Relationships Between Physical Ability Test Performance and Fitness in Recruits From a Southeastern U.S. Police Department.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Sanchez, KJ, Gonzales, SM, Viramontes, E, Kennedy, K, and Dawes, JJ. Relationships between physical ability test performance and fitness in recruits from a southeastern U.S. police department. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Police recruit occupational ability may be predicted by a physical ability test (PAT). This study determined relationships between a department-specific PAT and fitness test performance among police recruits. Retrospective analysis was conducted on recruit data (1,069 men and 404 women) from one department collected during 2005-2009 and 2016-2020. The following data were provided: grip strength; sit-and-reach; 60-second push-ups; 60-second sit-ups; 2.4-km run; and the PAT. The PAT involved exiting a vehicle and opening the trunk; running ∼201 m; completing an obstacle course; dragging a 68-kg dummy 31 m; completing an obstacle course and running ∼201 m; dry firing a weapon 6 times with each hand; and trunk item placement and vehicle reentry. Relationships between the PAT and fitness tests were measured by partial correlations and stepwise linear regression, both controlling for sex. The PAT was completed in a mean time of 4:16 ± 1:07 minutes:seconds. The PAT significantly (p < 0.001) related to all fitness tests. Moderate relationships were found for push-ups (r = -0.35), sit-ups (r = -0.41), and the 2.4-km run (r = -0.43). Small relationships were found with grip strength (r = -0.19) and the sit-and-reach (r = -0.17). The final regression model, which included sex and all fitness tests except the sit-and-reach, explained ∼53% of the variance. Sex and the 2.4-km run explained ∼47% of the variance. Aerobic fitness appeared to have the greatest impact on PAT performance, which may have related to the PAT design and duration. Tasks completed in succession, and the use of a relatively light dummy, may stress aerobic fitness and muscular endurance to a greater extent.

Shoulder Taps: Relationships Between a New Movement Screening Assessment with Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Law Enforcement Recruits.

The overhead squat, as part of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), can analyze total- and lower-body mechanics. Shoulder taps, which incorporates a push-up position and challenges shoulder, trunk, and hip stability, may identify movement deficiencies indicated by multiple FMS actions which could be useful for law enforcement recruits. This study determined overhead squat and shoulder taps relationships, associations between these screens with body composition and fitness, and differences in body composition and fitness according to overhead squat/shoulder taps scores in recruits by sex. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 202 recruit datasets (158 males, 44 females), which included: overhead squat and shoulder taps scores; age, height, and body mass; skeletal muscle (SMM%) and body fat mass (BFM%) percentage; waist-to-hip ratio; grip strength; 60-s push-ups and sit-ups; 75-yard pursuit run; vertical jump; medicine ball throw; and multistage fitness test (MSFT). Spearman's correlations (p<0.05) determined relationships between the overhead squat and shoulder taps, and between the screens and other variables. Kruskall-Wallis H tests compared the variables when recruits were split into groups based on overhead squat/shoulder taps scores. A significant correlation was found between the screens for male (ρ=0.231) but not female (ρ=0.258) recruits. Overhead squat score had a moderate relationship with BFM% in females (ρ=-0.312). Shoulder taps had a small relationship with SMM% in males (ρ=0.163). There were no differences in body composition and fitness when recruits were split based on screen scores (p=0.086-0.994). While morphology may influence movement screen performance, the screens had minimal capacity for associating movement deficiencies to fitness.

A Retrospective Analysis of Southeastern U.S. Police Recruit Health and Fitness From 4 Points in Time Within a 16-Year Period: Implications for Physical Fitness Training.

