ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8297-8288
Current Organisations
University of Southern Queensland
,
Australia Department of Defence
,
University of Queensland
,
Bond University
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Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2019-043245
Abstract: Tactical personnel (Military, Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders) require physical fitness levels sufficient for training and occupational duty. Physical conditioning aimed at increasing fitness levels during training presents an injury risk, but unfit trainees may struggle to meet occupational performance standards, further increasing injury risk to themselvesor others. Therefore, the aim of this review was to determine if fitness, asquantified by tactical fitness tests, effectively predicts injury risk during training. Literature databases were search and relevant articles extracted. 27 Publications were included for qualitative review and seven studies reporting a timed run were included in meta-analysis. The combined risk ratio was 2.34 (95% CI 2.02 to2.70). Muscular endurance tests were less conclusive in their predictive abilities. Functional strength or power tests were effective predictors, but few studies reported on strength or power, indicating a need for further study inthis area. The meta-analysis results are supported by the occupational relevance of run tests tactical trainees are required to perform frequent bouts of distance weight bearing activity. However, given the erse physical requirements of tactical personnel, measures of strength and power should alsobe evaluated, especially given their effectiveness in the studies that included these measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-05-2022
Abstract: 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 s le 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 s les 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.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-04-2021
Abstract: Soldiers are often required to carry heavy loads that can exceed 45 kg. The physiological costs and biomechanical responses to these loads, whilst varying with the contexts in which they are carried, have led to soldier injuries. These injuries can range from musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/ligamentous injuries and stress fractures) to neurological injuries (e.g., paresthesias), and impact on both the soldier and the army in which they serve. Following treatment to facilitate initial recovery from injuries, soldiers must be progressively reconditioned for load carriage. Optimal conditioning and reconditioning practices include load carriage sessions with a frequency of one session every 10–14 days in conjunction with a program of both resistance and aerobic training. Speed of march and grade and type of terrain covered are factors that can be adjusted to manipulate load carriage intensity, limiting the need to adjust load weight alone. Factors external to the load carriage program, such as other military duties, can also impart physical loading and must be considered as part of any load carriage conditioning/reconditioning program.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-05-2020
Abstract: Sports participation in the military is important for physical fitness and building morale and camaraderie. However, injuries caused by sports are detrimental to military capability. The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of injury from sports participation in Australian Regular Army personnel. Injury data spanning a two-year period were obtained from the Department of Defence Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation, and Reporting (WHSCAR) database. Data were extracted for the top five sporting activities causing injuries. The most common body sites, natures, and mechanisms of injuries across these five sports were then determined. Sports participation accounted for 11% (n = 1092) of reported injuries (n = 9828). Soccer presented with the greatest number of injuries (23.3%), followed by rugby union/league (22.9%), touch football (18.6%), Australian rules football (12.0%), and basketball/netball (11.9%). The ankle, knee, and shoulder were the most injured body sites (21.9% 17.2% 11.6% respectively) across these five sports, with soft tissue injury, dislocation, and fractures being the most common natures of injury (55.1% 12.7% 11.9% respectively). The most common mechanisms of injuries were contact with objects (35.1%) and falls (27.4%). The current injury rates, locations, and mechanisms are similar to historical rates suggesting little impact by injury mitigation strategies.
Publisher: Journal of Athletic Training/NATA
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-51.10.12
Abstract: Context: Part-time personnel are an integral part of the Australian Army. With operational deployments increasing, it is essential that medical teams identify the patterns of injuries sustained by part-time personnel in order to mitigate the risks of injury and optimize deployability. Objective: To compare the patterns of reported work health and safety incidents and injuries in part-time and full-time Australian Army personnel. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: The Australian Army. Patients or Other Participants: Australian Army Reserve and Australian regular Army populations, July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2014. Main Outcome Measure(s): Proportions of reported work health and safety incidents that resulted in injuries among Army Reserve and regular Army personnel and specifically the (a) body locations affected by incidents, (b) nature of resulting injuries, (c) injury mechanisms, and (d) activities being performed when the incidents occurred. Results: Over 2 years, 15 065 work health and safety incidents and 11 263 injuries were reported in Army Reserve and regular Army populations combined. In the Army Reserve population, 85% of reported incidents were classified as involving minor personal injuries 4% involved a serious personal injury. In the regular Army population, 68% of reported incidents involved a minor personal injury 5% involved a serious personal injury. Substantially lower proportions of Army reservist incidents involved sports, whereas substantially higher proportions were associated with combat training, manual handling, and patrolling when compared with regular Army incidents. Conclusions: Army reservists had a higher proportion of injuries from Army work-related activities than did regular Army soldiers. Proportions of incidents arising from combat tasks and manual handling were higher in the Army Reserve. Understanding the sources of injuries will allow the medical teams to implement injury-mitigation strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JBMT.2015.11.006
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether poor movement patterns impact on police recruit task performance. Fifty-three volunteers were randomly selected from a pool of 173 police recruits attending basic recruit training. Relationships between movement performance, as measured by the Functional Movement Screen, and four occupational tasks were investigated. Eleven percent failed the marksmanship and baton strike assessments, 21% failed defensive tactics and 36% failed the tactical options assessment. Mean Functional Movement Screen score was 13.96 points (±1.99 points). Only the tactical options assessment approached a significant difference (p = 0.077) between pass/fail recruits. When Functional Movement Screen scores when graded as pass (14+) or fail (<14) again only the tactical options assessment approached significance (p = 0.057). The results of this study suggest that a relationship between an officer's movement patterns and occupational performance, most notably choice of tactical options, may exist.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-08-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SU12166541
Abstract: Physical fitness is an important aspect of physical health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 11-weeks of formal strength and conditioning training conducted during fire academy training on the physical fitness characteristics of firefighter trainees. Archived physical fitness data for 23 male fire academy trainees (age: 27.6 ± 4.3 y height: 178.5 ± 6.9 cm body mass [BM]: 83.9 ± 1.8 kg BM index [BMI]: 26.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were analyzed for this study. These data included vertical jump height, maximum pull-up repetitions, hand grip strength, lower-body strength (3RM Hexbar) and aerobic fitness. Trainees performed three sessions per week (two resistance training sessions and one aerobic conditioning session) in addition to fire academy training. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant (p 0.05) pre-post decreases in BM and BMI and significant increases in upper- and lower-body strength, and aerobic fitness. Strength and conditioning programs are beneficial for improving firefighter trainees’ physical fitness even when run concurrently with fire academy training and with limited space and equipment. This increased fitness may aid in mitigating known occupational injury risks to this population and improve task performance.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002834
Abstract: Čvorović, A, Kukić, F, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, Jeknić, V, and Stojković, 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.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000898
Abstract: Orr, RM, Ford, K, and Stierli, M. Implementation of an ability-based training program in police force recruits. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2781–2787, 2016—Currently, police recruit physical training programs generally use group-based runs of a “1 size fit all” approach. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an ability-based training (ABT) program, as derived from the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Assessment, on the metabolic fitness and injury rates of police recruits undergoing basic training. Police recruits completing two different stages of training (session 1: n = 54 and session 2: n = 233) were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) (standard group running) or an intervention group (IG) (ABT program). Physical training was completed once a week over a 10-week period. Aerobic fitness was measured through 20-m progressive shuttle run test performance. Injury data were captured through formal accident and incident forms. Results found that aerobic fitness was maintained but not significantly improved in both groups for session 1, with no significant differences between the groups after training. In session 2, both groups significantly improved their aerobic fitness ( p 0.001), whereas the IG to a greater degree, with no significant differences between the groups after training. There were no significant differences in injury rates between groups (session 1: χ 2 (1) = 1.533, p = 0.216 session 2: χ 2 (1) = 1.252, p = 0.263). However, the IGs had a significantly lower relative risk (RR) of injury when compared with the CGs (group 1: RR = 0.31, p = 0.28 group 2: RR = 0.59, p = 0.24). The results suggest that coaches may benefit from implementing ABT programs in tactical populations and achieve the same or better fitness gains with a lower risk of injuring recruits.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-02-2022
Abstract: The ability to perform under extreme pressure is one of the most sought-after qualities in both sports and tactical (military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue, etc.) occupations. While tactical performance relies on both physical and mental capabilities to achieve a desired outcome, it is often h ered by the stressful environments in which these personnel work. The acute stress experienced by tactical personnel can interfere with occupational performance, impacting both physical execution of tasks and decision-making. This narrative review discusses the implications of acute stress on the psychophysiology and physical performance of personnel serving in armed tactical occupations.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 16-11-2016
Abstract: The aim was to investigate whether therapeutic massage was effective in relieving pain in elderly residents with dementia. A randomized controlled study was conducted in an aged care facility. Ten participants with dementia or advanced dementia were allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 10 min of massage (effleurage, kneading, and trigger point therapy) four times per week for 4 weeks. The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale was used as the outcome measure. No significant changes in mean outcome measure scores were found post intervention (Intervention mean = 5.0 ± 3.49 Control mean = 5.2 ± 3.49: t(8) = 0.09, p = 0.93). However, the Intervention Group had a greater magnitude of change (1.200 ± 1.78) when compared to the control group (0.800 ± 2.16). Therapeutic massage may provide a useful adjunct to the current pain management plan of patients with dementia.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-01-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003489
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Hernandez, JA, Moreno, MR, Dulla, JM, Dawes, JJ, and Orr, RM. 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test relationships in law enforcement recruits after academy training. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 942–945, 2020—The 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) are common aerobic fitness tests in law enforcement. Previous research analyzed relationships between these tests in recruits, and indicated limited transferability due to disparate demands (direction changes and running intensity). However, the correlations between 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in recruits after academy training may be different, where recruits should be fitter and able to complete high-intensity running efforts. This study documented changes in and relationships between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits after academy training. Retrospective analysis on 6 academy classes (276 males and 50 females) from one agency was conducted. The 20MSFT and 2.4-km run were completed before and after academy training. Estimated V̇O 2 max was derived from 2.4-km run time and the 20MSFT shuttle number. Paired-s les t -tests ascertained whether the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT improved after academy. Correlations and linear regression derived relationships between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT. Recruits improved in the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT ( p 0.01). There were significant correlations between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT for all recruits ( r = −0.49), males ( r = −0.48), and females ( r = −0.29). However, the regression equations for all recruits ( r 2 = 0.24), males ( r 2 = 0.23), and females ( r 2 = 0.08) were low. The results suggested that there were disparate aspects to the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits after academy training. Although aerobic fitness improved, there are likely other aspects important to the 20MSFT not developed during academy (change-of-direction ability and high-intensity running). This could impact the between-test relationship.
