Effects of Occupational Load on the Acceleration, Change of Direction Speed, and Anaerobic Power of Police Officers.

ABSTRACT: Kukic, F, Jankovic, R, Dawes, JJ, Orr, R, and Koropanovski, N. Effects of occupational load on the acceleration, change of direction speed, and anaerobic power of police officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1237-1243, 2023-Police officers engage in movements such as foot pursuits, sudden directional changes, or prolonged sprinting while wearing occupational loads (including body armor, baton, radio, handcuffs, and sidearm). This study investigated the effects of incrementally heavier loads carried by police students on their physical performance. Police students ( n = 63; male n = 39 male and 24 female students) performed an acceleration over a 10-m distance (Acc 10m ), Illinois agility test (IAT), and 300-yard shuttle run test (ShR 300y ) without load, with a 5-kg load (handgun, spare empty magazine, baton, and handcuffs), and with a 10-kg load (loaded vest). The effects of different load conditions were investigated for both sexes using a repeated-measure analysis of variance and Cohen's effect size. Female students carried relatively heavier loads and were slower than male students in Acc 10m , IAT, and ShR 300y . Load significantly ( p < 0.001) impaired the performance in Acc 10m , IAT, and ShR 300y in both sexes, but the effects were greater ( p < 0.001) among female police students. A load as little as 5 kg was sufficient to reduce Acc 10m , IAT, and ShR 300y among police students. Increasing the load to 10 kg (i.e., wearing the body armor) did not significantly affect Acc 10m and IAT among male students, but it did affect Acc 10m and IAT among female students. Sprint endurance (i.e., ShR 300y ) was strongly affected by both loads regardless of sex. Strength and conditioning programs should focus on strength, power, and anaerobic endurance to improve performance while carrying occupational loads. Occasional training with loads similar to those at work may further ensure that officers are fit for purpose.

Validity of a Novel Specific Wrestling Fitness Test.

ABSTRACT: Markovic, M, Kukic, F, Dopsaj, M, Kasum, G, Toskic, L, and Zaric, I. Validity of a novel specific wrestling fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S51-S57, 2021-The specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT) is a novel test aiming to estimate the level of physical preparedness of wrestlers; therefore, it should posses an acceptable level of validity. The aim of this study was to investigate an internal, external, and construct validity of SWFT. The sample consisted of 15 national level male wrestlers (age = 22.6 ± 2.3 years, body mass [BM] = 83.3 ± 6.5 kg, and BM index [BMI] = 25.36 ± 1.2 kg·m-2). They performed the SWFT, specific judo fitness test (SJFT), and specific wrestling performance test (SWPT), each test on a separate day. For each test, performance was evaluated in absolute measure as total number of throws at the end of the test (TnThrows) and relative measure as TnThrows/BM and TnThrows/BMI. Heart rate at the end of the test (HR0min) and 1 minute into recovery (HR1min) was used as a measure of cardiovascular functionality, whereas specific judo fitness index (SJFIndex) was used as an indicator of cardiovascular functionality relative to given performance. A correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate the internal, external, and construct validity of SWFT. The SWFT_TnThrows/BM had the highest internal validity relative to SJFT_TnThrows/BM (R2 = 0.722, p < 0.001) and the highest external validity relative to SWPT_TnThrows/BM (r = 0.846, p < 0.001). SWFT_TnThrows/BM predicted SWPT_TnThrows/BM with a large coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.818, p < 0.001). SWFT_TnThrows/BM is valid and easily attainable predictor of wrestlers' specific physical preparedness and as such is of high practical value.

Impact of a 12-Week Postgraduate Training Course on the Body Composition and Physical Abilities of Police Trainees.

ABSTRACT: Cvorovic, A, Kukic, F, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, Jeknic, V, and Stojkovic, M. Impact of a 12-week postgraduate training course on the body composition and physical abilities of police trainees. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 826-832, 2021-The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week physical training program on police trainees at the Abu Dhabi Police College. Anthropometric and fitness testing data for 325 healthy trainees, enrolled in an academic course for qualification as a police officer, were analyzed. The trainees were tested 3 times, during the initial (week 1), midpoint (week 7), and final testing (week 13) phases of the training program. The tested variables included anthropometry (body mass [BM]), body composition (body mass index [BMI]; waist circumference [WC]; waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), upper-body muscular endurance (1-minute push-up [PU]), trunk muscular endurance (1-minute sit-up [SU]), and aerobic endurance (2.4-km run [RUN]). A 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni adjustment was performed to investigate the changes in anthropometry and fitness across the 3 testing periods with percentages of change calculated at each testing stage. Alpha levels were set at 0.05 a priori. Statistically significant differences (range of p values from p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) were found in all tested variables (BM, BMI, WC, WHtR, PU, SU, and RUN) and between all testing stages (initial, midpoint, and final). A progressive physical training program that incorporates mesocycles and midpoint evaluations can have a positive impact on the fitness of trainees even when undergoing a busy academy program.