ABSTRACT: Gonzales, SM, Orr, RM, Coburn, JW, Hoffmann, MD, Kennedy, K, Dawes, JJ, and Lockie, RG. A retrospective analysis of southeastern U.S. police recruit health and fitness from 4 points in time within a 16-year period: Implications for physical fitness training. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1118-1126, 2024-Drawing from the general population for its recruiting needs, police departments often employ academy curricula to improve a recruit's fitness so they can perform occupational tasks. Recently, obesity and physical inactivity have increased in the general population, potentially influencing the health and fitness of incoming recruits. This study involved a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of health and fitness data of police recruits. Data from 1 police department in southeastern United States were analyzed at 4 specific time points, splitting the recruits into natural immerging groups; 2003 (n = 93), 2006 (n = 137), 2009 (n = 74), and 2019 (n = 242). Health and fitness data for all recruits included age, height, body mass, and body mass index (BMI); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP); sit-and-reach; combined grip strength; push-ups and sit-ups completed in 60 seconds; physical ability test time; and 2.4-km run time. Several univariate analyses, with sex and age as covariates (analyses of covariance), and a Bonferroni's post hoc, determined whether there were significant between-group differences. Effect sizes (d) were also calculated. Key results demonstrated that 2019 recruits were heavier than the recruits in 2006 and 2009 (p ≤ 0.032; d = 0.14-0.38); had a greater BMI (p ≤ 0.028; d = 0.24-0.75) and systolic BP (p < 0.001; d = 0.47-0.65), and lesser sit-and-reach distance (p ≤ 0.020; d = 0.26-0.46), than all recruit groups; completed fewer sit-up repetitions than the recruits in 2006 and 2009 (p ≤ 0.025; d = 0.42-0.48); and were slower in the 2.4-km run than the recruits in 2006 (p = 0.009; d = 0.36). Police training staff may need to address lesser health (BMI, BP) and fitness (hamstring flexibility, abdominal endurance, aerobic fitness) in incoming recruits.

Age-Related Differences in Body Fat and Fitness of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Dulla, JM, Higuera, D, Ross, K, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Ruvalcaba, TJ. Age-related differences in body fat and fitness of firefighters participating in a health and wellness program. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1127-1135, 2024-Fitness tends to decline, whereas body fat increases, with age, which could impact firefighter occupational performance later in their careers. Health and wellness program participation could reduce these age-related changes. Archival data from 270 firefighters (258 men and 12 women) from a health and wellness program were analyzed. Data included body mass index; body fat percentage (BF%); waist circumference (WC); waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); sit and reach; grip strength; absolute and relative predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg press; crunches; push-ups; and estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V̇o2max). Firefighters were grouped by age ≤29 (n = 29); 30-34 (n = 44); 35-39 (n = 38); 40-44 (n = 39); 45-49 (n = 48); 50-54 (n = 42); and 55+ (n = 30) years. A univariate analysis of covariance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni's post hoc adjustment, determined between-group differences. Effect sizes (d) were calculated. Key results included that the 55+ group had higher BF% and WC compared with the 3 youngest groups (p ≤ 0.002; d = 0.86-1.08). The 50-54 group had higher BF% than the 30-34 group (p = 0.010; d = 0.77). The 55+ group had a greater WHR, lower grip strength, and completed fewer crunches and push-ups than most younger groups (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.60-1.32). The 50-54 and 55+ groups had a lower 1RM leg press and V̇o2max compared with the younger groups (p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.77-1.79). The program appeared generally effective, with limited differences in groups below 49 years of age. Greater disparities in fat mass and fitness tended to occur in the older groups (50-54, 55+ groups). The data highlighted that older firefighters were participating in the optional program, which could lead to better health outcomes.

Law enforcement recruit fitness: Changes across the fitness spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Law enforcement is a profession of sedentary physical activity interspersed with physically demanding activity that requires high levels of fitness. It is imperative that agencies training law enforcement recruits maximise their fitness during their time at the academy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in physical fitness during academy training. METHODS: Retrospective data for 10 academy recruit classes, totalling 715 participants, were collected from a US law enforcement agency. The change in performance on two standardised tests were used as outcome measures. Comparisons were made between percentiles utilising one-way ANOVA and a linear mixed model (LMM). RESULTS: Overall, higher percentiles were found to have smaller improvements in physical fitness than lower percentiles. The results of the LMM support this supposition, showing that lower physical fitness scores resulted in greater improvements in a generalised fitness assessment (value = -0.45, standard error 0.02, p <  0.001) and an occupational assessment (value = -0.49, standard error = 0.02, p <  0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that recruits with lower physical fitness will see greater improvements during academy training. This could be due to a ceiling effect for the more fit but may also be due to recruits of higher physical fitness being under trained during academy. Utilising ability-based training and prescribing an appropriate workload to recruits of higher fitness may improve overall recruit fitness upon graduation.