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-12-2019
Abstract: The United States Army Rangers are a unique population whose training requirements are intensive, and physically and mentally demanding. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a movement screening tool designed to assess movement quality and asymmetries in movement with the potential to identify injury risk. This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional investigation examining associations between FMS scores and the various measures of health and performance of active duty soldiers in light infantry units who were involved in the U.S. Army Pre-Ranger Course (PRC). Before the PRC, 491 male soldiers (mean age = 24.0 ± 3.8 years mean height = 176.6 ± 7.2 cm mean body mass = 80.2 ± 9.8 kg) completed a questionnaire which included items on self-assessed physical fitness, last Army physical fitness test (APFT) score, tobacco use, and injury history. The soldiers then completed the FMS, which consisted of seven movements and three clearing tests. From the FMS results, a determination of asymmetries (i.e., differences in FMS scores between the right and left side of the body) was made. Differences between groups were analyzed via an independent s le t-test, a one-way analysis of variance, or a chi-square as appropriate. Significance was set at 0.05 a priori. The average composite FMS score was 16.4 (±1.9) points. Soldiers reporting ≥290 APFT points achieved a higher FMS score than those reporting lower APFT scores (16.5 ± 2.0 vs 16.1 ± 2.0 points, P = 0.03). Soldiers reporting either tobacco use or a previous musculoskeletal injury had lower FMS scores than those not reporting these (tobacco: 16.1 ± 2.1 vs 16.5 ± 1.8 points, P = 0.02 injury: 16.0 ± 2.2 vs 16.6 ± 1.8 points, P & 0.01). FMS asymmetries were not related to APFT scores, tobacco use, or self-rated fitness. As self-rated fitness increased so did APFT scores. Active duty soldiers of a light infantry ision achieved FMS scores similar to other military populations tested, and the composite FMS score was related to higher APFT scores, absence of tobacco use, and absence of previous musculoskeletal injuries. Improving PRC candidate healthy habits through highlighting the negative associations between poorer fitness, cigarette tobacco use and movement quality, may reduce injury risk and increase PRC completion potential.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-04-2018
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201804.0315.V1
Abstract: Policing duties may inherently be dangerous due to stab, blunt trauma and ballistic threats. The addition of in idual light armour vests (ILAVs) has been suggested as a means to protect officers. However, the addition of the extra load of the ILAV may affect officer ability to conduct occupational tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine if wearing any of 3 different ILAVs (ILAV A, ILAV B, & ILAV C) affected occupational task performance when compared to that in normal station wear. A prospective, within-subjects repeated measures design was employed, using a counterbalanced randomization in which each ILAV was worn for an entire day while officers completed a variety of occupationally relevant tasks. These tasks included a victim drag, car exit and 5 meter sprint, step down and marksmanship task. Results showed that performance in each task did not vary between any of the ILAV or normal station wear conditions. There was less variability in the marksmanship task with ILAV B, however. The results suggest that none of the ILAVs used in this study were heavy enough to significantly affect task performance in the assessed tasks when compared to wearing normal station wear.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-10-2019
Abstract: The intense training and occupational demands of military personnel place the in idual at risk of serious injury. When they do occur, serious personal injuries (SPIs) can lead to medical discharge, mission compromise, and ongoing recurrence of problems. Prior to the implementation of any minimization strategies, an understanding of the causes of SPIs requires development. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence rates and patterns of SPIs within the Australian Regular Army (ARA) and Australian Army Reserve (ARES). Data for a 2-year period were obtained through the Work Health, Safety, Compensation, and Reporting database of the Australian Department of Defence. Records of SPIs were extracted, with details including: (a) the activity being performed when the injury was suffered (b) the body location of injury (c) the nature of injury and (d) the mechanism of injury. Results were reported as number of SPIs and converted to SPIs/100 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of service. In total, 507 SPIs were reported over the two-year period (ARA = 466 ARES = 41). SPIs most commonly: occurred during combat training (n = 80 0.13 SPIs/100 FTE years) and physical training (n = 66 0.10 SPIs/100 FTE years) affected the head (n = 63 0.10 SPIs/100 FTE years) and shoulders (n = 57 0.09 SPIs/100 FTE years) and comprised fractures (n = 199 0.19 SPIs/100 FTE years) and soft-tissue injuries (n = 103 0.16 SPIs/100 FTE years). The most common mechanism of injury was falls (n = 132 0.21 SPIs/100 FTE years) or contact with objects (n = 114 0.18 SPIs/100 FTE years). When adjusted for service time, ARES personnel were found to report SPIs more frequently than ARA personnel (0.87 vs. 0.79/100 FTE years, respectively) giving an injury risk ratio (ARA:ARES) of 0.91 [95% CI = 0.66–1.25]. Despite higher absolute numbers of SPIs occurring in ARA, ARES in fact report similar rates of SPIs when adjusted for service time. The natures and mechanisms of SPIs are also similar for both service types and therefore should be the focus of targeted programs to reduce such injuries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-10-2022
Abstract: Law enforcement academies, designed to prepare recruits for their prospective career, represent periods of high physical and mental stress, potentially contributing to recruits’ injuries. Managing stress via monitoring training loads may mitigate injuries while ensuring adequate preparation. However, it is vital to first understand an academy’s typical training load. The aim of this study was to profile the typical training load of law enforcement recruits over the course of 22 weeks. Data were prospectively collected using global positioning system (GPS) units placed on recruits during a portion of the academy training, while a desktop analysis was retrospectively applied to six other classes. A Bland–Altman plot was conducted to assess the agreement between the two methods. A linear mixed model was conducted to analyse the difference in distances covered per week, while other variables were presented graphically. Adequate agreement between the desktop analysis and GPS units was observed. Significant differences (p-value 0.01) in distance covered (9.64 to 11.65 km) exist between weeks during early academy stages, which coincide with increases (~6 h) in physical training. Significant decreases in distances were experienced during the last five weeks of academy training. Most acute:chronic workload ratios stayed between the proposed 0.8 to 1.3 optimal range. Results from this study indicate that large increases in training occur early in the academy, potentially influencing injuries. Utilizing a desktop analysis is a pragmatic and reliable approach for instructors to measure load.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-02-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12887-020-1967-8
Abstract: A key priority for learning during the early years of school is for children to develop skills in numeracy and literacy. Consequently, less time may be allocated in the curriculum to foster other important developmental areas, including the ongoing motor skill development of school children, which has been positively linked to academic performance. In order to promote holistic approaches to teaching and learning in the early years of school, it is necessary to further delineate the nature of associations between motor skills and foundation academic skills. The aim of this study was to examine associations between fine and gross motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading in Year 1 children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with Year 1 children from two primary schools in New South Wales, Australia ( N = 55 25 boys, 30 girls mean age 6.77 ± 0.40 years). The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (2nd Edition) and the Wechsler In idual Achievement Test II (Australian Edition) were used to assess motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading, respectively. Associations between the components of motor proficiency and academic outcomes were examined using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation analyses. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine how much variance in mathematics and reading composite scores could be explained by motor proficiency after controlling for age. A significant moderate positive association was found between total motor composite and mathematics composite scores ( r = .466, p .001). Fine manual control composite scores were significantly associated with both mathematics ( r s = .572, p .001) and reading ( r s = .476, p = .001) composite scores. After controlling for age, fine motor integration was the only component of motor proficiency that explained significant variance in mathematics and reading composite scores. The results of the study revealed that Year 1 children’s overall motor proficiency was significantly related to their mathematical ability. Children’s fine motor integration skills were also predictive of mathematics and reading ability. These study findings may interest both early childhood educators and paediatric health professionals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-04-2022
Abstract: This research analyzed archival health and wellness program data (2018: 169 males, 39 females 2019: 194 males, 43 females) to document police officer lipid profiles, and correlate lipids with fitness. Bloodwork included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Fitness data included maximal aerobic capacity (V·O2max) sit-and-reach push-ups vertical jump grip strength sit-ups and relative bench press (RBP). Lipid profiles were compared to national standards. Spearman’s correlations derived relationships between lipids and fitness (p 0.05). Over 2018–2019, 68–76% of officers had desirable TC ( mg/dL) and HDL-C (≥60 mg/dL) 67–72% had desirable TG ( mg/dL). 54–62% of officers had LDL-C above desirable (≥100 mg/dL) 13–14% had mildly high TG (150–199 mg/dL) 16–18% had high TG (200–499 mg/dL). In 2018, HDL-C correlated with V·O2max, push-ups, grip strength, and RBP in males, and sit-ups in females. TG correlated with V·O2max (both sexes), sit-ups (males), and grip strength (females). In 2019, TG related to V·O2max, push-ups, vertical jump, sit-ups, and RBP in males. TG and LDL-C related to push-ups, and HDL-C to sit-ups and RBP in females. Relationship strengths were trivial-to-small (ρ = ±0.157 − 0.389). Most officers had good lipid profiles relative to cardiovascular disease risk. Nonetheless, the data highlighted the need for comprehensive approaches to decreasing risk.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-07-2021
Abstract: Tactical personnel work in an occupation that involves tasks requiring a high level of cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength and endurance. The aim of this literature review was to identify and critique studies investigating the relationship between physical fitness, quantified by fitness assessment measures, and occupational task performance. Databases were searched for relevant articles which assessed a fitness measure and a measure of occupational performance. A total of 15 articles were included and were deemed to be of acceptable methodological quality (8.4/12 on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist). Included articles assessed a variety of fitness attributes and occupational tasks. Across tactical groups, there appear to be no standardized fitness tests that can determine occupational performance, with aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, strength, endurance, power, and agility all being associated with occupational task performance. A wide range of fitness assessments appears to be required to predict occupational performance within tactical personnel. Efforts should be made to base fitness assessments on occupational demands unique to both the environment and requirements of each in idual tactical unit.
