Kinematic and Expert Modelling of Selected Handball Technique Elements : Doctoral Thesis

Konačni cilj ovog istraživanja bio je definirati matematički algoritam za detekciju kakvoće odabranih motoričkih znanja u rukometu. Sukladno cilju, najprije je izvršena kinematička analiza izvedbe dvaju najutilitarnijih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre, skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja na dvije kvalitativno različite skupine ispitanika u laboratorijskim uvjetima. Analiza je provedena softverskim sustavom GAIT - LABACS koji je konstruiran na FESB-u u Splitu, na uzorku od pet kvalitetnih prvoligaških i pet vrhunskim reprezentativnih igrača. Razlike u kinematičkim parametrima između vrhunskih i kvalitetnih rukometaša analizirane su multivarijatnom analizom varijance. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika izvedbe skok šuta u fazama zaleta i leta, kao i u lažnoj fazi izvedbe varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja između dviju kvalitativnih skupina rukometaša. Nadalje, u cilju komparacije dobivenog kinematičkog i ekspertnog hipotetskog modela, najprije je izvršena preliminarna analiza objektivnosti ocjenjivanja ekspertnog tima sastavljenog od deset vrhunskih međunarodnih eksperata s dugogodišnjim stručnim i znanstvenim referencama u rukometu. Zabilježena je visoka ujednačenost i objektivnost ocjenjivanja eksperata. U narednoj fazi istraživanja analizirani su osnovni deskriptivni parametri ocjena svih šest ponuđenih varijanti izvedbe kako bi se definirali hipotetski optimalni modeli izvedbe skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja prema mišljenjima eksperata. U predzadnjoj fazi istraživanja putem Spearman-Brownovog koeficijenta rang korelacije analizirana je povezanost dvaju normiranih kinematičkih modela izvedbe vrhunskih i kvalitetnih igrača s ekspertnim modelom. Utvrđena je statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe skok šuta vrhunskih igrača i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela, ali ne i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja. Na uzorku kvalitetnih rukometaša, statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela utvrđena je za oba elementa. U završnom dijelu istraživanja dodatnom ekspertnom evaluacijom važnosti pojedinih faza konstruiran je matematički algoritam za objektivno ocjenjivanje izvedbe analiziranih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre.The ultimate aim of this study was to define a mathematics algorithm to detect the quality of selected motor knowledge in handball. With regard to the aim, first we conducted kinematic analysis of the performance of the two most frequently utilized elements in handball technique, jump shot and single side fake movement, in two groups of respondents of different qualities in laboratory conditions. The analysis was conducted by GAIT – LABACS software system designed at the Faculty of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split on the sample of 5 quality first league and 5 top national team players. The differences in kinematic parameters between top and quality handball players were analysed by multivariant variance analysis. We established statistically significant difference in the performance of jump shot in run-up and flight phases as well as in the single side fake movement phase between two quality handball players groups. Further on, with the purpose of comparing the obtained kinematic and hypothetical expert model, we first conducted preliminary analysis of objectivity of the expert team evaluation which included ten top international experts with long-term professional and scientific references in handball. We marked a high level of uniformity and objectivity of the experts’ evaluation. The following phase of the study involved the analysis of basic descriptive parameters of marks in all of the six suggested performance variants to define hypothetically optimal models for the performance of jump shots and single side fake movement according to the experts’ opinion. In the penultimate phase of the study, by Spearman-Brown rank correlation coefficient, we analysed the connection between two standardized kinematic models of the performance in top and quality handball players and the expert model. We established statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of the jump shot performance in top players and the hypothetical expert model, but not in the single side fake movement. On the sample of quality handball players, statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of performance and hypothetical expert model was established in both elements. In the final phase of the study and by an additional expert evaluation of the importance of individual phases, we developed a mathematical algorithm for objective evaluation of the analysed technique elements performance in handball game

Kinematic and Expert Modelling of Selected Handball Technique Elements : Doctoral Thesis