Exploring the Impact of Firefighter Trainee Fitness on Academy Graduation or Release.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Montes, F, and Dawes, JJ. A research note exploring the impact of firefighter trainee fitness on academy graduation or release. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 999-1003, 2024-This study investigated the impact of fitness test performance on firefighter trainee ability to graduate an academy using ordinal logistic generalized linear models. Retrospective analysis was conducted on trainee data ( N = 686) from one fire department who completed an occupational physical ability test (OPAT) that included the following: Illinois agility test (IAT); push-ups; pull-ups; leg tucks; maximal aerobic capacity (V̇ o2 max); backward overhead 4.54-kg medicine ball throw (BOMBT); 10-repetition maximum deadlift; and 91.44-m farmer's carry. Data were recorded in raw and scaled scores based on internal scoring (tests scored from 0 to 100; maximum total OPAT score of 800). Trainees were split into graduated ( n = 576) or released ( n = 110) groups. Data were analyzed through ordinal logistic generalized linear models ( p < 0.05). Raw and scaled scores were investigated separately, with odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) produced. Regarding raw scores, there was a difference in the odds of graduating relative to the IAT (OR = 1.357; CI = 1.047-1.760; p = 0.021), BOMBT (OR = 0.744; CI = 0.628-0.882; p < 0.001), and V̇ o2 max (OR = 0.907; CI = 0.862-0.954; p < 0.001). For scaled scores, there was a difference in the odds of graduating relative to the points attained for the BOMBT (OR = 0.985; CI = 0.972-0.999; p = 0.032), deadlift (OR = 0.982; CI = 0.968-0.995; p = 0.008), and total OPAT (OR = 0.994; CI = 0.988-1.000; p = 0.047). Change-of-direction speed (IAT), total-body power (BOMBT), aerobic fitness (V̇ o2 max), lower-body strength (deadlift), and overall fitness (total OPAT points) impacted the odds of trainee fire academy graduation. The IAT presented as the largest impacting variable where, for every unit increase in time (i.e., a slower IAT), there was 1.36 greater chance of a trainee being released from the academy.

Expanding Research on Firefighter Trainee Fitness, Reasons for Academy Release, and the Predictive Capabilities of Fitness Tests.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Montes, F, and Dawes, JJ. Expanding research on firefighter trainee fitness, reasons for academy release, and the predictive capabilities of fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 724-733, 2024-Firefighter trainees need a level of fitness to be admitted to and complete a training academy. Fitness could indicate a trainee's likelihood of graduation, in addition to their reasons for release. This study determined fitness differences between firefighter trainees who graduated (GRAD) from academy or were released because of injury (RELI), performance test failures (RELP), or resignation (RELR), and whether fitness predicted graduation. Occupational physical ability test (OPAT) data for 686 trainees were analyzed, including: Illinois agility test; push-ups; pull-ups; leg tucks; maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max); backward overhead medicine ball throw; 10-repetition maximum deadlift; and farmer's carry. Raw and scaled (based on internal scoring) scores were recorded. Trainees were split into GRAD (n = 576), RELI (n = 33), RELP (n = 66), and RELR (n = 11) groups. A 1-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc calculated between-group differences. Stepwise linear regression determined whether fitness predicted group inclusion. Receiver operating curves and area under the curve (AUC) derived test accuracy for predicting academy release. The GRAD group was superior (p ≤ 0.04) to the RELI group in all tests except push-ups, pull-ups, and farmer's carry; RELP group in all tests except the farmer's carry; and RELR group in V̇O2max, deadlift, and total OPAT score. Select fitness tests could predict inclusion in each group, although the explained variances were low (∼1-11%). Raw V̇O2max (AUC = 0.71) and total OPAT score (AUC = 0.74) had acceptable prediction accuracy. Fitness influenced academy graduation and reasons for release. Scaled scores could predict group inclusion in this department; V̇O2max and total OPAT score provided the most accurate predictors for release.