Publisher: Centre for Evaluation in Education and Science (CEON/CEES)
Date: 2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-02-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-09-2021
Abstract: This study investigated the influence of time spent working in custody on the health and fitness of law enforcement officers (LEOs). Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 48 male and 12 female LEOs, ided into groups based upon time spent working custody: LEO ≤ 24 (≤24 months n = 15) LEO 2547 (25–47 months n = 24) and LEO 48+ (≥48 months n = 21). The following were measured: body mass index (BMI) fat mass percentage waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) resting heart rate (RHR) blood pressure grip strength sit-and-reach push-ups sit-ups and YMCA step test recovery heart rate (HR). A univariate ANCOVA (controlling for sex and age) with Bonferroni post hoc determined significant between-group differences. Select assessments were compared to normative data. The LEO 48+ group completed fewer sit-ups than the LEO 2547 group (p = 0.006) there were no other significant between-group differences. Forty-nine LEOs were overweight or obese according to BMI 52 were fatter than average or above 27 had a WHR that increased cardiovascular disease risk. Forty-three LEOs had very poor RHR 52 had elevated blood pressure. Forty-eight LEOs had average-to-very poor step test recovery HR. Irrespective of time spent working in custody, personnel should be physically active to maintain health and fitness and, where possible, engage in formal strength training and conditioning.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-2019
Abstract: Female police officers may be required to pursue offenders on foot while wearing occupational loads. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between fitness measures and change of direction speed (CODS) in female police officers and the influence of their occupational loads. Retrospective data were provided for 27 female police officers (age = 32.19 ± 5.09 y, height = 162.78 ± 5.01 cm, and mass = 71.31 ± 13.42 kg) and included fitness measures of: lower-body power (standing long jump (SLJ)), upper-body and trunk muscle endurance (push-up (PU) and sit-up (SU)), aerobic power (estimated VO2max), and CODS (Illinois agility test). The CODS test was performed without and with occupational load (10 kg). Paired s le t-tests (between-load conditions) and Pearson’s correlations (relationships between measures) were performed with linear regression analysis used to account for the contribution of measures to unloaded and loaded CODS performance. CODS was significantly slower when loaded (unloaded = ~23.17 s, loaded = ~24.14 s, p 0.001) with a strong, significant relationship between load conditions (r = 0.956, p 0.001). Moderate to strong, significant relationships were found between all fitness measures ranging from estimated VO2max (r = −0.448) to SU (r = −0.673) in the unloaded condition, with the strength of these relationships increasing in the loaded condition accounting for 61% to 67% of the variance, respectively. While unloaded agility test performance was strongly associated with loaded performance, female police officer CODS was significantly reduced when carrying occupational loads. A variety of fitness measures that influence officer CODS performances become increasingly important when occupational loads are carried.
Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.
Date: 17-04-2023
DOI: 10.5114/JHK/161545
Abstract: 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 (V̇O2max), 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 s les 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 V̇O2max, 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 V̇O2max, farmer’s carry) could enhance COD speed in firefighter trainees.
Publisher: Openventio Publishers
Date: 08-11-2018
DOI: 10.17140/SEMOJ-4-159
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-11-2018
Abstract: Background: Backpack loads of school students during school days have been suggested to range from 10% to as high as 25% of their body weight and may have a negative impact on their body. The aim of this review was to identify and review studies that have examined impacts of contemporary backpack loads on school children. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of the literature using key search terms. After relevant studies published in recent years were selected using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the studies were critically appraised and relevant data were extracted and tabulated prior to conducting a critical narrative synthesis of findings. Results: Twenty-one studies were included, ranging in methodological quality from poor to good (critical appraisal scores 22% to 77%). Students carried on average over 15% of their own body weight, which caused biomechanical and physiological adaptations that could increase musculoskeletal injury risk, fatigue, redness, swelling and discomfort. Conclusion: Considering the limited methodological quality and variations in foci across studies, further research is needed to elucidate: (1) the loads students carry around on a school day in their school backpacks and (2) the biomechanical, physiological and physical effects of load carriage on students.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 22-07-2020
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000583
Abstract: A number of research studies have indicated a wide variation in the physical fitness of law enforcement recruits before academy training. This article provides a literature review regarding current training practices, and the associated limitations, specific to recruits during academy. Collectively, this information indicates the need for ability-based, in idualized training for recruits during academy, which is not always the model adopted for a variety of reasons. Practical applications relative to this analysis, in addition to ex les for aerobic/anaerobic conditioning and resistance training programs, are presented. These programs feature exercises that are modifiable depending on the fitness of recruits.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002328
Abstract: Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, Pope, R, and Terry, J. Assessing differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between police academy cadets and incumbent officers. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2641–2650, 2018—The physical fitness of police officers must be developed in new cadets and sustained in incumbent officers. The aims of this study were to profile and compare the anthropometric and fitness characteristics of police academy cadets and incumbent officers of varying ages from a single police force. Retrospective data for 84 police academy cadets (♂ = 66, mean age = 27.96 ± 5.73 years ♀ = 18, mean age = 30.50 ± 5.76 years) and 80 incumbent police officers (♂ = 73, mean age = 39.43 ± 8.28 years ♀ = 7, mean age = 37.86 ± 3.67 years) were compiled. Data included participant age, anthropometric (body mass, lean mass, and fat mass), and fitness measurements (1-minute push-up, 1-minute sit-up, 1 repetition maximum bench press, vertical jump, 300-m, and 1.5-mile run). Male cadets exhibited significantly lower fat mass than male officers (12.4 vs. 15.1 kg, p = 0.003). These differences were fully explained by the age differences between these groups ( p = 0.046). Male cadets were more aerobically fit with greater muscular endurance than male officers ( p 0.001 for all measures). This difference was not explained by age differences ( p 0.80 for all measures). Male cadets also exhibited higher anaerobic fitness than male officers ( p 0.001). Age differences only partially explained this difference ( p = 0.01). Female cadets exhibited greater upper-body strength and muscular endurance than female officers ( p 0.004 for all measures), independent of age. Being a police officer, rather than age progression, may largely account for observed lower levels of fitness in incumbent officers when compared with cadets. Formalized physical training programs for incumbent police officers are needed if their fitness is to be maintained and risk of cardiovascular disease minimized.
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-01-2022
Abstract: Firefighters work in strenuous conditions for prolonged periods wearing up to 20 kg of personal protective equipment. This often contributes to significant heat and cardiovascular strain. This study examined the relationships between psychological and physical measures taken prior to undertaking a 15 min firefighting task, and the occurrence of heat stress and high levels of fatigue following the task. Nine qualified firefighters completed a 15 min “live burn” scenario designed to mimic a fire started by a two-seater couch in a lounge room and completed simulated tasks throughout the duration. Logical reasoning, speed and accuracy, general motivation and fatigue, and physical and mental effort were recorded pre-scenario, and at 0- and 20-min post-scenario. General motivation and fatigue scores at 0- and 20-min post-scenario were highly correlated with each other (rs = 0.90 p = 0.001). The general motivation and fatigue scores, at 0- and 20-min post-scenario, were also strongly related to pre-task logic/reasoning test scores (Post 0 rs = −0.77, p = 0.016 Post 20 rs = −0.87, p = 0.002). Firefighters with lower logical reasoning and speed and accuracy scores were more susceptible to fatigue and impaired cognition when exposed to rises in core temperature and heat stress.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 17-01-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003534
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, and Dulla, JM. Recruit fitness standards from a large law enforcement agency: Between-class comparisons, percentile rankings, and implications for physical training. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 934–941, 2020—Law enforcement can be a physically demanding profession. Many agencies use a “one-size-fits-all” academy training approach, which may not be optimal for all recruits. There is also little information that benchmarks fitness of law enforcement recruits. The purpose of this study was to analyze between-academy class differences in fitness, as well as produce normative data for the development of strength and conditioning programs. A retrospective analysis of 908 recruits (761 men and 147 women), comprising 11 classes from one agency, was used. Fitness assessment data included push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers in 120 seconds pull-ups 201-m run and 2.4-km run. A one-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc adjustment revealed that fitness varied significantly between classes. Class 11 completed less sit-ups than 6 other classes ( p ≤ 0.033) and were slower in the 201-m and 2.4-km run than 5 classes ( p ≤ 0.005). Class 7 completed less push-ups than 3 classes ( p ≤ 0.036) and less mountain climbers and were slower in the 201-m run than 5 classes ( p ≤ 0.005). In idual recruit analysis and percentile data indicated a wide spread of all assessment results and the effects upon female recruits. For ex le, 81% of women completed ≤2 pull-ups and were in the bottom 2 percentile bands 72–76% of women were in the bottom 3 bands for push-ups and the 201-m run. Fitness varies from class-to-class, and female recruits will generally be less physically fit. Training staff should ideally implement in idualized, ability-based programming where appropriate to train their recruits.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-08-2019
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1648878
Abstract: A study was conducted in which 11 police officers wore one of three different types of In idual Light Armour Vests (ILAV), or normal station wear, for an entire day while completing power and agility-based tasks including a vertical jump (VJ), agility test, 20 m sprint and counter movement jump (CMJ). Despite all three ILAVs being significantly (
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2022
Abstract: Several occupations require workers to spend long periods of time driving road vehicles. This occupational task is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this review was to collate, synthesize, and analyze research reporting on musculoskeletal disorders associated with occupational driving, in order to develop a volume of evidence to inform occupational disorder mitigation strategies. A systematic search of academic databases (PubMed, EBSCO host, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was performed using key search terms. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. A Cohen’s kappa analysis was used to determine interrater agreement between appraisers. Of the 18,254 identified studies, 25 studies were selected and appraised. The mean critical appraisal score is 69% (range 38–100%), with a fair level of agreement (k = 0.332). The studies report that musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly lower back pain, is of concern in this population, particularly in truck, bus, and taxi drivers. Risk factors for these occupations include long hours in a sitting position, years in the profession, vehicle ergonomics, and vibration.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 24-01-2023
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004466
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-s les 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, r 2 = 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, r 2 = 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.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/SU142013630
Abstract: Background: The number of completed sit-ups in a given period of time is a commonly used assessment to measure trunk endurance in tactical populations. This study investigated factorial and construct validity of three different durations of a sit-up test—30 s, 60 s, and 120 s Methods: Anthropometric characteristics and sit-ups performed for 30, 60, and 120 s by101 (♂: n = 62 and ♀: n = 39) police students were assessed. A factorial analysis was used to determine if three test durations group together in one factor, correlation analysis determined whether the sit-up tests were associated with anthropometric measures and whether the three variations in the test duration correlated between each other, and the Fisher’s transformation determined whether these correlations differed significantly Results: All three sit-up variations loaded together into one factor in both sexes, providing factorial validity for all three test durations. Anthropometrics were associated with sit-up tests lasting 30 s in males and 120 s in females. A sit-up test lasting 60 s correlated significantly stronger to 120 s than to the 30 s sit-up test Conclusions: The 60 s sit-up test seems to have the highest construct validity, as it was not affected by anthropometrics, and it may be an optimal choice for its lower risk of lower back injuries. By applying the results of this study, agencies could reduce the bias that may occur during the sit-up test and reduce the risk of injury during physical fitness assessment.