Konačni cilj ovog istraživanja bio je definirati matematički algoritam za detekciju kakvoće odabranih motoričkih znanja u rukometu. Sukladno cilju, najprije je izvršena kinematička analiza izvedbe dvaju najutilitarnijih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre, skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja na dvije kvalitativno različite skupine ispitanika u laboratorijskim uvjetima. Analiza je provedena softverskim sustavom GAIT - LABACS koji je konstruiran na FESB-u u Splitu, na uzorku od pet kvalitetnih prvoligaških i pet vrhunskim reprezentativnih igrača. Razlike u kinematičkim parametrima između vrhunskih i kvalitetnih rukometaša analizirane su multivarijatnom analizom varijance. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika izvedbe skok šuta u fazama zaleta i leta, kao i u lažnoj fazi izvedbe varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja između dviju kvalitativnih skupina rukometaša. Nadalje, u cilju komparacije dobivenog kinematičkog i ekspertnog hipotetskog modela, najprije je izvršena preliminarna analiza objektivnosti ocjenjivanja ekspertnog tima sastavljenog od deset vrhunskih međunarodnih eksperata s dugogodišnjim stručnim i znanstvenim referencama u rukometu. Zabilježena je visoka ujednačenost i objektivnost ocjenjivanja eksperata. U narednoj fazi istraživanja analizirani su osnovni deskriptivni parametri ocjena svih šest ponuđenih varijanti izvedbe kako bi se definirali hipotetski optimalni modeli izvedbe skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja prema mišljenjima eksperata. U predzadnjoj fazi istraživanja putem Spearman-Brownovog koeficijenta rang korelacije analizirana je povezanost dvaju normiranih kinematičkih modela izvedbe vrhunskih i kvalitetnih igrača s ekspertnim modelom. Utvrđena je statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe skok šuta vrhunskih igrača i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela, ali ne i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja. Na uzorku kvalitetnih rukometaša, statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela utvrđena je za oba elementa. U završnom dijelu istraživanja dodatnom ekspertnom evaluacijom važnosti pojedinih faza konstruiran je matematički algoritam za objektivno ocjenjivanje izvedbe analiziranih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre.The ultimate aim of this study was to define a mathematics algorithm to detect the quality of selected motor knowledge in handball. With regard to the aim, first we conducted kinematic analysis of the performance of the two most frequently utilized elements in handball technique, jump shot and single side fake movement, in two groups of respondents of different qualities in laboratory conditions. The analysis was conducted by GAIT – LABACS software system designed at the Faculty of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split on the sample of 5 quality first league and 5 top national team players. The differences in kinematic parameters between top and quality handball players were analysed by multivariant variance analysis. We established statistically significant difference in the performance of jump shot in run-up and flight phases as well as in the single side fake movement phase between two quality handball players groups. Further on, with the purpose of comparing the obtained kinematic and hypothetical expert model, we first conducted preliminary analysis of objectivity of the expert team evaluation which included ten top international experts with long-term professional and scientific references in handball. We marked a high level of uniformity and objectivity of the experts’ evaluation. The following phase of the study involved the analysis of basic descriptive parameters of marks in all of the six suggested performance variants to define hypothetically optimal models for the performance of jump shots and single side fake movement according to the experts’ opinion. In the penultimate phase of the study, by Spearman-Brown rank correlation coefficient, we analysed the connection between two standardized kinematic models of the performance in top and quality handball players and the expert model. We established statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of the jump shot performance in top players and the hypothetical expert model, but not in the single side fake movement. On the sample of quality handball players, statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of performance and hypothetical expert model was established in both elements. In the final phase of the study and by an additional expert evaluation of the importance of individual phases, we developed a mathematical algorithm for objective evaluation of the analysed technique elements performance in handball game

Kinematic and Expert Modelling of Selected Handball Technique Elements : Doctoral Thesis

