of neuromuscular characteristics of handgrip and morphological characteristics, along with personality traits, in well-trained and elite athletes. The research involved a sample of 155 well-trained and elite athletes. A cross-sectional design was employed. A sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force was used to assess handgrip neuromuscular characteristics. Key morphological characteristics, including body height, body mass and body mass index, were measured using a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five plus Two Questionnaire. The study found numerous significant correlations, among which the positive association of positive valence and maximum force of the dominant (r=0.77) and non-dominant (r=0.82) hand in a group of female elite athletes stand out. The results revealed gender-specific patterns in the relationships examined. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated the presence of statistically significant discriminant functions for all variables assessed, both in female (Wilks’s Λ=0.44, χ²(22)=37.67) and male samples (Wilks’s Λ=0.59, χ²(20)=41.18), with 90% accuracy for females and 80% accuracy for males when discriminating between elite and well-trained athletes. The results support the need for further research in this area to enhance our understanding of the identified correlations.

The aim of this research was to determine whether there are differences in the shooting distribution and efficiency between the ABA basketball league and the Euroleague within the 2018/2019 regular part of the season. The research sample was represented by the teams participating in the ABA League (12 teams) and the Euroleague (16 teams) in the 2018/2019 season. The regular part of the season was organized in a two-round league system for both leagues, where 264 games were played within the ABA league, and 480 games in the Euroleague. Based on the results obtained using the T-test for independent samples, it was noticed that there are statistically significant differences in 3 point shots from the central position (p<0.000), 2 point shots from the central position (p<0.000), and within the key (p=0.002), and when it comes to the shooting efficiency, significant differences appear in the 3 point position on the left side (p=0.010) and the right corner (p=0.041), as well as for 2 points inside the key (p=0.001). Analyzing the percentage of shooting efficiency, it is clear that Euroleague teams have a higher quality compared to teams from the ABA league, which is in line with previous research where it is indicated that 2-point shots are one of the most important factors for a team's success in competition. Euroleague teams take most of the shots from the key in relation to other positions, as well as ABA teams, while the level of efficiency is reversed. Considering that in both leagues, the largest number of shots was taken from the key, it can be concluded that the number of shot attempts is a more important factor than efficiency when it comes to success in competition.