Publisher: Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS202009.0016.V1
Abstract: Law enforcement is an intermittently physically demanding job, interspersed with long periods of sedentary activity. To prepare for the physical demands of the job, law enforcement agencies enlist recruits into academies with a focus on physical training. Often academies focus on aerobic based exercise despite anaerobic fitness being strongly correlated to occupational tasks. The objective of this article is to analyse the changes in fitness of police recruits during academy training. Initial and final fitness test results, encompassing muscular power, strength, endurance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, were measured to analyse changes in fitness. Dependent t-tests showed significant increases (p & 0.05) across all fitness tests, with a trend towards larger increases in aerobic and muscle endurance-based tests. Recruits from this academy tended to have higher fitness results compared to other academies and were either average or below average compared to age matched standards in the general populations. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue develop fitness throughout their career. Academies should add a focus on muscular strength and power training as these measures relate to occupational tasks, which may better prepare recruits for demands they will be expected to face in the field.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-05-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-07-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SU13147895
Abstract: Police work exposes officers to high levels of stress. Special emergency response team (SERT) service exposes personnel to additional demands. Specifically, the circadian cycles of SERT operators are subject to disruption, resulting in decreased capacity to compensate in response to changing demands. Adaptive regulation loss can be measured through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. While HRV Trends with health and performance indicators, few studies have assessed the effect of overnight shift work on HRV in specialist police. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects overnight shift work on HRV in specialist police. HRV was analysed in 11 SERT officers and a significant (p = 0.037) difference was found in pRR50 levels across the training day (percentage of R-R intervals varying by ms) between those who were off-duty and those who were on duty the night prior. HRV may be a valuable metric for quantifying load holistically and can be incorporated into health and fitness monitoring and personnel allocation decision making.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-11-2018
Abstract: This study determined relationships between an agency-specific fitness test battery (PT500), and a work s le test battery (WSTB) in law enforcement recruits. Retrospective analysis on 219 males and 34 females from one agency was conducted. The PT500 comprised: push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers in 120 s pull-ups and 201 m and 2.4 km runs. The WSTB comprised: 99 yard (90.53 m) obstacle course (99OC) body drag (BD) with a 165 pound (75 kg) dummy 6 foot (1.83 m) chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climb and 500 yard (457.2 m) run (500R). Partial correlations, controlling for sex, calculated PT500 and WSTB relationships (p 0.05). Stepwise regression determined whether fitness predicted WSTB performance. The 500R related to all PT500 assessments (r range = −0.127–0.574), 99OC related to all bar push-ups and mountain climbers, and BD related to none. The CLF related to sit-ups, pull-ups, and 2.4 km run SW related to mountain climbers, pull-ups, and 2.4 km run (r range = −0.127–−0.315). Push-ups, pull-ups, and 2.4 km run were involved in predictive relationships for 99OC, CLF, SW, and 500R (r2 range = 0.217–0.500). To perform better in the WSTB and job-specific tasks, developing upper-body strength and aerobic fitness may be beneficial.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-01-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1152/PHYSIOL.2023.38.S1.5763348
Abstract: Objective: Police tactical group (PTG) occupational requirements are known to expose officers to high levels of physical, mental, and emotional stressors. As such, selection courses must ensure candidates are not only physically, but mentally and emotionally competent. To assess personnel for suitability likewise requires a holistic approach wearable technologies may provide organizational decision makers additional information. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), one metric obtainable from wearable technology, has been increasingly utilized as a stress biosignal, but the value of HRV data in the context of specialist police selection remains limited. Hypothesis: Therefore, the hypothesis of this study was: can HRV analysis effectively discriminate between high and low performing candidates attending PTG selection? Methods: This study was a prospective cross-sectional study of three male PTG candidates completing a highly demanding selection course. HR and HRV were measured from 1300 – 1800 on a single day of tactical maneuver training. HRV was analysed as follows: R to R interval (RRI) length, root-mean-square of successive RRI differences (RMSSD), percentage of adjacent RR intervals varying by at least 50ms (pRR50), nonlinear short-term variability (SD1), and nonlinear long-term variability (SD2).Data: Measures of central tendency were generated the maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation were reported for each HRV measure and visualized with a box plot. Results: Data from one participant appeared to skew results the maximum values for mean RRI (Max: 709ms, Min: 580ms, Mean: 632.67±67.68ms), RMSSD (Max value: 42.3ms, Min value: 18.8ms, Mean: 26.8±13.43ms), pRR50 (Max value: 12.47%, Min value: 1.98%, Mean: 5.76±5.82%), SD1 (Max value: 29.9ms, Min value: 13.3ms, Mean: 18.93±9.50ms), and SD2 (Max value: 61.1ms, Min value: 37.5ms, Mean: 49.87±11.84ms) all occurred in the same participant. That participant also held the lowest maximum HR (138bpm), lowest mean HR (85bpm) and was the highest performer as rated by unit leadership. Conclusions: Given the potential discriminatory capacity of HRV in this context, HRV may be a valuable objective metric to support PTG candidate selection by providing objective measurements of holistic stress response. This research was supported by a PhD scholarship awarded to the lead author by Bond University. No other funding or grant from any agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors was provided or otherwise obtained. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.14485/HBPR.2.1.4
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-10-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-01-2018
Publisher: Openventio Publishers
Date: 04-12-2018
DOI: 10.17140/SEMOJ-4-167
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-12-2020
Abstract: Police officers perform a variety of physical tasks that can range from deskwork to chasing down fleeing suspects on foot. If not sufficiently prepared these tasks can lead to an increased risk of injury or task failure. The aim of this study was to profile the routine dispatch tasks performed by the Australian law enforcement officers of a state police force by frequency and duration. Participants for this study (n = 53: male n = 43, age = 33.5 ± 7.7 years, years of service = 7.2 ± 6.4 years: Female n = 10 age = 31.6 ± 9.1 years, years of service = 7.1 ± 6.1 years) were drawn from ten different police stations. Data reporting the tasks attended, their priorities, and their durations were gathered from a computer-aided dispatch system. Data from 77 shifts (3.8 ± 4.0 tasks/shift) captured 292 tasks attended (29.2 ± 17.5 task per station). ‘Check bona fides’ (checking an in idual’s identification 27%) was the most frequently occurring task followed by attending a domestic incident (14%). The longest task was attending an accident (mean = 43.50 ± 78.85 min, range 2–249 min). The results of this study suggest that police tasks are highly varied in terms of type and duration and these may differ between regions. An understanding of the dispatch tasks police officers are required to attend can inform injury mitigation and return-to-work rehabilitation practices.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-06-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00192-022-05254-X
Abstract: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in the general female population. It was hypothesised that Australian female military personnel and veterans would experience similar types and prevalence of LUTS as the broader Australian female population. An online cross-sectional survey was utilised to explore the pelvic health of active servicewomen and veterans in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). For the purposes of this report, only the demographic and LUTS data (excluding urinary tract infections) were extracted and descriptively analysed. A total of 491 complete survey responses were received and analysed. Respondent characteristics were comparable to those documented in a departmental report regarding ADF servicewomen. No LUTS were reported by 38% of respondents. Regular symptoms of urinary incontinence were experienced by 27% of respondents (stress urinary incontinence = 23%, urge urinary incontinence = 16%, mixed urinary incontinence = 13%), bladder storage issues by 20–27%, and various voiding impairments by 9–27%. In addition, 41% reported regularly experiencing two or more LUTS, and for over two thirds of respondents, LUTS were an ongoing issue. Relationships between age, parity, and symptoms of urinary incontinence were also seen. Consistent with wider research in Australian female populations, LUTS were commonly experienced during service by ADF female military personnel and veterans. Given the high likelihood of female military personnel experiencing LUTS during their service, and a proportion experiencing ongoing symptoms, tailored monitoring and support for urinary health should be available to enhance occupational health, safety, and performance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S42978-020-00066-1
Abstract: To determine the relationship between metabolic fitness test scores and performance in police occupational tasks. Retrospective data from 106 law enforcement officers who completed two metabolic fitness assessments [anaerobic: a 20-m (10-m and 20-m splits) sprint, aerobic: 20 m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (20 m-MSFT)] and three routine occupational tasks [1.22 m Fence jump (FJ), 8.5 m Victim Drag (VD with 102.3 kg) and “Get-up” (GU)] were collected. A Person’s correlation coefficient and a standard multiple regression were used to assess the relationship between and predictive ability of, respectively, the fitness tests scores and performance on occupational tasks. There was a significant positive correlation between the 10-m sprint scores and FJ ( r = 0.524, P 0.001), VD ( r = 0.528, P 0.001) and GU ( r = 0.486, P 0.001). Similarly, the 20-m sprint scores were significantly and moderately correlated with FJ ( r = 0.573, P 0.001), VD ( r = 0.603, P 0.001) and GU ( r = 0.533, P 0.001). These anaerobic tests’ scores predicted approximately 40% of the performance in the occupational tasks analysed. The MSFT fitness assessment had a small, albeit significant negative correlation with the three tasks: FJ ( r = − 0.360, P 0.001), VD ( r = − 0.266, P = 0.012) and GU ( r = − 0.375, P 0.001). High levels of metabolic fitness correlated with faster performance in police officer occupational tasks, particularly ones of an anaerobic nature (i.e. the maximal sprint tests). In addition to typical aerobic fitness conditioning, anaerobic fitness conditioning could be vital for optimal performance in physically demanding tasks required of police officer.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2023
DOI: 10.1002/NAU.25252
Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date: 16-05-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2014.11077025
Abstract: Military personnel and firefighters are required to carry occupational loads and complete tasks in hostile and unpredictable environments where a lack of mobility may risk lives. This review critically examines the literature investigating the impacts of load carriage on the mobility of these specialist personnel. Several literature databases, reference lists, and subject matter experts were employed to identify relevant studies. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were critiqued using the Downs and Black protocol. Inter-rater agreement was determined by Cohen's κ. Twelve original research studies, which included male and female participants from military and firefighting occupations, were critiqued (κ = .81). A review of these papers found that as the carried load weight increased, carrier mobility during aerobic tasks (like road marching) and anaerobic tasks (like obstacle course negotiation) decreased. As such, it can be concluded that the load carried by some specialist personnel may increase their occupational risk by reducing their mobility.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-10-2020