Konačni cilj ovog istraživanja bio je definirati matematički algoritam za detekciju kakvoće odabranih motoričkih znanja u rukometu. Sukladno cilju, najprije je izvršena kinematička analiza izvedbe dvaju najutilitarnijih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre, skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja na dvije kvalitativno različite skupine ispitanika u laboratorijskim uvjetima. Analiza je provedena softverskim sustavom GAIT - LABACS koji je konstruiran na FESB-u u Splitu, na uzorku od pet kvalitetnih prvoligaških i pet vrhunskim reprezentativnih igrača. Razlike u kinematičkim parametrima između vrhunskih i kvalitetnih rukometaša analizirane su multivarijatnom analizom varijance. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika izvedbe skok šuta u fazama zaleta i leta, kao i u lažnoj fazi izvedbe varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja između dviju kvalitativnih skupina rukometaša. Nadalje, u cilju komparacije dobivenog kinematičkog i ekspertnog hipotetskog modela, najprije je izvršena preliminarna analiza objektivnosti ocjenjivanja ekspertnog tima sastavljenog od deset vrhunskih međunarodnih eksperata s dugogodišnjim stručnim i znanstvenim referencama u rukometu. Zabilježena je visoka ujednačenost i objektivnost ocjenjivanja eksperata. U narednoj fazi istraživanja analizirani su osnovni deskriptivni parametri ocjena svih šest ponuđenih varijanti izvedbe kako bi se definirali hipotetski optimalni modeli izvedbe skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja prema mišljenjima eksperata. U predzadnjoj fazi istraživanja putem Spearman-Brownovog koeficijenta rang korelacije analizirana je povezanost dvaju normiranih kinematičkih modela izvedbe vrhunskih i kvalitetnih igrača s ekspertnim modelom. Utvrđena je statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe skok šuta vrhunskih igrača i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela, ali ne i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja. Na uzorku kvalitetnih rukometaša, statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela utvrđena je za oba elementa. U završnom dijelu istraživanja dodatnom ekspertnom evaluacijom važnosti pojedinih faza konstruiran je matematički algoritam za objektivno ocjenjivanje izvedbe analiziranih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre.The ultimate aim of this study was to define a mathematics algorithm to detect the quality of selected motor knowledge in handball. With regard to the aim, first we conducted kinematic analysis of the performance of the two most frequently utilized elements in handball technique, jump shot and single side fake movement, in two groups of respondents of different qualities in laboratory conditions. The analysis was conducted by GAIT – LABACS software system designed at the Faculty of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split on the sample of 5 quality first league and 5 top national team players. The differences in kinematic parameters between top and quality handball players were analysed by multivariant variance analysis. We established statistically significant difference in the performance of jump shot in run-up and flight phases as well as in the single side fake movement phase between two quality handball players groups. Further on, with the purpose of comparing the obtained kinematic and hypothetical expert model, we first conducted preliminary analysis of objectivity of the expert team evaluation which included ten top international experts with long-term professional and scientific references in handball. We marked a high level of uniformity and objectivity of the experts’ evaluation. The following phase of the study involved the analysis of basic descriptive parameters of marks in all of the six suggested performance variants to define hypothetically optimal models for the performance of jump shots and single side fake movement according to the experts’ opinion. In the penultimate phase of the study, by Spearman-Brown rank correlation coefficient, we analysed the connection between two standardized kinematic models of the performance in top and quality handball players and the expert model. We established statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of the jump shot performance in top players and the hypothetical expert model, but not in the single side fake movement. On the sample of quality handball players, statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of performance and hypothetical expert model was established in both elements. In the final phase of the study and by an additional expert evaluation of the importance of individual phases, we developed a mathematical algorithm for objective evaluation of the analysed technique elements performance in handball game

Kinematic and Expert Modelling of Selected Handball Technique Elements : Doctoral Thesis

