Relationship between speed, strength, lower limb power and agility in special forces soldiers

Abstract

Introduction: Soldiers in special forces units must demonstrate a high level of motor skills, with agility being a critical component being a critical component. Agility is believed to be essential for the effective performance of combat tasks and may so serve as an indicator of injury risk. Despite its importance, the agility in soldiers often receives insufficient attention. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate both planned and reactive agility in special forces soldiers and to identify the motor. abilities that influence agility levels. Material: The research included 74 special forces soldiers, with an average age of 25.65 ± 6.10 years. Method: Planned agility was assessed using the Pro-agility test, while reactive agility was evaluated with the Random 50 run test on the Skillcourt device. Lower limb power was assessed using three jump tests: Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump, and Countermovement Jump with Arm Swing. Speed was evaluated with a 30-meter sprint. Maximal isometric strength was assessed using the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP) test. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between planned agility and both lower limb power and speed. No statistically significant relationships were observed between reactive agility and other motor abilities. Conclusions: The key motor abilities that may determine the level of planned agility are speed abilities and lower limb power. The lack of a relationship between reactive agility and the tested motor abilities may be due to the fact that reactive agility is primarily determined by cognitive abilities.