Abstract: A challenge for law enforcement agencies is the many positions that need filling. Agencies may modify their applicant test battery (ATB multilevelled testing including fitness, background checks, psychological evaluations) to increase the hiring pool of potential recruits by augmenting the utility of testing. This study determined fitness differences of law enforcement recruits hired under two different ATB protocols. Retrospective analysis was conducted on seven academy classes (442 males, 84 females) hired under an older ATB, and one class (45 males, 13 females) hired under a newer ATB. Recruits completed the following before academy: 60 s push-ups and sit-ups (muscular endurance) vertical jump (lower-body power) medicine ball throw (upper-body power) 75 yard pursuit run (75PR change-of-direction speed) and 20 m multistage fitness test (20MSFT aerobic fitness). Independent s le t-tests (p ≤ 0.001) and effect sizes (d) evaluated between-group fitness differences for recruits hired under the different ATB protocols (combined sexes, males, and females). There were no significant differences between the ATB groups. However, newer ATB female recruits completed 13% fewer 20MSFT shuttles than the older ATB group, which, although not significant (p = 0.007), did have a moderate effect (d = 0.62). Females hired under the newer ATB had lower aerobic fitness, which could impact physical training performance and graduation.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 18-05-2023
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004399
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.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-07-2021
Abstract: The tasks performed by police officers are unique, varied and can be performed in unexpected situations. Initial police college training is used to prepare new police officers to conduct these tasks and is known to be a time when police trainees are at an elevated risk of injury. The aim of this study was to profile injuries occurring within a national Police Force during initial training to inform injury prevention strategies. Using a retrospective cohort design, point-of-care injury data including injury body site, nature, mechanism, and the activity being performed at the time of injury were provided. A total of 564 injuries were recorded over the 22-month period, with the mean age of recruits reporting an injury being 28.83 years ± 6.9 years. The incidence of injuries ranged across training periods, from 456.25 to 3079 injuries per 1000 person-years with an overall incidence rate of 1550.15 injuries per 1000 person-years. The shoulder was the most injured site (n = 113, 20% of injuries), with sprains and strains being the most common nature of injury (n = 287, 50.9% of injuries). Muscular stress with physical exercise was the most common mechanism of injury (n = 175, 31.0% of injuries) with the activity responsible for the largest proportion of injuries being “unknown” (n = 256, 45.4% of injuries), followed by police training (n = 215, 38.1%). Injuries appear to be typically joint related—commonly the shoulder—with police training being a primary known activity at the time of injury. Prescreening protocols may be of benefit, and efforts should be made to recruit and train physically resilient trainees. Injuries, whether they occurred pre-enlistment or during training, should be fully rehabilitated prior to the in idual’s commencement as a qualified officer.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-11-2022
Abstract: 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.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-09-2019
Abstract: Entry to specialist police tactical teams is governed by performance on a physically intense and psychologically demanding selection course. The aim of this study was to determine the attributes associated with completion of a specialist police selection course. Data pertaining to 18 candidates was obtained including 1 min push-ups, loaded pull-ups, loaded 30 m crawl, agility run, 1.2 km run and multi-stage fitness assessment. Comparisons from those who did and did not complete the selection week were performed and a hierarchical multiple regression performed. Eleven candidates finished, with significant difference found in those who completed the course in push-ups (+9.1 reps), loaded pull-ups (+2.9 reps), 1.2 km run (−16 s), loaded crawl (−6.3 s), agility (−0.67 s) and VO2max (+4.8 mL/kg/min). In combination, the fitness assessments pull-ups, 30 m loaded crawl and agility time were found to predict 70% of the variability in course completion (adjusted R2 = 0.70, F (3,14) = 14.373, p = 0.001). When assessed independently, push-ups, 1.2 km run and VO2max results only predicted a non-significant 0.02%, 0.29% and 0.12%, respectively, of course completion. Completion was influenced by aerobic fitness, upper limb strength and endurance and agility. These variables appear to be predictive of course success.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-09-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SU12197944
Abstract: Law enforcement is an intermittently physically demanding job, interspersed with long periods of sedentary activity. To prepare for the physical demands of the job, law enforcement agencies enlist recruits into academies with a focus on physical training. Often, academies focus on aerobic-based exercise despite anaerobic fitness being strongly correlated to occupational tasks. The objective of this article is to analyze the changes in the fitness of police recruits during academy training. Initial and final fitness test results, encompassing muscular power, strength, endurance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, were measured to analyze changes in fitness. Dependent t-tests showed significant increases (p 0.05) across all fitness tests, with a trend towards larger increases in aerobic and muscle-endurance-based tests. Recruits from this academy tended to have higher fitness results compared to other academies and were either average or below average compared to age-matched standards in the general population. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue to develop fitness throughout their career. Academies should add a focus on muscular strength and power training as these measures relate to occupational tasks, which may better prepare recruits for demands they will be expected to face in the field.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 15-02-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2022.821451
Abstract: Police officers require a certain amount of occupational fitness to successfully perform physically demanding tasks. As such, trainees are required to undergo training to develop their ability to perform such tasks. The physical competency test (PCT) is a 400 m obstacle course consisting of key police occupational physical tasks used to evaluate a trainee's ability to complete tasks that a police officer is expected to perform whilst on duty. The purpose of this study was to profile the PCT in a police recruit population to provide an indication of the current level of occupational fitness within a policing population to inform conditioning requirements. Retrospective data for 813 male (age = 27.41 ± 5.92 years, body mass = 83.98 ± 14.03 kg, height = 179.23 ± 10.50 cm, BMI = 25.85 ± 3.92 kg/m2) and 372 female (mean age = 27.01 ± 6.45 years, mean weight = 67.14 ± 8.60 kg, mean height = 168.14 ± 6.46 cm and mean BMI = 23.61 ± 2.52 kg/m2) police trainees from the New Zealand Police Constabulary Recruitment database were provided for analysis. Anthropometric data, including height, body mass, and BMI were provided, in addition to trainee PCT time. Data were split by sex and age. Significant differences were observed between sexes for all anthropometric measures and PCT time ( p & 0.001). Generally, in both the male and female groups, younger recruits tended to perform better than the older recruits with results between the “under 20” and the 20–24-year-old-age groups performing significantly better than the 35–39-year-old-age group in both sexes, and the 25–29-year-old-age group performing significantly better than the 35–39-year-old-age group in female officers. The data provided in this study provides a profile for performance of male and female recruits of various ages on the PCT in preparation for entry, or re-entry following injury, into the NZ Police. However, given that the PCT is considered a measure of occupational task performance, consideration should be given to the use of sex and age neutral requirements as the occupational tasks performed by police officers exhibit the same traits regardless of sex or age. Older trainees may therefore need conditioning to improve PCT times and subsequently occupational performance.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-03-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-10-2022
Abstract: Law enforcement officers routinely face unpredictable scenarios that may threaten the public, their colleagues, or themselves. In such situations, officers may be required to use firearms, with shooting accuracy becoming crucial. This literature review aimed to identify, synthesize, and report on research investigating factors that affect marksmanship in law enforcement personnel. A systematic search of seven databases was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach. From an initial 5396 identified studies, 23 met the eligibility criteria. The key findings from these papers were: (1) physical exertion does not appear to decrease shooting performance, especially at close range ( m) (2) tactical load carriage does not appear to decrease shooting performance in fact, it has been reported by officers as improving performance (likely due to training specificity) (3) the physical capability of officers may be of importance, notably grip strength, which the volume of evidence suggests is positively correlated with marksmanship (4) anxiety imparted through high-stress scenarios negatively impacts shooting performance, but training under stress may counteract this factor, albeit for a short period. Together, these factors appear to have a trainability component where increased specific and realistic training can improve shooting accuracy, time, and precision, especially in high-stress situations.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-02-2021
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000637
Abstract: Aerobic fitness tests are common in testing protocols for law enforcement candidates, recruits, and officers because of the importance of aerobic fitness for academy survivability and job task performance. Two popular tests are the 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT). The differences, strengths, and limitations for both tests are discussed in this article, with a focus on the pacing required in each test. The 2.4-km run typically uses an internal pacing strategy, while the 20MSFT features an external pacing strategy because of the audible beeps that increase the running speed in the test. For the 2.4-km run, self-motivation is required to complete the event, whereas for the 20MSFT, the external pacing requirement is more typical of a police foot pursuit where the offender dictates the pace. This may have greater application to job tasks, where pacing is often determined by external sources (e.g., pursuing and apprehending an offender). In addition, for the 20MSFT, the limited space required and ability to test indoors may make it more applicable for testing law enforcement personnel. Where possible, staff should explore the use of the most appropriate aerobic fitness test for use in their personnel, be it the 20MSFT or the 2.4-km run.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000238
Abstract: RESERVE (PART-TIME) ARMY PERSONNEL TYPICALLY PERFORM OCCUPATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL TASKS AKIN TO THOSE OF THEIR ACTIVE-DUTY COUNTERPARTS BUT MAY HAVE LOWER FITNESS BECAUSE OF LESS PHYSICAL TRAINING. AS SUCH, RESERVE MILITARY PERSONNEL MAY BE AT A GREATER RISK OF INJURY AND HAVE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE DEFICITS. TO IMPROVE FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE, TRAINING GUIDELINES SUGGEST 3 D/WK AEROBIC TRAINING AND 2 D/WK OF STRENGTH TRAINING, ALTHOUGH SOME DAYS MAY INCLUDE BOTH. AMONG RESERVE MILITARY PERSONNEL AWAY FROM THEIR UNITS, BOTH GENERAL AND OCCUPATIONALLY ORIENTED TRAINING COULD BE TRACKED USING COMPUTER APPLICATIONS AND/OR BY EVENING TRAINING IN GROUPS, WHICH MAY IMPROVE COMPLIANCE AND MOTIVATION.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-11-2019
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000514
Abstract: This article reviews the physiological, biomechanical, and health impacts of load carriage on the female soldier and includes issues impacting on the female athlete and hence female soldier. Physiological factors (e.g., mass, strength, and aerobic endurance) and biomechanical factors (e.g., forward trunk lean and step length) have the potential to increase the energy cost of load carriage and injury risk. Optimal load carriage conditioning guidelines are presented while considering issues specific to the female soldier, including the female athlete triad and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, which can likewise reduce performance and increase injury risk.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 25-02-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003918
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Carlock, BN, Ruvalcaba, TJ, Dulla, JM, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and McGuire, MB. Skeletal muscle mass and fat mass relationships with physical fitness test performance in law enforcement recruits before academy. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1287–1295, 2021—The purpose of this study was to analyze relationships between skeletal muscle mass percentage (SMM%) and fat mass percentage (FM%) relative to fitness test performance in law enforcement recruits. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 338 recruits (271 men and 67 women) from 4 academy classes. Skeletal muscle mass percentage and FM% were measured using cost-effective and practical bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equipment that used hand and foot placement. The fitness tests included grip strength vertical jump 75-yard pursuit run 2-kg medicine ball throw (MBT) push-ups and sit-ups completed in 60 seconds and the 20-m multistage fitness test. Partial correlations controlling for sex-derived relationships between SMM%, FM%, and the tests. Recruits were split into quartile groups for SMM% and FM% (group 1 had the lowest SMM% or highest FM% and group 4 the highest SMM% or lowest FM%). A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni post-hoc, compared between-group results. Skeletal muscle mass percentage correlated with all fitness tests expect for MBT FM% with all but grip strength and MBT ( r = ±0.107–0.293). Greater SMM% or lesser FM% tended to relate to better fitness test performance. The MANOVA data indicated groups 3 and 4 (better SMM% or FM% profiles) exhibited superior fitness than group 1 (poorest SMM% or FM% profile) ( p ≤ 0.048). Recruits should ideally increase SMM% and decrease FM% before academy to optimize fitness training and testing performance, although specific guidelines should be agency specific. Staff could use BIA to monitor body composition during academy to indicate how recruits are tolerating training.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-03-2021
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-06-2020-0032
Abstract: The aims of this study were to evaluate fitness levels in a cohort of police trainees and compare these results to other police trainees and the general population. Retrospective data for 274 male and 152 female police trainees were supplied. Measures included height, body mass and physical appraisal test (PAT 2.4 km run, vertical jump, push-ups and grip strength) results, assessed twice, prior to commencement of training, separated by several months. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze non-parametric initial and final PAT scores and Mann–Whiney U tests were used to determine variance between groups. Male trainees were significantly quicker in the run (−12%, p 0.001), completed more push-ups (+74%, p 0.001) with greater grip strength (+52% left and +50% right, p 0.001) when compared to female trainees. Following the second PAT assessment, the significant differences between male and female trainees remained ( p 0.001). Only female trainee 2.4 km run times improved significantly between initial and final PAT (−4%, p = 0.002). When compared to the general population from which they were drawn and to other law enforcement trainees, the police trainees in this study were quicker, more powerful and stronger. While there was no loss of fitness between initial and final PAT performance, a conditioning program, spanning the periods between initial and final PAT may be of benefit to increase fitness prior to training commencement especially for female trainees who were generally less fit than, yet must complete the same training as, male trainees.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002825
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Ruvalcaba, TR, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, Dawes, JJ, and Orr, RM. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in law enforcement agency recruits: relationship to performance in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1666–1675, 2020—Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) use tests to assess recruit physical fitness. Body fat can influence test performance but is difficult to measure during academy because of time, equipment constraints, and instructor knowledge. This study examined relationships between waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), practical measures of fat distribution, and fitness test performance. Retrospective analysis of 267 LEA recruits (age: ∼28 years height: ∼1.73 m and body mass: ∼80 kg 219 males and 48 females) was conducted. The tests included: WC and WHR grip strength push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions in 60 seconds vertical jump (VJ) medicine ball throw 75-yd pursuit run (75PR) and multistage fitness test (MSFT) shuttles. Partial correlations, controlling for sex, calculated relationships between WC, WHR, and the fitness tests. Recruits were split into quartile groups (based on the s le size) for WC and WHR (group 1 had the lowest WC and WHR and group 4 the highest). A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni post hoc, compared between-group test performance. A greater WC related to lesser push-up, sit-up, VJ, 75PR, and MSFT performance ( p ≤ 0.024). When recruits were split into WC groups, group 4 had lesser performance in push-ups, sit-ups, VJ, and the 75PR compared with all groups ( p ≤ 0.038). When split into WHR groups, group 4 performed less push-ups than group 1, less MSFT shuttles than group 3, and had a lower VJ compared with all groups ( p ≤ 0.042). Recruits with a greater WC tended to have poorer fitness test performance.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-11-2020
Abstract: Specialist tactical response police are required to frequently perform physically demanding tasks at high-risk capability levels, emphasizing the need for optimal physical fitness in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between select measures of physical fitness and performance on an occupational-specific physical assessment (OSPA). A retrospective analysis on 18 male specialist police candidates (age = 32.1 ± 5.04 yrs height = 183.72 ± 5.79 cm body mass = 89.44 ± 8.56 kg body mass index (BMI) = 26.45 ± 1.58 kg/m2) was conducted. Data were comprised of anthropometric measures, assorted fitness measures and OSPA performance scores. A stepwise linear regression determined the influence of measured fitness parameters on OSPA performance. A regression featuring both the 1 RM military shoulder press and grip strength of the non-dominant hand was the most significant predictor of performance (adjusted r2 = 0.565, p = 0.001). A separate model, exclusively using the 1 RM military shoulder press additionally predicted OSPA performance (adjusted r2 = 0.240, p = 0.023). These results emphasize the importance of optimal upper-limb muscular strength and its impact on key occupational tasks in specialist police candidates.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S10643-020-01076-Y
Abstract: Evidence suggests that multiple factors affect implementation of school-based physical activity interventions. This survey study examined the factors that influence the provision of classroom-based physical activity to students in the early years of primary school in Australia. A social ecological approach guided questionnaire design and analysis. A 45-item online questionnaire was administered to Australian classroom teachers and assistant, deputy and school principals working with students in Prep/Kindergarten to Year 2. Descriptive analysis determined response frequencies and content analysis was used to identify common themes in open-ended responses. The survey response rate was 22% 34 of the 75 participants answered at least 93% of the survey questions. Barriers to providing classroom-based physical activity include: insufficient time, limited training opportunities, limited resources, educator attitudes to physical activity, and confidence. Proposed strategies to overcome barriers include the provision of training and resources to improve educator knowledge of the benefits of classroom-based physical activity for children’s health and learning, and to improve their confidence in delivering classroom-based physical activity. Creating a supportive school culture towards physical activity through implementation of whole-of-school physical activity policies is recommended. Overall, the results of this study suggest that multiple strategies, targeted at the in idual (i.e., educator) and organisational (i.e., school) levels, may be necessary to enable Australian schools to overcome perceived barriers to providing physical activity opportunities to students in the early years of school during class time. Findings from this research elucidate how Australian schools may be best supported to implement classroom-based physical activity programs, as part of a whole-of-school approach to physical activity promotion.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 25-08-2022
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004327
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-s les 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-s les t test showed significant tests score decreases among male officers over the 5-year period in VJ, PU, and V̇ o 2 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 o 2 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 in idual 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.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 14-02-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003511
Abstract: Orr, RM, Robinson, J, Hasanki, K, Talaber, KA, Schram, B, and Roberts, A. The relationship between strength measures and task performance in specialist tactical police. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 757–762, 2022—Specialist tactical police officers (STPOs) carry heavier on-body loads than generalist police officers. Improvements in strength may mitigate the impacts of these heavier loads. The aim of this investigation was to determine the correlations between absolute and relative strength measures and occupational task performance in STPOs. Retrospective data were provided for 47 male specialist police officers from an elite Australian police unit. Data included body mass (mean = 89.0 ± 8.58 kg), strength measures (1 repetition maximum measures for a bench press, squat, deadlift, and pull-up), and task performance measures (85-kg victim drag wearing 15 kg of operational load and 5-km pack march wearing 40 kg of operational load). Pearson's correlations were conducted to determine relationships between measures and were plotted on a linear regressions model. Significant, moderate to strong correlations were found between all strength measures and victim drag performance and significant negative moderate correlations between relative bench press, absolute and relative squat, and absolute and relative pull-up and pack march times. The absolute deadlift had the strongest correlation to the victim drag ( r = 0.747, p 0.01) while the relative pull-up showed the strongest correlation with pack march performance ( r = −0.466, p 0.01). The requirement to lift a portion of the dummy off the ground during the victim drag may explain the increased importance of absolute strength while the requirement to transport load affixed to the body may explain the importance of relative strength requirements. Improvements in absolute and relative upper- and lower-body strength may improve task performance in this population.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-09-2020
Abstract: There is limited research examining the physical tasks that Brazilian special policemen groups can perform in the line of duty. The aims of this study were to (a) identify the occupational tasks of specialist police personnel serving in the Rapid Response Group (GRR) and Tactical Operations Command (COT), and to profile the frequency, difficulty, and importance of these tasks, and (b) to explore the current physical training these special operations police units (SOPUs) officers undertake to maintain their operational fitness. Univariate analysis for numerical variables (mean and standard deviation (SD)), as well as the absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables were performed. Two Brazilian SOPUs performed a questionnaire with demographic, performance, and physical training sections. A total of 78 respondents (24 of the GRR and 54 of the COT) completed the survey. “Standing and/or sitting with complete equipment for long periods in different climatic conditions”, and “lifting ushing ulling heavier objects” were the most frequent and difficult occupational tasks of both SOPUs, respectively. “Shooting a long weapon” and “breaking a door” were the most important for GRR and COT, respectively. All officers undertook regular physical training (~9 h/week), in an unstructured manner, without supervision, and planning of physical training is carried out autonomously (COT) or a mixture of autonomously and directed (GRR), with the main objectives of developing aerobic endurance and muscle strength. It is important that SOPUs teams train their members’ physical capabilities to perform the tasks identified in this study, as well as follow a structured, supervised, and planned physical training program.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-10-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13103502
Abstract: Tactical personnel (including military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue) are responsible for ensuring national and public safety. Dietary intake is an important consideration to support optimal health and performance. The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) describe the reported free-living dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) of tactical personnel, and (2) describe the practical implications of reported dietary intakes to support the physical and dietary requirements of tactical personnel. A systematic search of databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science) was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. English and full text research articles were identified and screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic and dietary intake data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized narratively. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Twenty-two studies (15 military, 4 law enforcement, and 2 fire and rescue) were eligible to inform this review. The volume of evidence suggested that tactical personnel met dietary protein and exceeded dietary fat recommendations but failed to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations. Therefore, practical approaches to support optimized energy, fat and carbohydrate intake in tactical personnel is important.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-08-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-10-2019
Abstract: Firefighter clothing is known to restrict movement and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate differences between clothing variations and firefighter mobility. Data were collected from eight firefighters using a randomized counterbalanced, repeated measures, design. Three different clothing variants (V1–V3) in addition to current station wear (S) were trialed. Combinations of S and V1 (SV1) and V2 (SV2) were also trialed. Outcome measures included: standing reach height the Functional Movement Screen [FMS] vertical jump a visual analogue scale [VAS] for the FMS, vertical jump, step ups and crawl and a mannequin sketch to mark areas of discomfort. V3 was preferred over S in all tasks and performed better both objectively (FMS and vertical jump) and subjectively (VAS scores). While V1 was typically associated with poorer performance, the impacts of V1 and V2 when compared to each other and S varied depending on the tasks performed. This variation was greater when V1 or V2 were worn with S (SV1 and SV2). Areas of discomfort across all variations was the knees, followed by the thighs. Clothing that has the least impact on, or improves, mobility (especially around the lower limbs) may help reduce firefighter injury and limit subjective discomfort.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-07-2018
Abstract: Occupational health and safety incidents occurring in the military context are of great concern to personnel and commanders. Incidents such as “dangerous incidents”, “exposures”, and “near misses” (as distinct from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities) indicate serious health and safety risks faced by military personnel, even if they do not cause immediate harm. These risks may give rise to harm in the future, if not adequately addressed, and in some cases the incidents may cause latent harm. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the rates and patterns of incidents of these types reported by full time (ARA) and part time (ARES) Australian Army personnel. A retrospective cohort study was performed using self-reported incident data from the Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation and Reporting (WHSCAR) database over a two-year period. Data were analysed descriptively. Of 3791 such incidents, 3636 (96 percent) occurred in ARA and 155 (4 percent) in ARES personnel, somewhat consistent with the proportions of total army person-years served in each (ARA 93 percent ARES 7 percent). In ARA, 84 percent of these incident types were exposures, 14 percent near misses, and 2 percent dangerous incidents. In ARES, 55 percent of incidents were exposures, 38 percent near misses, and 7 percent dangerous incidents. Soldiers at the rank of ‘private’ experienced the highest rates of these incident types, in both ARA and ARES. Driving gave rise to more near misses than any other activity, in both populations. Exposures to chemicals and sounds were more common in the ARA than ARES. The ARES reported higher proportions of vehicle near misses and multiple mechanism dangerous incidents than the ARA. The findings of this study can usefully inform development of risk mitigation strategies for dangerous incidents, exposures, and near misses in army personnel.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-022-00502-5
Abstract: Specialist police perform high-risk tasks and are required to have, and maintain, a high level of fitness. The aims of this study were to profile the strength of a specialist police unit and to investigate whether this profile remained constant over an 18-month period. Retrospective data for 47 special operations police officers (mean initial weight = 88.84 ± 8.25 kg) were provided. Officers were tested five times over 18 months for 1 repetition maximum: bench press, squat, deadlift, and pull-up. All officers continued to participate in their typical physical conditioning programs. Repeated-measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni post-hoc adjustments or Friedman tests with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare strength values across all five time points (TPs). Alpha levels were set at 0.05. All strength values increased significantly over the 18-month period. Over the five TPs, absolute squat increased the most (+ 9%: initial mean = 125.79 ± 24.53 kg), followed by absolute bench press (+ 8%: initial mean = 109.67 ± 19.80 kg), absolute deadlift (+ 7%: initial mean = 151.64 ± 26.31 kg) and absolute pull-up (+ 4%: initial mean = 121.43 ± 14.91 kg). Relatively, the highest increase was found with the squat (+ 8%: initial mean = 1.42 ± 0.25%), followed by the bench press (+ 7%: initial mean = 1.24 ± 0.20%), deadlift (+ 6%: initial mean = 1.71 ± 0.25%) then pull-up (+ 4%: initial mean = 1.37 ± 0.15%). The period between TP3 and TP4 yielded the fewest significant increases compared with other TP differences with only absolute bench press (+ 1.7%), absolute squat (+ 1.1%) and relative bench press (+ 1.6%) changing significantly ( p 0.05). Specialist police can maintain, even increase strength, while serving in specialist units if provided with a Strength and Conditioning coach and time to train. Given changes over time, constant monitoring is required and a single timepoint may not be optimal to establish normative data.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-022-00533-Y
Abstract: Injuries within law enforcement are a significant issue as they increase organisational costs and workforce strain. As one of the biggest risk factors of future injury is previous injury, minimising injuries suffered during academy has multiple beneficial and long-term effects, including a healthier and fitter police force. The purpose of this study was to profile the injuries sustained at a law enforcement academy to inform future injury mitigation strategies. Injury data were provided retrospectively (from May 2012 to September 2019) from the official insurance records of a law enforcement academy and included nature, location, and activity performed at time of injury. A total of 4340 (3288 males, 938 females, 114 sex not stated) recruits participated in academy training during this period. Inclusion criteria for the data were (a) injury record related to a recruit, and (b) the recruit was injured during academy training., with injury defined as tissue damage caused by acute or repetitive trauma, inclusive of musculoskeletal, neural, and/or integumentary systems but excluding general medical conditions such as cardiac (e.g. heart attacks) or respiratory (asthma) that was subsequently reported for worker’s compensation. Injury incidence rates and proportions were calculated and a Spearman’s correlation analysis was conducted between injury rates over successive classes. An injury incidence rate of 368.63 injuries per 1000 recruits per year was calculated in this population, with a moderate correlation coefficient (r s = 0.60) of increasing injury rates over chronologically occurring classes. Females also had higher injury rates than male recruits, even across various fitness levels. Trauma to joints and ligaments (49.30%) was the most common injury, and the knee the most common location (23.17%) of injury. Physical training (56.10%) was the most common activity being performed at the time of injury. This research demonstrates a large number of lower limb, musculoskeletal injuries that often occur during physical training. Further research is needed to assess suitable injury mitigation programs.
Publisher: Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date: 10-06-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-07-2018
Abstract: Positive associations exist between physical activity, cognition, and academic performance in children and adolescents. Further research is required to examine which factors underpin the relationships between physical activity and academic performance. This systematic review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize findings of studies examining relationships between motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading in typically developing school-aged children and adolescents. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify relevant studies. Fifty-five eligible articles were critically appraised and key data was extracted and synthesized. Findings support associations between several components of motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading. There was evidence that fine motor proficiency was significantly and positively associated with academic performance in mathematics and reading, particularly during the early years of school. Significant positive associations were also evident between academic performance and components of gross motor proficiency, specifically speed and agility, upper-limb coordination, and total gross motor scores. Preliminary evidence from a small number of experimental studies suggests motor skill interventions in primary school settings may have a positive impact on academic performance in mathematics and/or reading. Future research should include more robust study designs to explore more extensively the impact of motor skill interventions on academic performance.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-09-2020
Abstract: This study investigated differences in the body composition of police officers from different occupational groups and the moderation effects of leisure time physical activity (LTPA). A s le of 237 police officers (special anti-terrorist unit, gendarmerie, firefighters, and general duties) participated in the study. Body mass index (BMI), percent of body fat (%BF), percent of skeletal muscle mass (%SMM), and index of hypokinesia (IH) were assessed using a multichannel bioelectric impedance analyzer and officers reported the amount of LTPA using an international physical activity questionnaire. The s le was ided in three groups relative to LTPA, sedentary (0–149 min/week), moderately active (150–299 min/week), and very active (300+ min/week). Multiple analysis of variance (4 × 3) was used to analyze if occupational groups differed based solely on occupation, if officers from the same occupation differed in muscularity and fatness based on LTPA, and if any differences in body composition occurred between officers from different occupations with the same level of LTPA. Police officers from more physically demanding occupations demonstrated lower %BF and IH, while having higher %SMM. This was also observed among the officers of the same occupation who reported a higher LTPA, while officers who reported very high LTPA had similar body composition.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-01-2017
DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2015.1132731
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether occupational load carriage constitutes a significant source of injury to military soldiers. An online survey was sent to soldiers serving in specific Australian Army Corps known to experience the greatest occupational exposure to load carriage. Of the 338 respondents, 34% sustained at least one load carriage injury. Fifty-two per cent of those injured during initial training reported sustaining an additional load carriage injury. The majority of injuries (61%) were to the lower limbs with bones and joints the most frequently injured body structures (39%). Endurance marching (continuous marching as part of a physical training session) was the activity accounting for most (38%) injuries. Occupational load carriage is associated with military soldier injuries and, once injured, soldiers are at a high risk of future load carriage injury. The bodily sites and nature of self-reported injuries in this study are akin to those of formally reported injuries and those of other militaries.