Konačni cilj ovog istraživanja bio je definirati matematički algoritam za detekciju kakvoće odabranih motoričkih znanja u rukometu. Sukladno cilju, najprije je izvršena kinematička analiza izvedbe dvaju najutilitarnijih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre, skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja na dvije kvalitativno različite skupine ispitanika u laboratorijskim uvjetima. Analiza je provedena softverskim sustavom GAIT - LABACS koji je konstruiran na FESB-u u Splitu, na uzorku od pet kvalitetnih prvoligaških i pet vrhunskim reprezentativnih igrača. Razlike u kinematičkim parametrima između vrhunskih i kvalitetnih rukometaša analizirane su multivarijatnom analizom varijance. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika izvedbe skok šuta u fazama zaleta i leta, kao i u lažnoj fazi izvedbe varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja između dviju kvalitativnih skupina rukometaša. Nadalje, u cilju komparacije dobivenog kinematičkog i ekspertnog hipotetskog modela, najprije je izvršena preliminarna analiza objektivnosti ocjenjivanja ekspertnog tima sastavljenog od deset vrhunskih međunarodnih eksperata s dugogodišnjim stručnim i znanstvenim referencama u rukometu. Zabilježena je visoka ujednačenost i objektivnost ocjenjivanja eksperata. U narednoj fazi istraživanja analizirani su osnovni deskriptivni parametri ocjena svih šest ponuđenih varijanti izvedbe kako bi se definirali hipotetski optimalni modeli izvedbe skok šuta i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja prema mišljenjima eksperata. U predzadnjoj fazi istraživanja putem Spearman-Brownovog koeficijenta rang korelacije analizirana je povezanost dvaju normiranih kinematičkih modela izvedbe vrhunskih i kvalitetnih igrača s ekspertnim modelom. Utvrđena je statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe skok šuta vrhunskih igrača i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela, ali ne i varke jednostruke promjene smjera kretanja. Na uzorku kvalitetnih rukometaša, statistički značajna povezanost između kinematičkog modela izvedbe i hipotetskog ekspertnog modela utvrđena je za oba elementa. U završnom dijelu istraživanja dodatnom ekspertnom evaluacijom važnosti pojedinih faza konstruiran je matematički algoritam za objektivno ocjenjivanje izvedbe analiziranih elemenata tehnike rukometne igre.The ultimate aim of this study was to define a mathematics algorithm to detect the quality of selected motor knowledge in handball. With regard to the aim, first we conducted kinematic analysis of the performance of the two most frequently utilized elements in handball technique, jump shot and single side fake movement, in two groups of respondents of different qualities in laboratory conditions. The analysis was conducted by GAIT – LABACS software system designed at the Faculty of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split on the sample of 5 quality first league and 5 top national team players. The differences in kinematic parameters between top and quality handball players were analysed by multivariant variance analysis. We established statistically significant difference in the performance of jump shot in run-up and flight phases as well as in the single side fake movement phase between two quality handball players groups. Further on, with the purpose of comparing the obtained kinematic and hypothetical expert model, we first conducted preliminary analysis of objectivity of the expert team evaluation which included ten top international experts with long-term professional and scientific references in handball. We marked a high level of uniformity and objectivity of the experts’ evaluation. The following phase of the study involved the analysis of basic descriptive parameters of marks in all of the six suggested performance variants to define hypothetically optimal models for the performance of jump shots and single side fake movement according to the experts’ opinion. In the penultimate phase of the study, by Spearman-Brown rank correlation coefficient, we analysed the connection between two standardized kinematic models of the performance in top and quality handball players and the expert model. We established statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of the jump shot performance in top players and the hypothetical expert model, but not in the single side fake movement. On the sample of quality handball players, statistically significant connection between the kinematic model of performance and hypothetical expert model was established in both elements. In the final phase of the study and by an additional expert evaluation of the importance of individual phases, we developed a mathematical algorithm for objective evaluation of the analysed technique elements performance in handball game

Environmental Success Factors or the Justififi cation for the Prohibition of High-Tech Swimsuits in Swimming