Relationships Between Anthropometric Measures and Body Composition With Individual ACFT Event Performance Among Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

ABSTRACT: Thompson, MB, Lawson, DJ, Orr, RM, Lockie, RG, and Dawes, JJ. Relationships between anthropometric measures and body composition with individual ACFT event performance among army reserve officers' training corps cadets. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 749-754, 2024-The U.S. military commonly uses body composition as an indicator of a soldier's potential to meet the physical demands required of their occupation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships existed between select body composition variables and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) performance among a cohort of university Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Twenty-six male (20.4 ± 1.6 years, 81.8 ± 8.5 kg, 178.3 ± 7.8 cm) and 12 female (19.9 ± 1.4 years, 64.2 ± 6.7 kg, 161.9 ± 4.9 cm) cadets voluntarily participated in this study. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and ACFT event scores were recorded by the cadre using the U.S. Army standard protocol and provided to the investigators. Pearson's correlations were used to identify relationships between body composition variables and ACFT event performance with an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. Moderate to strong relationships were observed between total body water, dry lean mass, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage and all event scores for the sample as a whole. Body mass index showed weak to moderate significant positive relationships with hand-release push-up and maximum hexagonal bar deadlift in the sample as a whole. No relationships were observed in the men of this sample. All body composition variables showed moderate, nonsignificant relationships with at least 1 ACFT event within the women of this sample. Considering the findings of this study, a multitude of variables could be useful to assess ROTC cadets as predictors for ACFT performance. Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs should emphasize attaining and maintaining functional lean mass, whereas reducing nonfunctional body mass (i.e., excess FM) among cadets to enhance health and performance across the occupational life span.

Introduction of an applicant Job-Related Task Assessment (JTA) and the effects on the health and fitness of police recruits.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, a police department in the south-eastern USA introduced a Job-Related Task Assessment (JTA). The JTA included running, climbing, crawling, balance, direction changes, stair climbing, dragging, pushing, and simulated controlling of a struggling subject and needed to be completed by applicants in 6 : 57 min:s. It is not known whether introducing the JTA in the hiring process affected the health and fitness of hired recruits. OBJECTIVE: To compare the health and fitness of recruits hired prior to, and following, the JTA introduction. METHODS: Analysis was conducted on recruit data split into academy training year: 2016 (n = 91), 2017 (n = 129), 2018 (n = 167), 2019 (n = 242), and 2020 (n = 37). The 2020 group was hired after the JTA introduction and included one academy class. The following were recorded for all recruits: age, height, body mass, and body mass index; systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP); sit-and-reach; grip strength; push-ups; sit-ups; 2.4-km run; and a physical ability test (PAT). A univariate ANOVA, with sex and age as covariates and Bonferroni post hoc, determined between-year differences. RESULTS: The recruits from 2020 were significantly lighter than 2018 recruits (p < 0.031), had higher systolic and diastolic BP than recruits from 2016-2018 (p≤0.006), completed the 2.4-km run faster than recruits from all years (p < 0.001), and completed the PAT faster than the 2016 and 2019 (p = 0.006-0.007) recruits. CONCLUSION: The JTA introduction led to the selection of recruits with lower body mass, and better aerobic (2.4-km run) and job-specific fitness (PAT). However, 2020 recruits also had higher BP which should be monitored.

Physical fitness test performance in firefighter trainees: Differences between graduated and released trainees and predicting academy graduation.