Effects of a single-day pre-academy physical test training session on physical fitness scores of police candidates.

BACKGROUND: Concerns are sometimes raised by police applicants undertaking physical fitness testing that they were unfamiliar with the test requirements which in turn negatively impacted their performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single day physical test training session on physical fitness scores of police candidates. METHODS: The sample consisted of female police candidates (n = 133) who attended a pre-academy training session. On the first day of pre-training, candidates' physical fitness was measured following official assessment day protocols. Measures included maximal handgrip strength, number of push-ups in 10 sec (PU), number of sit-ups in 30 sec (SU), standing long jump (SLJ), Abalakow jump test (AJ), 12 min Cooper running test (CT), and a motor educability test (ME). After the assessment, the overseeing UCIPS staff provided a detailed test skills briefing to candidates (e.g., common mistakes made during testing, how test performance could be improved, etc.). Immediately after the briefing, candidates performed the tests once again. Differences between results were measured using a paired samples t-test with significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: Paired sample t-tests determined significant (p < 0.001), large (Rank-Biserial Correlation = 1.00), improvements in physical fitness scores during the second assessment following familiarisation and feedback on test performance. CONCLUSION: Pre-academy training may be effective in improving candidates' physical fitness scores, in most tests, prior to the official assessment for the enrolment to police studies. Thus, to optimise initial candidate scores and opportunities for successful enlistment, police agencies may benefit from providing pre-assessment training.

Physical Activity as a Means to Improve Subjective Vitality of University Students.

Purpose: This study compared physical self-concept and subjective vitality of police, physical education, and psychology students. Moreover, the study investigated whether students who reported a higher level of physical activity differently rated physical self-concept and subjective vitality and whether physical activity was associated with subjective vitality. Methods: The study sample included 422 university students (249 females) from three state academic institutions: University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies (n = 165), Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (n = 156) and Faculty of Psychology (n = 101). The mean age was 20.85 ± 3.59 years. They completed a physical self-description questionnaire, the subjective vitality scale, and a physical activity questionnaire using the Survey Monkey platform. Multivariate analysis of variance investigated the differences in physical activity, physical self and vitality, while regression analysis investigated the association of physical self and physical activity with subjective vitality. Results: Police students and physical education students reported higher levels of physical activity and perceived higher their own physical self and subjective vitality than psychology students. From the whole sample, students who were sufficiently physically active also scored higher on physical self-concept and subjective vitality. There was a significant association of physical activity level with subjective vitality. Conclusion: Physical activity was directly associated with students' subjective evaluation of their own health. It can be concluded that students should aim to attain a minimum of 150 min per week of physical activity. Students and faculties should be involved in the attainment of minimal levels of physical activity. This could improve students' subjective perception of self, along with objective measures of health and wellbeing.

Prevalence of Reproductive Health Issues among US Female Law Enforcement Officers.

Reproductive health is a considerable concern among US female law enforcement officers (LEOs). Miscarriage and preterm birth rates are significantly higher in women firefighters than published US averages. Since law enforcement and firefighting share occupational conditions and practices, adverse birth outcomes were hypothesized to be greater in female law enforcement officers (LEOs) than the US averages. Occupational hazards may place pregnant LEOs at a higher risk for complicated pregnancies and adverse birth outcomes. This study quantified pregnancy outcomes in female LEOs using a cross-sectional survey and compared them to US averages and large prospective studies. The participants (N = 162, 72.2% aged 31-49, 85.2% Caucasian) averaged 2.5 ± 1.4 pregnancies. Stress (59.1%) and shiftwork (59.8%) were the most common reported exposures. Miscarriage and preterm birth rates were 19.1% and 16.4%, respectively. Miscarriages were significantly greater among participants compared to prospective studies [χ2 (1, N = 911,971) = 20.51, p < 0.001]. Female LEOs of childbearing age should receive education about potential reproductive health hazards and take precautions against them. Moreover, policymakers, human resources, and healthcare providers should understand how law enforcement work might affect maternal health.

