This dissertation focuses on the development of three classes of brain-inspired machine learning classification models. The models attempt to emulate (a) multi-sensory integration, (b) context-integration, and (c) visual information processing in the brain.The multi-sensory integration models are aimed at enhancing object classification through the integration of semantically congruent unimodal stimuli. Two multimodal classification models are introduced: the feature integrating (FI) model and the decision integrating (DI) model. The FI model, inspired by multisensory integration in the subcortical superior colliculus, combines unimodal features which are subsequently classified by a multimodal classifier. The DI model, inspired by integration in primary cortical areas, classifies unimodal stimuli independently using unimodal classifiers and classifies the combined decisions using a multimodal classifier. The multimodal classifier models are be implemented using multilayer perceptrons and multivariate statistical classifiers. Experiments involving the classification of noisy and attenuated auditory and visual representations of ten digits are designed to demonstrate the properties of the multimodal classifiers and to compare the performances of multimodal and unimodal classifiers. The experimental results show that the multimodal classification systems exhibit an important aspect of the “inverse effectiveness principle” by yielding significantly higher classification accuracies when compared with those of the unimodal classifiers. Furthermore, the flexibility offered by the generalized models enables the simulations and evaluations of various combinations of multimodal stimuli and classifiers under varying uncertainty conditions. The context-integrating model emulates the brain’s ability to use contextual information to uniquely resolve the interpretation of ambiguous stimuli. A deep learning neural network classification model that emulates this ability by integrating weighted bidirectional context into the classification process is introduced. The model, referred to as the CINET, is implemented using a convolution neural network (CNN), which is shown to be ideal for combining target and context stimuli and for extracting coupled target-context features. The CINET parameters can be manipulated to simulate congruent and incongruent context environments and to manipulate target-context stimuli relationships. The formulation of the CINET is quite general; consequently, it is not restricted to stimuli in any particular sensory modality nor to the dimensionality of the stimuli. A broad range of experiments are designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the CINET in resolving ambiguous visual stimuli and in improving the classification of non-ambiguous visual stimuli in various contextual environments. The fact that the performance improves through the inclusion of context can be exploited to design robust brain-inspired machine learning algorithms. It is interesting to note that the CINET is a classification model that is inspired by a combination of brain’s ability to integrate contextual information and the CNN, which is inspired by the hierarchical processing of visual information in the visual cortex. A convolution neural network (CNN) model, inspired by the hierarchical processing of visual information in the brain, is introduced to fuse information from an ensemble of multi-axial sensors in order to classify strikes such as boxing punches and taekwondo kicks in combat sports. Although CNNs are not an obvious choice for non-array data nor for signals with non-linear variations, it will be shown that CNN models can effectively classify multi-axial multi-sensor signals. Experiments involving the classification of three-axis accelerometer and three-axes gyroscope signals measuring boxing punches and taekwondo kicks showed that the performance of the fusion classifiers were significantly superior to the uni-axial classifiers. Interestingly, the classification accuracies of the CNN fusion classifiers were significantly higher than those of the DTW fusion classifiers. Through training with representative signals and the local feature extraction property, the CNNs tend to be invariant to the latency shifts and non-linear variations. Moreover, by increasing the number of network layers and the training set, the CNN classifiers offer the potential for even better performance as well as the ability to handle a larger number of classes. Finally, due to the generalized formulations, the classifier models can be easily adapted to classify multi-dimensional signals of multiple sensors in various other applications.

Title: Kinematic and dynamic characteristics of straight punches in elite male boxers Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify lower limb forces in the x, y, and z directions and their association with jab and cross relative peak force, and jab and cross peak velocity. Methods: A sample of 12 elite male subjects participated in the present study, which took place over two days. Subjects were familiarized with the procedures during the first day. During the second day, the subjects performed a standardized warm-up protocol, followed by one straight punch with the rear and then the lead hand to a force plate that was suspended in the air at the chin level by a cable system. The subjects were standing on two separate tri-axial force plates. Punch velocity was assessed using a Qualisys Motion Tracking Manager, where the marker used was placed in the middle of 12 OZ gloves. Results: Subject body weight resulted in a high positive significant correlation with jab and cross peak force, and a non-significant low and moderate positive correlation with jab and cross peak velocity, respectively. Partial correlation controlling for bodyweight resulted in a very high positive significant correlation between jab peak velocity and jab peak force and a high positive, but the non-significant...

Title: Combat sport modifications for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder in elementary school curriculum. Objective: The goal of this thesis is to summarize and analyze available information regarding combat sports, role of combat sports in physical education on elementary school and autistic spectrum disorder. Knowledge from these areas should then be used for compiling a set of exercises that would modify the schooling of combat sports for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder in elementary school. Methods: Analysis method and critical research were used to compile information needed to explain the given phenomena. In the final part of the thesis, compiled data were summarized via the synthesis method. Results: After thorough research of available literature, author proposes basic principles and recommendation for the education of combat sport for pupils with ASD. Then a set of exercises was created, which contains specific modifications for each given exercise. These exercises are meant to be used in inclusive education of combat sports for pupils with ASD on elementary school. Keywords: combat sports, physical education, autistic spectrum disorder