The scope of the study was to elaborate and represent different aspects of high-tech suits which infl uence the swimming results and to justify the change of swimming rules in 2009. Impact of environmental factors on the result should not be greater than the athlete’s impact. Impact of high-tech suits greatly contributes to the development of technology, new materials and modern design of sports equipment. The paper describes the genesis of the high-tech swimsuits and provides an analysis of causes and consequences of its prohibition. The arguments against the suits have an effect on prohibition of different sports requisites and equipment in all sports. This prohibition directly affects the modern swimmers who will have diffi culties in breaking the world records swimming in high-tech suits

Longitudinal Analysis of Basic Motor and Functional Abilities of Elementary School Pupils

The aim of the research was to conduct a longitudinal study of motor and cardiorespiratory fitness of 5th to 7th grade elementary male and female pupils in the period from 2005 to 2020. The pupils (1649) were divided into 3 generation groups: the older (2005–2009), the middle (2010–2015) and the younger group (2016 – 2020). There is a noticeable decrease in flexibility among all pupils and grades of younger generations. Results indicate poorer performance of younger gener ation of 5th graders in speed and power. The 7th grade female pupils who were tested in the 2015 – 2020 period, showed a significant decline in all motor and cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the other two generation groups, except for upper body power. Every four years, an evaluation of test results should be carried out so that each Physical Education teacher in a particular school can accurately compare and standardise the obtained values

Use of Artificial Surfaces in Sports

Umjetne podloge na sportskim igralištima i terenima imaju sve veću primjenu posljednjih 20 godina. Razvoj modernih tehnologija izrađivanja takvih podloga je u konstantnom porastu te se na tržištu mogu pronaći različiti proizvođači koji plasiraju svoje proizvode u sportskoj industriji. Nogomet kao najrašireniji sport u svijetu je među prvima implementirao terene s umjetnom travom u sustav treninga i odigravanja utakmica. Danas je u upotrebi umjetna trava 4. generacije koja se postavlja na nogometne travnjake diljem svijeta te bi trebala zadovoljavati najveće europske standarde. Pregledom istraživanja na travnatim površinama uočeno je da je umjetna trava prve i druge generacije imala zabilježenu veću incidenciju ozljeda u odnosu na prirodne travnjake. Osobito treba pripaziti na toksičnost granulata koji je bio postavljan na umjetnu travu te su zabilježena kožna i respiratorna oboljenja na travnjacima starijih generacija. Tenis pripada sportovima gdje su se među prvima koristile umjetne podloge različitih karakteristika. Učestale promjene igranja na različitim teniskim podlogama dovele se do ozljeđivanja igrača koji nisu bili adekvatno fizički pripremljeni. Dvoranski sportovi poput rukometa, odbojke, futsala koriste višenamjenske umjetne podloge za svoja natjecanja. Istraživanja na ozljedama u dvoranskim sportovima pokazala su da postoje povećani rizici od ozljede kada se igra na umjetnim podlogama. Cilj ovoga stručnoga rada je potaknuti znanstvenu i sportsku zajednicu na važnost prevencije i dobre fizičke pripreme sportaša za igranje na različitim umjetnim podlogama. Konačan je zaključak da treba konstantno provoditi kontrolu proizvodnje umjetnih podloga te redovito pratiti incidenciju ozljeđivanja za vrijeme treninga i natjecanja, kako se ne bi povećala opasnost ozljeđivanja sportaša.Artificial surfaces on sports fields and terrains have been increasingly used for the last 20 years. The development of modern technologies for making such surfaces has been constantly increasing, and different manufacturers who place their products in the sports industry can be found on the market. Soccer is the most widespread sport in the world and was among the first to implement fields with artificial grass in the system of training and playing matches. Today, artificial grass of the 4th generation is used and placed on football pitches around the world with the highest European standards. The review of research on grass surfaces showed that artificial grass of the first and second generation had a higher incidence of injuries compared to natural lawns. Particular attention should be paid to the toxicity of the granulate that was placed on the artificial grass, because skin and respiratory di-seases have been recorded on the lawns of older generations. Tennis belongs to the sports where artificial surfaces with different characteristics were among the first to be used. Frequent changes of playing on different tennis surfaces led to injuries to players who were not adequately physically prepared. Indoor sports such as handball, volleyball, futsal use multipurpose artificial surfaces for their competitions. Research of injuries in indoor sports has shown that there is an increased risk of injury when playing on artificial surfaces. The goal of this professional work is to warn the scientific and sports community on the importance of prevention and good physical preparation of athletes for playing on different artificial surfaces. Also, it is necessary to constantly control the production of artificial surfaces and regularly monitor the incidence of injuries during training and competition, in order not to increase the risk of injury in athletes