Association of waist to height ratio with 2.4 kilometers running time among male police populations.

BACKGROUND: Body anthropometrics are biologically predetermined, while morphology responds to energy intake and output and stressors, thus impacting health. Fitness is impacted by these bodily characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study determined to what degree anthropomorphic measures and age of police officers determined 2.4 km running performance. METHODS: Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and 2.4 km running time (RUN) of 1916 male police officers were directly measured and analyzed. After determining correlations of anthropomorphic variables with RUN. Stepwise linear regressions evaluated individual associations of age, height, weight, BMI, WC, and WHtR with RUN, to determine the model with the highest predictive value of RUN performance. RESULTS: WHtR was the strongest RUN predictor (r = 0.672, R2 = 0.451, p < 0.001), while the best predictive model apart from WHtR also included age and BM (R2 = 0.556, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WHtR was the strongest anthropomorphic predictor of RUN performance. As a predictor, WHtR provides information on both anthropometric and morphology components of police officers. Its utilization among police occupations may be more effective than BMI as it better relates to performance.

Effects of Knee Extension Joint Angle on Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Activation and Exerted Torque in Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction.

This study investigated the effects of knee joint angle on muscle activation, exerted torque, and whether the knee angle affects the muscle activation−torque ratio. Nine healthy adult male participants participated in the study. They performed maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) at six (80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 130°) different knee joint angles (i.e., angles between the thigh and shin bones). Their maximal torque was assessed utilizing an isokinetic chair, while their muscle activation (root mean square [RMS]) was assessed using an eight-channel single differential surface EMG sensor. For the purposes of the torque−knee angle relationship and muscle activation−knee angle relationship, the torque and RMS were normalized relative to the maximal value obtained by each participant. To evaluate the muscle activation−torque ratio in function of knee angle, RMS was normalized relative to the corresponding torque obtained at each knee angle. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used to investigate the effects of knee angle on muscle activation, torque, and muscle activation−torque ratio. There was a significant effect of knee joint angle on normalized torque (F = 27.521, p < 0.001), while the activation of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis remained unchanged. The changes in knee angle affected the muscle activation−torque ratio of vastus lateralis (Chi-square = 16.246, p = 0.006) but not the vastus medialis. These results suggest that knee joint angles from 80° to 130° provide a stable milieu for muscle electrification, while mechanical factor such as knee joint angle (i.e., lever arm length) affect the torque output when one needs to contract quadriceps maximally during the isometric contraction.

Association of Anthropometrics and Body Composition with Maximal and Relative Force and Power of Kayak Stroke in Competitive Kayak Athletes.

This study determined to what degree anthropometrics and body composition are associated with force and power outputs of a single-stroke kayak test (SSKT). Body height (BH), sitting height, biacromial distance, arm span, stroke length, body mass index (BMI), percent of skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), percent body fat (PBF) and maximal and relative force (SSKTFmax and SSKTFrel) and power (SSKTPmax and SSKTPrel) of the SSKT were assessed in 21 male kayak competitors, including sprint specialists and long-distance specialists. Correlation analysis established the association (p < 0.05) between SSKTFmax and BM (r = 0.511), BMI (r = 0.495) and SMMI (r = 0.530). A significant correlation (p < 0.05) also occurred between SSKTPmax and BMI (r = 0.471) and SMMI (r = 0.489). Regression analysis determined a significant association of the anthropometrics−body composition model of kayakers with SSKTFmax (R2 = 0.790), SSKTFRel (R2 = 0.748), SSKTPmax (R2 = 0.676) and SSKTPrel (R2 = 0.625). A longer and wider upper body supported by higher amounts of skeletal muscle mass per square of body size provides higher force outcomes in a complex single-handed SSKT, while the PSMM provides higher outcomes in SSKTPmax.

Effects of the Task Complexity on the Single Movement Response Time of Upper and Lower Limbs in Police Officers.

Police officers occasionally encounter belligerents resisting or even physically assaulting them without or with objects. The self-defense or legal utilization of use of force to disable the offender from harming an officer or others may depend on a single movement speed of hands and legs. This study investigated the effects of task complexity on a single movement response time of the upper and lower limbs in police officers. The sample consisted of 32 male police officers aged between 23 and 50 years. They performed a single movement as fast as possible with their upper and lower limb in three incrementally more complex tasks. In the first task, participants acted on a light signal and with their dominant limb they had to turn off the signal as fast as possible. In the second task, on the light signal, participants could turn off the light with free choice of the upper limb in a hand task or lower limb in a leg task. In the third task, participants had to turn the light off with the right limb if the light turned red and with the left limb if the light turned blue. The BlazePod device was used to assess the movement response time. The results show that there was a significant effect of task complexity on the single movement response time of the hand (F = 24.5, p < 0.001) and leg (F = 46.2, p < 0.001). The training of police officers should utilize specific and situational tasks to improve movement response time by improving the redundancy in decision-making processes during work-specific tasks of different complexity.