BACKGROUND: Fitness tests have been previously used to predict academy graduation and highlight specific capacities to be targeted in applicants/trainees to optimise their potential for academy success. OBJECTIVE: To compare the fitness of graduated and released (did not complete academy requirements) firefighter trainees and explore using decision tree analysis to predict academy graduation via fitness tests. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 686 trainees who completed an occupational physical ability test (OPAT): Illinois agility test; push-ups; pull-ups; leg tucks; estimated maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max); backwards overhead 4.54-kg medicine ball throw; 10-repetition maximum deadlift; and 91.44-m farmer's carry. Data were recorded in raw and scaled scores (tests scored from 0-100; maximum OPAT score was 800). Trainees were split into 'graduated' (GRAD; n = 576) or 'released' (REL; n = 110) groups. Mann-Whitney U-tests compared between-group OPAT scores. A decision tree analysis using Chi-square automatic interaction detection was conducted, with raw and scaled scores entered into the analysis. A separate analysis was conducted with only the raw scores. RESULTS: GRAD trainees outperformed REL trainees in all OPAT events (p < 0.001). OPAT total score was the best predictor of academy graduation (p < 0.001), followed by the deadlift score (p = 0.003). Estimated VO2max was the only significant raw score predictor (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GRAD trainees were fitter than the REL trainees. Fitness could predict trainees who graduated from the academy. Overall fitness (OPAT total score), muscular strength (deadlift) and aerobic capacity were important graduation predictors. Training staff could develop these fitness qualities in their trainees to potentially improve fire academy graduation rates.

A Research Note Investigating the Leg Tuck and Plank With Potential Impacts for Occupational Testing.

ABSTRACT: Gonzalez, SM, Withrow, KL, Rubin, DA, Lynn, SK, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, and Lockie, RG. A research note investigating the leg tuck and plank with potential impacts for occupational testing. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2076-2079, 2023-The U.S. Army recently replaced the leg tuck with the plank in their physical ability testing. There has been limited analysis of whether these 2 tests correlate, have any relationships with body composition and strength, or are sex-neutral. Forty-nine civilian college students (28 males, 21 females) were recruited as surrogates for tactical personnel. The following were measured: height, body mass, body fat percentage (BF%), and muscle mass percentage (MM%) measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis, grip strength, leg tuck, and plank. Independent t -tests were calculated to determine between-sex differences for all variables ( p < 0.05). Partial correlations controlling for sex were used to compute relationships between the leg tuck, plank, and other variables. Stepwise regression controlling for sex derived predictive relationships for the leg tuck and plank. Males were taller, had greater body mass, MM%, and were superior in grip strength and the leg tuck; females had greater BF%. There were no significant between-sex differences for the plank. The leg tuck correlated with BF%, MM%, grip strength, and the plank ( r = ±0.333-0.524). In addition to the leg tuck, the plank correlated with BF% ( r = -0.288). The leg tuck was predicted by sex, grip strength, and the plank (adjusted r2 = 0.662). No variables predicted the plank. As there were no between-sex differences and sex was not a plank predictor, it appears this test minimized sex differences on task performance in civilians. However, the leg tuck and plank likely measure different qualities; further research is needed on job task relationships.

Change-of-Direction Speed in Firefighter Trainees: Fitness Relationships and Implications for Occupational Performance.

Change-of-direction (COD) speed and ability could assist a firefighter moving about the fire ground more efficiently. There has been limited investigations of COD speed in firefighter trainees, and what measures of fitness could contribute to faster performance in a test such as the Illinois agility test (IAT), which measures longer COD speed. This study analyzed archival data from 292 trainees (262 males, 30 females). The trainees completed the following fitness tests at their training academy: IAT, push-ups, pull-ups, leg tucks, 20-m multistage fitness test to measure estimated maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), backwards overhead 4.54-kg medicine ball throw (BOMBT), 10-repetition maximum (10RM) deadlift, and a 91.44-m farmer's carry with 2 x 18-kg kettlebells. Independent samples t-tests compared male and female trainees to determine the need to control for trainee sex in the analyses. Partial correlations, controlling for trainee sex, analyzed relationships between the IAT and fitness tests. Stepwise regression analyses controlling for trainee sex determined if any fitness test predicted the IAT. On average, male trainees outperformed females in all fitness tests (p ≤ 0.002). The IAT significantly related to all fitness tests (r = ±0.138-0.439, p ≤ 0.019), and was predicted by trainee sex, estimated VO2max, the 10RM deadlift, BOMBT, and the farmer's carry (R = 0.631; R2 = 0.398; adjusted R2 = 0.388). The results indicate the trainees who are generally fit may perform well in a range of different fitness tests, including the IAT. Nonetheless, improving muscular strength (measured by the 10RM deadlift), total-body power (BOMBT), and metabolic capacity (estimated VO2max, farmer's carry) could enhance COD speed in firefighter trainees.

Impact of Physical Fitness on Reasons for Academy Release in Firefighter Trainees.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Montes, F, Ruvalcaba, TJ, and Dawes, JJ. Impact of physical fitness on reasons for academy release in firefighter trainees. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1515-1522, 2023-Firefighter trainees require a certain level of fitness to be admitted to and to complete a fire training academy. There is no research detailing whether there are fitness differences between trainees who graduate (GRAD) or those released due to either injury (RELI) or skills test performance failures (RELP). Archival data from 305 trainees (274 males and 31 females) were analyzed. Trainees completed the following fitness tests at the start of academy: Illinois agility test, metronome push-ups, pull-ups, leg tucks, multistage fitness test, backward overhead medicine ball throw (BOMBT) with a 4.54-kg ball, 10 repetition maximum deadlift, and a farmer's carry with 18-kg kettlebells over a 91.44-m course. Trainees were split into GRAD (245 males and 16 females), RELI (9 males and 1 female), and RELP (20 males and 14 females) groups. Kolmogorov-Smirnov data indicated most data were not normally distributed. Accordingly, Kruskal-Wallis H-tests, with Bonferroni post hoc, calculated between-group fitness test differences. Effect sizes were also derived. Except for the leg tuck and farmer's carry, the RELP group performed significantly poorer in all fitness tests compared with the GRAD group ( p ≤ 0.032). The largest effects were seen for the BOMBT ( d = 1.02), Illinois agility test, and 10 repetition maximum deadlift (both d = 0.78). There were no significant fitness test differences for the GRAD and RELI groups. Trainees with poorer fitness were more likely to be released from academy due to skills test failures. Multiple fitness components, but particularly muscular strength and power, should be developed in trainees to aid their ability to perform academy firefighting tasks.

Army Combat Fitness Test Relationships to Tactical Foot March Performance in Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), consisting of deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck or plank, and 2-mile run, is the United States Army's new fitness test. The ACFT is designed to measure multiple fitness components required to perform combat tasks. One critical task is the tactical foot march (TFM), where soldiers cover long distances while carrying loads comprised of mission-essential equipment. As the ACFT is meant to predict soldier task performance, determining the relationships between the ACFT and the TFM is important. Data from 29 cadets (♂ = 20, ♀ = 9) from one university Reserve Officers' Training Corps program were analyzed. The ACFT was recorded in raw and scaled scores. The TFM was performed over 6.44 km, with time recorded. Cadets carried a 15.88-kg rucksack, fighting load carrier, 3-L hydration pack, and replica M4 carbine. Independent samples t-tests evaluated ACFT and TFM between-sex differences. Partial correlations, controlling for sex, determined ACFT event and TFM relationships. Male cadets outperformed females in all ACFT tasks (p ≤ 0.039), except the push-up. ACFT total score, leg tuck, 2-mile run, and sprint-drag-carry showed large correlations with the TFM (r = ±0.463-0.531, p ≤ 0.026). Aerobic and anaerobic capacity and upper body/trunk strength were important fitness components for cadet TFM performance.

Differences and Relationships Between Push-up and Sit-up Variations Among Male Law Enforcement Cadets.

