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    Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Strength Characteristics Compared to Division I College Athletes, an Evaluation of Army Physical Fitness Training
    (2024-11-08) Leiting, Keith; Reed, Jacob P.
    Common tasks of military operations include lifting from the ground, pulling, pushing, jumping and lunging which have been identified as strength-dependent movements. The Army employs their training process based on the notion “train as you fight.” This maxim implies Army training should be developing strength through movements that include lifting from the ground, pulling, pushing, and jumping. A comparison of Division I athletes and male cadets provides information about the development of physical characteristics as a response to Army ROTC physical fitness training. Results suggest male ROTC cadets are weaker and do not jump as high as baseball and men’s soccer athletes. The male cadets have similar strength measures and jump a similar height as men’s golf, men’s tennis, and women’s volleyball athletes. The differences seen between male ROTC cadets and Division I athletes suggests there are different strength and power requirements between sport athletes and cadets, although, high levels of strength and power have been suggested to improve both soldier and athlete’s performance. The data also shows females can obtain similar strength and power characteristics as male cadets, suggesting females may be able to handle combat positions with their male counterparts.
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    Trends from NFL Combine Data may Predict Performance Values of Future NFL Draft Picks
    (2024-11-08) Leiting, Keith; Gleason, Benjamin
    The NFL Combine has been conducted for years with a paucity of investigations regarding predictive validity. Through the use of trend analysis and standard error of estimate, strength and conditioning coaches may be able to identify minimum performance values of future NFL draft picks. Application of these methods was able to predict the minimum performance values of the 2012 NFL draft picks with 69-84% success for all positions. This means that depending upon position, 69-84% of all draft picks met the minimum performance standards set by linear standard error of estimate boundaries applied to trend analysis. Therefore, minimum performance values for future draft picks could be used as a goal for athletes to achieve prior to their NFL Combine debut because it showed high predictive validity with the 2012 draftees.
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    An Evaluation of Soccer Training and Match Demands from Global Positioning System Volume: Daily Training Volume Recommendations.
    (2024-11-04) Leiting, Keith; Morales, Jorge; Rubio, Carlos
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to identify the percent difference and statistically significant differences in the weekly training schedule (match, M-1, and M-2) for GPS derived loads. METHODS: GPS data from matches and training were analyzed to identify relative percent difference between matches and training. Several MANOVAs were used to evaluate statistically significant differences in GPS loads between matches, M-1, and M-2. RESULTS: There are large differences between GPS variables for M-1 and M-2 as compared to match loads. There are statistically significant differences between M-1, M-2 and Matches for all GPS variables. Discussion: M-1 has the lowest training volumes, most likely for the management of fatigue and reduction of injury risk the day before a match. Differences between matches and training demonstrate a high degree of variation in weekly training. This variation prevents monotonous training from occurring, potentially resulting in a greater degree of adaptation from the training stimulus.
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    A Comparison of Soccer Training and Match Global Positioning System Volume between the First and Second Half of the Season: Appropriate Application of the Stimulus-Recovery-Adaptation Process.
    (2024-11-04) Leiting, Keith; Morales, Jorge; Rubio, Carlos
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the stimulus that caused late season increases in GPS match loads and increases in win percentage. METHODS: The season was spilt into two halves (first nine and second nine matches). Several multivariate ANOVAs were used to determine differences in GPS variables between the first and second half of the season. RESULTS: There are statistically significant differences in ETL variables between the first-nine and last nine soccer matches. There are no statistically significant differences in ETL variables between the first-nine and last nine soccer training sessions, Match -1 and Match -2. DISCUSSION: Increases in sport specific movements during match play are a result of previous matches and not practice. In-season practice should be used to develop tactical and technical proficiency and place less emphasis on fitness. As team fitness increased so did the points accumulated from competitions.
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    Soccer Match Analysis Based on 15-Minute Periods
    (2024-11-04) Leiting, Keith; Bramhall, Cole; Morales, Jorge; Rubio, Carlos
    PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the physical demands placed on soccer players by analyzing GPS-derived metrics during 15-minute segments of matches, focusing on the physical performance differences between first and second halves, as well as between match periods. METHODS: GPS data were collected from 16 male Division II soccer players during competitive matches, segmented into 15-minute intervals, and analyzed for total distance, HSRD, 3D load, and intensity. MANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc analysis were used to assess differences. RESULTS: Significant differences in performance were found between early and late match segments, particularly between 15.1-15.2, 15.1-15.3, 15.1-15.5, and 15.1-15.6, while no differences were found between the first and second halves' opening segments (15.1-15.4). CONCLUSIONS: Physical demands fluctuate across match periods, with intensity peaking in the early stages of both halves. Coaches should target these periods during training to better prepare players for match-day demands. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings highlight the importance of periodized conditioning and recovery planning to match the specific physical demands of different phases of a soccer match. Coaches can use this information to structure training sessions that reflect the intensity of key match segments, improving player performance and minimizing injury risk.