Sensitivity of Field Tests for Assessment of Wrestlers Specific Fitness.

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in performance, cardiac, and metabolic variables of combat-specific fitness of wrestlers from varying sports levels. The sample consisted of 61 active and highly trained adult wrestlers of national and international levels from Serbia, from both Greco-Roman and freestyle forms of wrestling, allocated into three groups: national team wrestlers (N = 15), first league competitive wrestlers (N = 20), and second league competitive wrestlers (N = 26). Participants performed two tests: a Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT) and a Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT). Between-group differences were determined using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA). Significant differences were obtained between wrestlers of different sports levels in TnThrows (F = 77.491, p < 0.001), SJFIndex (F = 49.710, p < 0.001), and SWPIndex (F = 31.205, p < 0.001) in the SWFT and in TnThrows (F = 71.051, p < 0.001), SJFIndex F = 45.343, p < 0.001), and SWPIndex (F = 26.820, p < 0.001) in the SWPT. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the SWFT and the SWPT provide very good sensitivity in the evaluation of the wrestlers specific fitness of wrestlers.

Effects of Maximal and Submaximal Anaerobic and Aerobic Running on Subsequent Change-of-Direction Speed Performance among Police Students.

Change-of-direction speed (CODS) directly impacts success in sports, police, and military performance. Movements requiring CODS are often preceded by aerobic or anaerobic running. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of maximal and submaximal anaerobic and aerobic running on subsequent CODS performance. A sample of 50 police students (42% female and 58% male) performed a maximal 300-yard shuttle run test (SR300y) and a 2.4-km Cooper test (CT2.4km) at maximal effort and also at 95, 90, 85, 80, and 75% of maximal effort. CODS was assessed using the Illinois Agility Test (IAT) immediately following each intensity level of each test at 12 separate testing sessions. To avoid fatigue, the period between each consecutive session was a minimum of 3 days. Paired samples t-tests were used to determine the differences between the two conditions (anaerobic lactic and aerobic) and for the IAT. A repeated measure analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to analyze partial effects of different running intensities on the IAT. A significant reduction in speed was observed between the initial IATmax time and the IATmax time after performing the SR300y at intensities of 95, 90, 85, and 80% of maximal speed on this test. IAT performance was significantly slower when performed after the CT2.4km at 95 and 90% of maximal aerobic speed. The effects of the SR300y on the IAT were significantly greater than the effects of the CT2.4km. No significant differences were found by sex. Building up to 90% intensity, anaerobic running has a greater negative impact on subsequent CODS performance than does aerobic running.

Association between perceived stress, coping profile and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic among male and female police students.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was a sudden unknown stressor that could cause fear among people. Police officers were in the front lines, often unknowingly in direct contact with infected individuals, thus fear of getting infected (i.e., fear of COVID-19) could be higher in this population. Police students are preparing for the job of police officers and how they cope with a sudden unknown situation could be of importance for job performance and their mental health if such a situation occurs. This study aimed to investigate the association of perceived stress and coping strategies with fear of COVID-19 in police students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Perceived stress scale-10, Brief COPE, and Fear of COVID-19 (FSV-19) were administered to 340 police students (female = 183 [53.82%] and male = 157 [46.18%]). Correlation analysis was applied to test the association between perceived stress, all dimension of coping and fear of COVID-19. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to investigate between-gender differences. For mediating and moderating effect of coping primary coping style were used. RESULTS: MANOVA reviled that significant differences occurred in perceived stress, 3 primary coping styles and fear of COVID-19 based on a gender. Stepwise regression analysis extracted the most significant predictors of fear of COVID-19. Perceived stress was the strongest predictor in general and in both genders. Denial and self-distancing were significant coping subscales in males, while humour and denial were significant in females. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived stress and coping strategies that students used to deal with the situation moderately defined their fear of COVID-19 outbreak, with perceived stress being the strongest predictor. Med Pr. 2022;73(3):179-90.