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between rapid weight loss and physical performance in combat sports athletes. The inclusion criteria were rapid weight loss and physical performance effects among combat sports researched in the last 20 years. Phrases, as well as keywords, were searched using multiple databases. The keywords included mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, studies that looked at multiple disciplines at once, and unspecified disciplines. Results of the literature review indicate that there are negative effects on performance due to rapid weight loss and dehydration in combat sports. Appendix I summarizes the data found. However, other literature has suggested no physical performance effects following a period of rapid weight loss. Determination at what percentage of body mass loss unequivocally affects physical performance measures and the threshold in which a certain athlete is likely to experience these effects is key. Factors that seem to influence the magnitude of measured performance effects include the length of recovery time following the period of rapid weight loss, the magnitude of body mass lost, as well as methods used to achieve weight loss. The results of this study may help provide insight into areas of research that are lacking data on this subject and may also provide helpful guidelines for combat sports athletes and trainers alike.

Martial arts (MA) and combat sports (CS) demand significant physical, mental, and emotional engagement in both training and competition. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), known for its intricate mastery requirements, operates within a performance-oriented climate where unmet goals can lead to diminished interest. Investigating the motivational drivers behind continued participation in BJJ is thus pertinent. This study aims to explore motivational factors among BJJ practitioners. A total of 70 participants, including 30 women (43.3%) and 40 men (56.7%) aged 15 to 60+, with training experience ranging from 0-1 year to 10+ years, completed the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS-6). The survey assessed factors influencing their engagement in BJJ. Analysis suggests that gender differences may contribute to variations in amotivation within the sport. Higher competitive experience participants valued factors like interest/enjoyment, competence, and fitness more than social status and appearance, unlike lower competitive experience participants. Notably, individuals with higher competitive experience exhibited lower motivational scores on the assessed subscale factors compared to lower competitive experience participants. The study's findings indicate that individuals with significant competitive experience attribute greater significance and commitment to their involvement in BJJ. Additionally, the results show that women exhibit a slightly lower amotivation score compared to men, suggesting a marginal decrease in mens enthusiasm for practicing the sport.

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Titleofwork: Combat sports motivation. Workobjective: The aim of this diploma thesis is to determine motives for participating in certain combat sports and to examine if the individual combat sports vary from each other or whether there is a common motive. The further objective is to examine a motive for combat sports in general. Usedmethods: The diploma thesis is designed as a quantitative research using a questionnaire survey. To compile the anonymous questionnaire, the international multidimensional standardized questionnaire The Sport Motivation Scale "SMS-28" was used. The standardized questionnaire was supplemented by questions to determine the sex, age and type of combat sport. The data acquired were then statistically evaluated using pivot tables and research questions were acquired by Pareto analysis. Results: It was discovered that the most important component of motivation for combat sports in general is the inner motivation to experience, on the contrary, the least important for the respondents was the external regulation. The individual combat sports differentiated then by a different spectrum of motivation. However, there were three combat sports, in particular, karate, MMA and judo, which had common type of motivation, particularly to experience the inner motivation. Regarding...

Title: The use of gymnastic ball in combat sport. Objective: The aim of this work is to create a stack of exercises for martial arts wrestlers usable for training and improvement of movement on the ground. The exercises used use a gymnastic ball, which replaces the absence of a sparring partner. The partial aim of the thesis is to find out the difficulty of the proposed exercises based on the respondents' subjective perception. Methods: Based on a long-term observation of martial arts training in conjunction with professional resources dealing with the issue, gymnastic ball exercises were profiled. There were 18 respondents who distinguished the difficulty of the 8 selected exercises. A 10-point Borg Scale was used to evaluate the difficulty, which records the individual perception of the effort required to perform the exercise. Results: The result of the work is a set of exercises on the gymnastic ball suitable for training fight positions and situations for combat on the ground. Furthermore, individual evaluation of the difficulty of selected exercises wrestlers combat sports. The exercises were evaluated by the respondents from simple ones, such as the "Shifting feet while lying on belly" exercise to very demanding "Kneeling on one leg" exercises. The overall assessment suggests that the...

Title: Acute effect of a warm-up on the force of a punch Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to test whether a warm-up before a performance affects the force of a punch at a sample participants practicing full-contact combat sports. Further goal is to analyze a change in the force of a punch depending on elapsed time after warming up. Methods: Each participant in this experimental study with intra-subject design went through all phases of the measurement, where the force of a punch was tested in four specified times (before a warm-up and then 4, 10 and 25 minutes after the warm-up). Results: No statistically significant effect of a warm-up on the force of a punch was observed, nor was there a statistically significant change in the force of a punch during the time following a warm-up. However, a warm-up did have a significant effect on change in heart rate and body temperature. Keywords: Combat sports, performance, fight, dynamic stretching, explosive power, punch sensor

Title: The development of flexibility and its influence on sports training of judo Objectives: Analysis of the influence of flexibility in sports performance in judo and its appropriate methods of development. Methods: The diploma thesis was processed as a descriptive-analytical work in the form of a critical literary resource search. Results: Based on the literature search, it was found that judo in the main part of the training unit leads to the development of flexibility. It influences the speed of execution of the technique and improves sports performance. Flexibility can be amplified not only by the traditional stretching method, bud also by strength training. However, this is not the case with the development of maximum strength. There is no established test in testing methodology for evaluating flexibility. Keywords: Judo, flexibility, sports performance, resistance training, motor testing, literary research