ABSTRACT: Lopes dos Santos, M, Thompson, M, Dinyer-McNeely, T, Torrence, T, Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, and Dawes, JJ. Differences and relationships between push-up and sit-up variations among male law enforcement cadets. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1865-1869, 2023-The purpose of this study was to explore variation-dependent differences in push-up and sit-up tests, as well as to identify the relationships between push-up and sit-up variations commonly performed among tactical personnel. Data from 41 (age = 21.1 ± 1.8 years, body mass = 89.5 ± 15.5 kg) male police cadets from one US-based training academy who performed the standard push-up (PU Standard ), hand-release push-up (PU Hand-release ), standard sit-up (SU Standard ), and hands behind the head sit-up (SU BehindHead ) were examined. The maximum number of repetitions completed for each exercise was used for analyses with paired-samples t tests used to identify significant differences between outcome measures and effect sizes (ES) to determine change in magnitude. A significant difference, with a large ES, was found in the number of repetitions completed between the push-up variations ( p < 0.001, ES = 0.75) and sit-up variations ( p < 0.001, ES = 1.02). Performance in PU Standard was only able to explain 39% of the variation in PU Hand-release ( r = 0.62, r2 = 0.39, p < 0.001), and performance in the SU Standard was only able to explain 29% of the variation in SU BehindHead ( r = 0.54, r2 = 0.29, p < 0.001). The current study suggests differences in performance capabilities may be dependent on the push-up and sit-up variations chosen for testing. Although it is still unclear whether one variation would be a better predictor of police work performance, agencies must give special attention to the overall construct validity of fitness tests for entry and retention of law enforcement officers.

Relationships Between Physical Fitness Assessment Measures and a Workplace Task-Specific Physical Assessment Among Police Officers: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, R, Dawes, JJ, Sakura, T, Schram, B, and Orr, RM. Relationships between physical fitness assessment measures and a workplace task-specific physical assessment among police officers: a retrospective cohort study. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 678-683, 2023-Police officers are required to perform physically demanding occupational tasks and, as such, require an adequate level of fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between a physical fitness assessment test (PAT) and a task-specific physical competency test (PCT). Retrospective data for 307 police trainees who completed the PAT and the PCT were provided. The PAT comprised a 2.4-km run, vertical jump, push-ups, and grip strength measures. The PCT, a single timed event, consisted of 10 occupational specific tasks (e.g., trailer push, wall climb, window climb through), which were completed within a 400-m obstacle course. Pearson's correlations were used to investigate relationships between the PAT and the PCT. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine whether PAT predicted PCT performance. All PAT measures significantly correlated with PCT performance with the strength of the correlations ranging from moderate (vertical jump; r = -0.420, p < 0.01) to strong (2.4 km run; r = 0.639, p < 0.01). The highest predictive relationship was observed with 2.4-km run ( r2 = 0.409), and the lowest predictive relationship was observed with the vertical jump ( r2 = 0.177). The results of this study highlight the importance of aerobic capacity (2.4 km run), muscular endurance (push-ups), strength (grip strength), and power (vertical jump) for successful performance during the PCT. These physical attributes should be developed in new police trainees before attending recruit training if viable and form part of any return-to-work reconditioning frameworks for both police trainees and officers.

Sex-related Differences in Functional Movement Screen Scores Among Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs is to prepare cadets for future military service. To successfully complete one of these programs and perform active duty responsibilities, cadets must be able to complete a variety of physical tasks. Therefore, performing movement screening may be useful for identifying potential movement disparities that could lead to injury. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether sex-related differences in movement patterns exist on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). The FMS is a tool that uses seven functional movements to assess movement pattern deficits and asymmetries; deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge (ILL), shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise (ASLR), trunk stability pushup (TSPU), and rotary stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived data for 93 (male, n = 69; female n = 24) ROTC cadets were provided to the primary investigators for analysis. Independent t-tests (P < .05) were conducted to analyze differences in assessments between sexes. RESULTS: Significant differences between sexes were observed on the ILL (P = .014), ASLR (P < .001), and TSPU (P < .001). Females scored higher on both the ILL (2.13 ± 0.54) and ASLR (2.04 ± 0.69) compared with males (1.81 ± 0.52 and 1.48 ± 0.58). Males scored significantly higher (P ≤ .001) on the TSPU (2.57 ± .581) compared with females (2.00 ± .417). No significant differences were observed in the deep squat (P = .865), hurdle step (P = .829), shoulder mobility (P = .342), and rotary stability (P = .230) assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in the ILL, ASLR, and TSPU may be because of greater mobility in the ankle and hamstrings and reduced upper-body muscle mass for females compared with males. Males performed better than females on the TSPU test. In conclusion, sex-related differences in FMS performance do exist within the ROTC population. Additionally, these differences should be taken into consideration when designing specific exercise programs for ROTC cadets.

Gamma Radiation-Induced Degradation of Acetohydroxamic Acid (AHA) in Aqueous Nitrate and Nitric Acid Solutions Evaluated by Multiscale Modelling.

Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) has been proposed for inclusion in advanced, single-cycle, used nuclear fuel reprocessing solvent systems for the reduction and complexation of plutonium and neptunium ions. For this application, a detailed description of the fundamental degradation of AHA in dilute aqueous nitric acid is required. To this end, we present a comprehensive, multiscale computer model for the coupled radiolytic and hydrolytic degradation of AHA in aqueous sodium nitrate and nitric acid solutions. Rate coefficients for the reactions of AHA and hydroxylamine (HA) with the oxidizing nitrate radical were measured for the first time using electron pulse radiolysis and used as inputs for the kinetic model. The computer model results are validated by comparison to experimental data from steady-state gamma ray irradiations, for which the agreement is excellent. The presented model accurately predicts the yields of the major degradation products of AHA: acetic acid, HA, nitrous oxide, and molecular hydrogen.

Longitudinal Changes in Health and Fitness Measures Among State Patrol Officers by Sex.

ABSTRACT: Dawes, JJ, Lopes dos Santos, M, Kornhauser, C, Holmes, RJ, Alvar, BA, Lockie, RG, and Orr, RM. Longitudinal changes in health and fitness measures among state patrol officers by sex. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 881-886, 2023-Research suggests that police officers lose fitness as a result of their policing vocation with occupational factors like stress, shift work, poor sleep, and poor diet all contributors to this loss The purpose of this research was to measure changes in fitness test scores of qualified police officers over a 5-year period. Archived fitness data for 523 state patrol officers ( n = 494 men; 29 women) from one agency were used for this analysis. These tests included 60-second sit-up [SU] and push-up [PU] scores (muscular endurance), vertical jump height [VJ] (lower-body power), and 20-m multistage fitness test (aerobic capacity). A series of paired-samples t-tests and effect size calculations were used to investigate mean differences in fitness tests score at the beginning and end of a 5-year period. The paired-samples t test showed significant tests score decreases among male officers over the 5-year period in VJ, PU, and V̇ o2 max , , with no differences observed in SU performance. Small effect sizes were observed in both VJ ( g = -0.20) and PU ( g = -0.27) with a trivial effect size observed in changes to V̇ o2 max ( g = -0.14). In contrast, significant improvements in performance were observed in SU performance among female officers, with a small effect size ( g = 0.38). No other significant differences were found in female measures. Whether at an organizational or individual level, annual fitness assessments for police officers can serve to educate and motivate officers regarding their personal fitness and potentially slow the negative impact of aging on health, fitness, and performance in these populations.

Body Composition and Fitness Characteristics of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program: Relationships and Descriptive Data.

This study investigated body composition and fitness test relationships from firefighters participating in a health and wellness program and categorized firefighters according to population norms relative to sex and age. Data from 270 firefighters (men = 258, women = 12) were analyzed, including body composition (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [BF%], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-hip ratio) and fitness (sit-and-reach, grip strength, leg press, crunches, push-ups, maximal aerobic capacity [V̇O2max]) tests. Mann-Whitney U-test analysis (p < 0.05) showed that male firefighters had a greater WC, WHR, grip strength and leg press. Female firefighters had a greater BF% and better sit-and-reach. Partial correlations controlling for sex indicated 22/24 correlations between body composition and fitness were significant (r = -0.143--0.640). ~52% of firefighters were overweight, and 25% were Obesity Class I-III. ~76% had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) considering BMI and WC. ~22% were fatter than average-to-overfat considering BF%. Most firefighters (73-94%) were good-to-excellent in sit-and-reach, grip strength, and push-ups; average-to-well above average in crunches; average-to-above average in leg press; and had good-to-superior V̇O2max. Although most firefighters had better fitness compared to the general population, many had increased CVD risk. The data highlighted the need for comprehensive approaches to improving firefighter health and decreasing CVD risk.