Specific Physical Ability Prediction in Youth Basketball Players According to Playing Position.

This study investigated the hierarchical structure of physical characteristics in elite young (i.e., U17-U19) basketball players according to playing positions. In addition, their predictive value of physical characteristics was determined for the evaluation of players' physical preparedness. Sixty elite male basketball players performed 13 standardized specific field tests in order to assess the explosive power of lower limbs, speed, and change-of-direction speed. They were divided into three groups according to playing positions (guard [n = 28], forward [n = 22], center [n = 10]). The basic characteristics of the tested sample were: age = 17.36 ± 1.04 years, body height = 192.80 ± 4.49 cm, body mass = 79.83 ± 6.94 kg, and basketball experience = 9.38 ± 2.10 years for guards; age = 18.00 ± 1.00 years, body height = 201.48 ± 3.14 cm, body mass = 90.93 ± 9.85 kg, and basketball experience = 9.93 ± 2.28 years for forwards; and age = 17.60 ± 1.43 years; body height = 207.20 ± 3.29 cm, body mass = 104.00 ± 9.64 kg, and basketball experience = 9.20 ± 1.62 years for centers. For all playing positions factor analysis extracted three factors, which cumulatively explained 76.87, 88.12 and 87.63% of variance, respectively. The assessed performance measures were defined as significant (p < 0.001), with regression models of physical performance index (PPINDEX). PPINDEX of guards = -6.860 + (0.932 × t-test) - (1.656 × Acceleration 15 m) - (0.020 × Countermovement jump); PPINDEX of forwards = -3.436 - (0.046 × Countermovement jump with arm swing) - (1.295 × Acceleration 15 m) + (0.582 × Control of dribbling); PPINDEX of centers = -4.126 + (0.604 × Control of dribbling) - (1.315 × Acceleration 15 m) - (0.037 × Sargent jump). A model for the evaluation of physical performance of young basketball players has been defined. In addition, this model could be used as a reference model for selection procedures, as well as to monitor the efficacy of applied training programmes within the short, medium and long-term periodization.

Accuracy of Body Mass Index and Obesity Status in Police Trainees.

The first aim of this study was to compare body mass index (BMI) (indirect method) classification with the body fat percent (PBF) (direct method) and to determine how BMI classifies subjects with different levels of skeletal muscle mass percent (PSMM). The second aim was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity status among police trainees (PTs). A total of 103 male PTs participated in this research: age = 21.46 ± 0.64 years, body mass (BM) = 75.97 ± 8.10 kg, body height (BH) = 174.07 ± 6.31 cm, BMI = 25.05 ± 2.12 kg/m2. The InBody 370 multichannel bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measured body composition. Study results indicated that muscular PTs could be misclassified as overweight and that PBF identified more subjects as obese. Namely, three PTs were obese according to BMI, while 13 were obese according to PBF. The information provided by this research could be used to help professionals understand the importance of measuring body composition, and the inaccuracies in BMI classification. In conclusion, whenever possible PSMM and PBF should replace the utilization of BMI to screen overweight and obesity in PTs. Agencies may think of using BIA as non-invasive, quick and inexpensive measurement tool.

A Randomized Trial of a Swimming-Based Alternative Treatment for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental childhood disorder extending from ages 1−2 to 12−13, associated with impairment across multiple domains, including social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Little is known about alternative treatments for this disorder. Interest has grown in physical activity as a potential intervention for rehabilitating children with ADHD. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adapted swimming activity on cognitive functions, academic performance, and related behavior of Tunisian children with ADHD. The study was conducted on school children aged 9 to 12 years (n = 40, 5 female and 35 male) diagnosed with ADHD. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (exercise intervention) or the control group. The Hayling test was used to assess cognitive performance, the Children Behavior Check List (CBCL) was used to assess ADHD-related behavior, and the change in reading and numeracy proficiency was assessed pre- and post-intervention. After 12 weeks of the intervention, the results revealed that there were significant improvements in behavior (p < 0.001), inhibition process (p < 0.001), and academic performance (p < 0.001) in the experimental group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that adapted swimming activity may have positive implications for cognitive function, behavior, and academic performance. This research may provide preliminary support for alternative therapeutic interventions that could be used by practitioners. Moreover, the results support active practice of recreational physical activities as a strategy to support children in overcoming ADHD deficiencies.

Baseline Physical Activity Behaviors and Relationships with Fitness in the Army Training at High Intensity Study.

United States Army soldiers must meet physical fitness test standards. Criticisms of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) include limited testing of only aerobic and muscular endurance activity domains; yet, it is unclear what levels of aerobic and muscle strengthening activity may help predict performance in aspects of the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This study explored relationships between baseline self-reported aerobic and muscle strengthening activities and APFT- and ACFT-related performance. Baseline participant data (N = 123) were from a cluster-randomized clinical trial that recruited active-duty military personnel (mean age 33.7 ± 5.7 years, 72.4% White, 87.0% college-educated, 81.5% Officers). An online survey was used for self-report of socio-demographic characteristics and weekly aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity behaviors. Participants also completed the APFT (2 min push-ups, 2 min sit-ups, 2-mile run) and ACFT-related measures (1-repetition maximum deadlift, pull-up repetitions or timed flexed arm hang, horizontal jump, and dummy drag). Bivariate logistic regression found greater aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity predicted better APFT performance, while better ACFT-related performance was predicted by greater muscle-strengthening activity. Although our data are mostly from mid-career officers, command policies should emphasize the new Holistic Health and Fitness initiative that encourages regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity for soldiers.

Comparisons of Baseline Obesity Prevalence and Its Association with Perceived Health and Physical Performance in Military Officers.

Increasing obesity rates among USA military members vary by age, pay grade, and measurement methods and threaten force fitness and readiness. Limited research has directly measured obesity among officers; those enrolled in graduate school at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) face additional demands and increased obesity risk. This study compared obesity measurements and performance on the Army Physical Fitness test and self-rated health for a sample of mostly CGSC officers. Participants (n = 136, 75.7% male, 79.6% officers) completed body composition measures; BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) estimated obesity rates and were compared for discordance. Army Physical Fitness Test pass/fail rates and self-reported perceived health were compared with each obesity classification. Obesity prevalence was 18.5-39.7%, differing by sex and measure. BMI, WC, and WHtR underestimated obesity compared to BF% at least 21% of the time. WHtR had the lowest discordance with BF%. Soldiers categorized as obese were significantly more likely to fail the fitness test and report lower self-rated health than non-obese soldiers. Overall, obesity rates among our primarily officer sample were higher than previous studies, particularly for women. Interventions to address obesity are necessary among military officers to optimize human performance.

Moving Past the One-Size-Fits-All Education-Training Model of Police Academies to the Self-Prescribed Individualized Exercise Prescription Model.

Law enforcement agencies generally employ the "one-size-fits-all" education-training model. Its effectiveness compared to alternative training models has been under scrutiny. Physical fitness scores of Serbian male (n = 98) and female (n = 79) police cadets during their yearly evaluation were compared. Cadets trained for the first 3 years with the "one-size-fits-all" model. In the fourth year, they self-prescribed an individualized exercise program based on the obtained curriculum knowledge. A two-way MANOVA revealed a significant effect of academic years on combined variables (p < 0.001) and significant differences between academic years for deadlift, half squat, standing long jump, sit-ups and 12-min Cooper test time (p < 0.001). Sex also had a significant main effect on combined variables (p < 0.001) with males outscoring females on all of the fitness assessments. For pull-ups, there was a significant year * sex interaction (p = 0.01) with the third year to be pivotal for female and male performance, respectively. In conclusion, the use of a "one-size-fits-all" model, presented differences in physical fitness scores between the years one to three, pointing to its questionable effectiveness. On the contrary, the self-prescribed individualized exercise program of the fourth year elicited greater fitness scores, indicating the need to evaluate the applicability of such a training model more.

Body Height of Elite Basketball Players: Do Taller Basketball Teams Rank Better at the FIBA World Cup?

Body height is among the most important attributes of basketball players. Whether it differs among the basketball players who compete at the world basketball championship (FIBA-WC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between the basketball players from the teams ranked 1-16 and those ranked below 16th place. The body heights of all players from the last three FIBA-WCs were collected and allocated according to the ranking at the FIBA-WC and analyzed by position in team. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze the difference in body height of players ranked 1-16 and players who ranked below 16th place. The players from the first 16 teams were significantly taller at three positions: point guards (Difference = 2.92 cm, p < 0.05), shooting guards (Difference = 2.16 cm, p < 0.05), and small forwards (Difference = 2.49 cm, p < 0.01). Body height seems to be an important factor for the performance of the basketball team at the FIBA-WC. Considering that all players at the FIBA-WC went through rigorous selection process to be in their national teams, body height of the higher-ranked players could be used as a reference value.