Morphological Profi les of Playing Positions in Defense and Offense in Professional Men’s Handball

The main scope of the study is concerned with the morphological profi les of playing positions in defense, offense and the combinations of these two phases of the game. Furthermore, study attempted to identify the difference between the morphological profi les of the individual playing positions. Entity sample of the study consist of the 148 players that participated in 45 matches of the World Men’s Handball Championship which took place in Croatia in 2009. The study dealt with the differences between playing positions concerning basic morphological characteristics which are due to the selection based on roles and tasks that need to be carried out in each position. Moreover, morphological similarity of playing positions in offense and defense was noticed. It was determined that wing players play dominantly in the position of left back, external players in the position of right and center back whereas pivots participate in the positions of center, back and center forward positions in defense. Morphological profi les of playing positions in defense, offense and in the combination of these two phases of the game were determined. Identical positions on different sides in offense (left-right wing player, left-right back player) have shown that these positions are quite similar when it comes to morphological profi le and playing position in defense. It can be concluded that some playing positions in offense are accompanied by the respective positions in defense. All positions are characterized by one or two morphological profi les

Sportska darovitost učenika i učenica Splitsko-dalmatinske županije

The study was conducted with the purpose of determining the level and the differences of sport talents in boys and girls attending primary schools in the Split-Dalmatia County. By the \u27\u27TALENT\u27\u27 expert system we established potential talent in 93 randomly selected male and female primary school pupils in 14 different sports and sport disciplines based on the level of their motor and functional abilities evaluated by 7 measuring instruments. The results of the study show that particularly female pupils are, with regard to their motor and functional abilities, most talented for running athletic disciplines and kicking martial arts. We also revealed a high level of talent for sport games in male pupils, primarily tennis and football; while female pupils have talent for water sports in addition to some sport games and all kinds of martial arts. A similar distribution of sport talent in male and female pupils most likely leads to the similar structure of anthropological features in both sexes, and generally to a slightly higher level of potential sport talent in girls compared to the boys from this region.Istraživanje je provedeno s ciljem utvrđivanja razine i razlika u sportskoj darovitosti između učenika i učenica osnovnih škola u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji. Putem ekspertnog sustava «TALENT» utvrđena je potencijalna darovitost 93 slučajno odabrana učenika i učenica u 14 različitih sportova i sportskih disciplina, na temelju razine njihovih motoričkih i funkcionalnih sposobnosti koje su procijenjene sa 7 mjernih instrumenata. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na to da su učenici, a posebno učenice, prema svojim motoričkim i funkcionalnim sposobnostima najdarovitiji za lake atletske trkačke discipline i borilačke sportove u vidu udaranja. Visoka razina darovitosti kod učenika postoji i za sportske igre, osobito za tenis i nogomet, a kod učenica osim za pojedine sportske igre i za sportove u vodi, kao i za sve vrste borilačkih sportova. Slična raspodjela sportske darovitosti kod učenika i učenika vjerojatno ukazuje i na sličnu strukturu antropoloških značajki kod oba spola, ali i generalno na nešto veću razinu potencijalne sportske darovitosti djevojčica u odnosu na dječake u navedenom području

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection