Development of an Abbreviated Model for Predicting Functional Movement Screen Score Within Tactical Populations.

ABSTRACT: Thompson, MB, Johnson, QR, Lindsay, KG, and Dawes, JJ. Development of an abbreviated model for predicting functional movement screen score within tactical populations. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 607-611, 2024-The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool commonly used to identify compensations when performing 7 specific movement patterns. Timely administration of the full FMS is largely dependent on the practitioner's familiarity and experience with the screening battery. When working in populations that are time-poor (i.e., tactical professionals), administration of the full movement pattern battery is not always feasible. The purpose of this study was to determine which, if any, combination of movement patterns that comprise the FMS could be used to predict total score on this screen among first responders. Functional Movement Screen scores for 99 male subjects (mean ± SD; age: 37.55 ± 9.83 years; height: 180.38 ± 6.59 cm; and body mass: 97.87 ± 15.32 kg) and 9 female subjects (age: 33.22 ± 3.99 years; height: 172.11 ± 8.19 cm; and body mass: 83.99 ± 14.09 kg) from a single law enforcement and fire agency were used for this analysis. Subjects performed the full FMS, which consisted of the following movement patterns: deep squat (DS), hurdle step (HS), in-line lunge (ILL), shoulder mobility (SM), active straight leg raise (ASLR), trunk stability push-up (PU), and rotary stability (RS). A stepwise regression was used to determine the best predictors of the FMS 7-pattern model based on the model's R2. Cronbach's alpha and Guttman's lambda-2 were used to determine the reliability of the proposed models. The regression indicated that a 4-pattern model consisting of DS, ILL, SM, and PU was sufficient to predict approximately 84% of the full model (adjusted R2 = 0.84, p ≤ 0.001). This 4-pattern model was shown to be reliable with the 7-pattern model (α = 0.93, λ = 0.93). Using this modified version of the FMS may allow practitioners working in tactical populations a time-efficient method of identifying dysfunctional movement and determine whether the full 7-pattern model of the FMS should be considered.

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.

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.

Evaluating the Variability Between 20-m Multistage Fitness Test Estimating Equations in Law Enforcement Recruits.

ABSTRACT: Campbell, P, Maupin, D, Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Simas, V, Canetti, E, Schram, B, and Orr, R. Evaluating the variability between 20-m multistage fitness test estimating equations in law enforcement recruits. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 742-748, 2024-The 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) is commonly used by law enforcement agencies to measure aerobic fitness and to estimate maximal aerobic consumption (V̇ o2 max). These measures are an important occupational variable with aerobic fitness levels linked to employment status, occupational performance, and long-term health in law enforcement officers. There are a multitude of predictive equations used to provide an estimate of V̇ o2 max, with the extent of variability in the estimated V̇ o2 max currently unknown in this population. This has consequences for comparisons between, and across, differing agencies, and in capabilities of deriving normative data. The aim of this investigation was to compare the variability in estimated V̇ o2 max scores derived from different 20MSFT predictive equations. The 20-m multistage fitness test data from 1,094 law enforcement recruits (male n = 741, 25.2 ± 6.3 years; female: n = 353, 25.6 ± 5.6 years) from a single agency were retrospectively analyzed. The 20MSFT scores were transformed into estimated V̇ o2 max scores using 6 different predictive equations. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results demonstrated significantly different V̇ o2 max scores between each predictive equation ( p < 0.001; d = 0.25-1.53) and between male and female recruits ( p < 0.001, r = 0.55). All estimated V̇ o2 max equations showed small to very strong correlations with each other ( p < 0.001; r = 0.32-0.99). The findings indicate considerable dispersion of V̇ o2 max scores when using differing equations, suggesting raw 20MSFT variables (e.g., shuttles or distance completed) should be preferred to measure and apply results from aerobic fitness tests if standardized approaches are not developed within law enforcement.

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.

Relationships Between Strength and Power With the 74.84-kg (165-lb) and 90.72-kg (200-lb) Body Drags.

ABSTRACT: Moreno, MR, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, Dulla, JM, and Lockie, RG. Relationships between strength and power with the 74.84-kg (165-lb) and 90.72-kg (200-lb) body drags. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1305-1313, 2024-A body drag is an essential job task in law enforcement. It is purported that strength and power should contribute to this task, but there has been limited analysis. This study examined strength (1-repetition maximum hexagonal bar deadlift [1RM HBD]) and power (vertical jump [VJ], standing broad jump [SBJ]) relationships with the 74.84-kg and 90.72-kg body drags. Forty-three civilians (24 men and 19 women) completed the SBJ, VJ, and 1RM HBD in 1 session. Peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw) was derived from the VJ. Relative measures were calculated from the SBJ, PAPw, and HBD. In another 2 sessions, subjects completed 74.84-kg and 90.72-kg drags in a counterbalanced order using 2 techniques: standard and adapted (time taken to pick dummy up from ground included in time). Independent samples t-tests compared the sexes and subjects who could or could not complete all drags. Partial correlations and stepwise regression, both controlling for sex, examined relationships between strength and power and the drags. In general, men outperformed women in almost all tests (p ≤ 0.024). Thirty-five subjects completed all drags and were stronger and more powerful than subjects who could not (p ≤ 0.011). The SBJ correlated with the 74.84-kg standard (r = -0.355) and 90.72-kg adapted (r = -0.373) drags; the VJ correlated with the 74.84-kg standard drag (r = -0.356). Peak anaerobic power measured in watts and 1RM HBD correlated with all drags (r = -0.382 to -0.668); PAPw was involved in all significant predictive relationships (explained variance = 34-62%). Absolute strength and power training should be a focus for recruits to enhance their ability to perform dragging tasks, especially with heavier masses.

Determining the Changes in Law Enforcement Recruit Aerobic Fitness Using the 2.4-km Run and 20-m Multistage Fitness Test. Does the Type of Test Matter?

ABSTRACT: Campbell, P, Maupin, D, Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Simas, V, Canetti, E, Schram, B, and Orr, R. Determining the changes in law enforcement recruit aerobic fitness using the 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test. Does the type of test matter? J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1111-1117, 2024-Aerobic fitness is linked with academy graduation, employment, and the long-term health of law enforcement officers and is often used as a training outcome. However, different tests can be used, and aerobic improvements may differ according to the test used. The aim of this study was to determine whether recruits improved to a greater extent in 1 aerobic test compared with the other. Retrospective data from 5 law enforcement recruit cohorts (males = 741; females = 353) who underwent 18 weeks of academy training were analyzed. Initial 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) and 2.4-km run assessments were completed during weeks 4 and 5 of training, with final testing completed during weeks 16 and 17, respectively. A repeated-measures analysis of variance ( p < 0.05) with a Bonferroni post hoc analysis determined changes in aerobic fitness in the 20MSFT and 2.4-km run between male and female recruits. A mean difference of 9.27 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 14.8-10.9; d = 0.63; p < 0.001) shuttle increase in 20MSFT performance and 20.1 (95% CI 16.0-24.2; d = 0.49; p < 0.001) second improvement in 2.4-km run time were demonstrated when averaged across sex, yielding a larger performance improvement for the 20MSFT compared with the 2.4-km run. Conversely, there was a smaller magnitude of change in aerobic fitness between male recruits and female recruits for the 20MSFT ( d = 0.47) compared with the 2.4-km run ( d = 0.50). The findings indicate that current academy training results in improvements to aerobic fitness and to a greater magnitude in the 20MSFT compared with the 2.4-km run. These results may affect policy considerations for law enforcement agencies regarding aerobic test selection.

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.

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.

Age and Sex Differences in Fitness Among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers.

ABSTRACT: Marins, EF, Dawes, JJ, and Del Vecchio, FB. Age and sex differences in fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1292-1297, 2023-Age- and sex-related differences in fitness have been observed in U.S.-based law enforcement agencies. However, these differences have not been fully explored among agencies outside the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the age- and sex-related differences on selected measures of physical fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers. Retrospective physical fitness data for 7,044 (men = 6,283 and women = 761) officers were provided for analysis. These tests included sit-ups and push-ups (muscular endurance), flexed-arm hang/pull-ups (upper-body strength), standing broad jump (lower-body power), and a 12-minute run (aerobic capacity). Data were stratified by age into 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 year groups and analyzed by sex. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess sex-related differences, and a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple pairwise comparisons was used to calculate differences between age groups. A linear regression was then used to verify the effect of age on the physical fitness for both sexes. Male officers were older, heavier, and taller and displayed greater upper-limb muscular endurance and aerobic capacity than female officers ( p < 0.05). General declines in muscular endurance, strength, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed among male officers ( p < 0.05) by age groups. Significant ( p < 0.05) declines in fitness were also observed among older female officers in muscular endurance, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. These general declines in fitness with age progression may negatively impact an officers overall health and occupational fitness. Officers should strive to attain and maintain adequate levels of fitness to sustain health, fitness, and occupational performance throughout their career. It is recommended that both male and female officers engage in strength training and conditioning programs focused to combat the potential deleterious effects of aging.

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.

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.

A Research Note on Relationships Between Age, Body Size, Strength, and Power With Throwing Velocity in High School Water Polo Players.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Wakely, AM, Viramontes, E, and Dawes, JJ. A research note on relationships between age, body size, strength, and power with throwing velocity in high school water polo players. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): e466-e469, 2023-A successful high school strength and conditioning program should aim to improve fitness and develop motor skills in athletes. This research note investigated the relationships between throwing velocity with age, height, body mass, strength, and power in male high school water polo athletes. Fifteen (n = 15) water polo athletes (age: 15.67 ± 0.98; height: 177.63 ± 6.53 cm; body mass: 78.07 ± 16.08 kg) from one high school program were recruited. Strength was measured using combined grip strength from both hands and a leg/back dynamometer. Power was measured by a vertical jump and 2-kg seated medicine ball throw (MBT). Subjects also threw a water polo ball with maximum effort to measure throwing velocity. Pearson's correlation and stepwise regression were used to calculate relationships between throwing velocity with age, body size, strength, and power (p < 0.05). Age (r = 0.530), grip strength (r = 0.674), leg/back strength (r = 0.699), and the MBT (r = 0.670) all showed significant positive relationships with throwing velocity. Leg/back strength predicted throwing velocity with 49% explained variance (r2 = 0.490, p < 0.004). With age, explained variance increased to 66% (r2 = 0.664, p < 0.001). Throwing velocity related to age, which could be expected with maturation. However, stronger relationships were seen for upper-body (grip) and lower-body (leg/back) strength, and upper-body power (MBT). Strength and conditioning programs for high school athletes who develop upper- and lower-body strength and upper-body power could enhance throwing velocity among water polo (and potentially other overhead throwing) athletes.

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.

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.

Using the Load-Velocity Profile for Predicting the 1RM of the Hexagonal Barbell Deadlift Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Lopes dos Santos, M, Mann, JB, Berton, R, Alvar, B, Lockie, RG, and Dawes, JJ. Using the load-velocity profile for predicting the 1RM of the hexagonal barbell deadlift exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 220-223, 2023-The aim of this study was to determine whether bar velocity can be used to estimate the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) on the hexagonal bar deadlift (HBD). Twenty-two National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I male ice hockey players (age = 21.0 ± 1.5 years, height = 182.9 ± 7.3 cm, and body mass = 86.2 ± 7.3 kg) completed a progressive loading test using the HBD at maximum intended velocity to determine their 1RM. The mean concentric velocity was measured for each load through a linear position transducer. The a priori alpha level of significance was set at p = 0.05. The mean concentric velocity showed a very strong relationship to %1RM (R2 = 0.85). A nonsignificant difference and a trivial effect size (ES) were observed between the actual and predicted 1RM (p = 0.90, ES = -0.08). Near-perfect correlations were also discovered between the actual and predicted 1RM (R = 0.93) with low typical error and coefficient of variation (5.11 kg and 2.53%, respectively). This study presented results that add the HBD to the list of exercises with established load-velocity relationships. The predictive ability for 1RM HBD indicates that this is a viable means of prediction of 1RM.

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.

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.

Extending Research on Law Enforcement Academy Graduation and Fitness: A Research Note on Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Dulla, JM, and Orr, RM. Extending research on law enforcement academy graduation and fitness: A research note on receiver operating characteristic curves. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 2018-2022, 2022-Fitness level contributes to a law enforcement recruit's ability to graduate from a training academy. However, limited research has used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to ascertain whether fitness tests can accurately predict academy graduation. The investigators analyzed archival data from 311 recruits (260 males and 51 females) across 4 academy classes from 1 law enforcement agency. A robust, broad battery of fitness test data included grip strength for both hands, vertical jump, 75-yard pursuit run (75PR), 2-kg medicine ball throw, push-ups, sit-ups, arm ergometer revolutions in 60 seconds, and 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) shuttles. Recruits were split into those who graduated (n = 269) or those who separated (did not complete academy; n = 42). A univariate ANOVA, with sex as a control variable, determined between-group fitness differences. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for each fitness test, and the area under the curve (AUC) determined accuracy. Except for grip strength, graduated recruits were superior in all fitness tests (p < 0.001). The 75PR (AUC = 0.708) and 20MSFT (AUC = 0.727) had fair accuracy in predicting academy graduation. The data suggested that, ideally, fitness tests should not be used for diagnostic purposes in relation to academy graduation potential. Fitness test data can be used to provide specific feedback to at-risk recruits. These results suggest that the 75PR (change-of-direction speed) and 20MSFT (aerobic fitness) could contribute to successful graduation in law enforcement recruits. Law enforcement training staff could use this information to provide targeted training for recruits lacking in these qualities.