Publisher: Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date: 28-02-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-03-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AET2.10852
Abstract: Emergency department (ED) teams frequently perform under conditions of high stress. Stress exposure simulation (SES) is specifically designed to train recognition and management of stress responses under these conditions. Current approaches to design and delivery of SES in emergency medicine are based on principles derived from other contexts and from anecdotal experience. However, the optimal design and delivery of SES in emergency medicine are not known. We aimed to explore participant experience to inform our approach. We performed an exploratory study in our Australian ED with doctors and nurses participating in SES sessions. We used a three‐part framework—sources of stress, the impacts of that stress, and the strategies to mitigate—to inform our SES design and delivery and to guide our exploration of participant experience. Data were collected through a narrative survey and participant interviews and analyzed thematically. There were 23 total participants (doctors n = 12, nurses n = 11) across the three sessions. Sixteen survey responses and eight interview transcripts were analyzed, each with equal numbers of doctors and nurses. Five themes were identified in data analysis: (1) experience of stress, (2) managing stress, (3) design and delivery of SES, (4) learning conversations, and (5) transfer to practice. We suggest that design and delivery of SES should follow health care simulation best practice, with stress adequately induced by authentic clinical scenarios and to avoid trickery or adding extraneous cognitive load. Facilitators leading learning conversations in SES sessions should develop a deep understanding of stress and emotional activation and focus on team‐based strategies to mitigate harmful impacts of stress on performance.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-11-2016
Publisher: Journal of Athletic Training/NATA
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-51.8.06
Abstract: Context: Police academy training must physically prepare cadets for the rigors of their occupational tasks to prevent injury and allow them to adequately perform their duties. Objective: To compare the effects of 2 physical training programs on multiple fitness measures in police cadets. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Police training academy. Patients or Other Participants: We collected data from 70 male (age = 27.4 ± 5.9 years, body weight = 85.4 ± 11.8 kg) and 20 female (age = 30.5 ± 5.8 years, body weight = 62.8 ± 11.0 kg) police cadets and analyzed data from 61 male cadets (age = 27.5 ± 5.5 years, body weight = 87.7 ± 13.2 kg). Intervention(s): Participants completed one of two 6-month training programs. The randomized training group (RTG n = 50), comprising 4 separate and sequential groups (n = 13, n = 11, n = 13, n = 13), completed a randomized training program that incorporated various strength and endurance exercises chosen on the day of training. The periodized group (PG n = 11) completed a periodized training program that alternated specific phases of training. Main Outcome Measure(s): Anthropometric fitness measures were body weight, fat mass, and lean body mass. Muscular and metabolic fitness measures were 1-repetition maximum bench press, push-up and sit-up repetitions performed in 1 minute, vertical jump, 300-m sprint, and 2.4-km run. Results: The RTG demonstrated improvements in all outcome measures between pretraining and posttraining however, the improvements varied among the 4 in idual RTGs. Conversely, the PG displayed improvements in only 3 outcome measures (push-ups, sit-ups, and 300-m sprint) but approached the level of significance set for this study (P & .01) in body weight, fat mass, and 1-repetition maximum bench press. Conclusions: Regardless of format, physical training programs can improve the fitness of tactical athletes. In general, physical fitness measures appeared to improve more in the RTG than in the PG. However, this observation varied among groups, and injury rates were not compared.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-01-2023
Abstract: Mounted police officers are subject to unique occupational tasks which may lead to unique injuries. This study’s aim was to describe policing injuries suffered by mounted police officers contextualized through comparison to non-mounted officers. Injury data from 01 July 2014 to 30 June 2020 were provided from a state policing agency’s incident reporting database. The data reported the numbers and rates of injuries and classified the injuries by gender, cause, mechanism, nature, and hours worked. Of the 35,406 reported injuries, 35,255 (99.6%) injuries were reported by non-mounted police officers. An annual incidence rate of 338–364 and 626–952 injuries per 1000 personnel were reported in non-mounted and mounted police, respectively. For mounted police, the leading causes of injuries were slips, trips, and falls (23.8%), followed by repetitive tasks and movements (9.9%). Physical assault was the leading cause of injury for non-mounted police officers (21.3%), followed by slips, trips, and falls (16.0%). In mounted police, falls from heights (15.9%) and repetitive tasks and movements (10.6%) comprised the most frequently specified mechanisms of injury, as compared to physical assault (21.0%) and physical exercise (5.2%) in non-mounted police. The most common activities being performed at the time of injury for mounted police were animal handling (64.9%) as opposed to arresting an offender (31.2%) for non-mounted police. Sprains and strains and bruises and swelling were the leading natures of injuries among both mounted (44.4% and 29.1%, respectively) and non-mounted (36.6% and 21.2%, respectively) officers. The leading body sites of injury in mounted officers were the lower back (13.9%) and neck and shoulders (7.3% each), and for non-mounted police, the knee (13.9%), lower back (10.0%), and hand (8.2%) were the most common. Mounted police officers sustained injuries through different activities, causes, and mechanisms and to different body sites at 2–3 times higher incidence rates. Mounted police officers warrant specifically tailored injury mitigation and return-to-work strategies.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-08-2019
Abstract: Police officers may be required to discharge their weapon under physical duress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fitness and marksmanship to facilitate future strategies to improve marksmanship. Retrospective data were provided for thirty-four police officers (mean age = 40.48 ± 6.66 years: mean weight = 100.60 ± 19.82 kg: mean height = 180.42 ± 6.87 cm) from a US-based law enforcement agency. Data included four different fitness measures and three different shooting scenarios. No significant relationship was observed between the three different shooting scenarios. There was a significant relationship between shuttle run and static shoot (r = 0.528, p = 0.002), grip strength and the dynamic scenario (r = −0.367, p = 0.035) and leg strength and the positive identification scenario (r = 0.344, p = 0.050). This study demonstrated that a high variety of fitness training and marksmanship practice, under various occupational scenarios, may be required to ensure optimal police shooting accuracy whilst in the field.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 30-12-2022
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000768
Abstract: Search and rescue (SAR) personnel may be required to wear and carry external loads during a task. These external loads may be carried in austere environments across unpredictable terrain. Like other tactical occupations (military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue), SAR loads can range from ≥20 to 45 kg. Not only are these loads known to cause a variety of injuries to the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and neurological systems of the carrier, but these loads are also known to impede task performance and have ultimately led to mission failure. Ensuring personnel are physically capable of carrying external loads on tasks is critical to mitigating these potential risks of injury and performance decrements. Optimal load carriage conditioning, following the known frequency, intensity, time, and type of training formula would see SAR personnel conduct a load carriage specific session every 7 to 14 days, with load weights, walking speeds, and durations akin to those typical of their SAR requirements. The terrain types (inclusive of grade and nature of terrain) should likewise form part of this conditioning process. In addition to load carriage-specific sessions, improving strength (notably relative strength) and aerobic fitness should also optimize the load carriage conditioning of SAR personnel.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2015
Publisher: Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
Date: 19-05-2022
Abstract: 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 in iduals, 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. 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. 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 (3).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-02-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000492
Abstract: Tactical populations often participate in demanding physical training and perform strenuous workplace tasks, increasing injury risk. Mitigating injury risk is vital for maintaining trained personnel and should be a focus for tactical populations. One such method, tracking training load, has not been studied in-depth in tactical populations, despite documented effectiveness in elite sport. Most injuries to tactical personnel are overuse in nature and therefore may be prevented by optimizing training load. Although the methods used in elite sport may not be directly transferrable to tactical environments, they may be used to inform injury mitigation strategies in tactical populations.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003844
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Dulla, JM, Orr, RM, and Hernandez, E. Physical fitness, sex considerations, and academy graduation for law enforcement recruits. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3356–3363, 2020—This study investigated the influence of fitness on academy graduation, and any between-sex differences, in law enforcement recruits. Data collected at the start of 4 training academies were retrospectively analyzed, including age, height, and body mass waist circumference waist-to-hip ratio grip strength vertical jump (VJ) 75-yard pursuit run 2-kg medicine ball throw (MBT) push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions in 60 seconds and 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) shuttles. Recruits were categorized into graduated (GRAD = 269) and separated (did not graduate SEP = 42) groups. SEP recruits were not split according to separation reasons, just whether they did or not. This categorization also occurred for male subjects (GRAD = 228 SEP = 32) and female subjects (GRAD = 41 SEP = 10). Independent s les t -tests calculated between-group differences for all recruits combined, male subjects, and female subjects. Correlations and stepwise linear regression calculated relationships between the data and graduation. The t -test ( p ≤ 0.016) and correlation ( r = ±0.137–0.296 p 0.05) data indicated that SEP recruits (both sexes combined) were older and performed poorer in every fitness test except grip strength and VJ. SEP male subjects were older and performed poorer in all tests except grip strength ( p ≤ 0.009). SEP female subjects scored lower in the arm ergometer ( p = 0.008). The regression equation for all recruits found that age, 20MSFT (aerobic fitness), MBT (upper-body power), and arm ergometer (upper-body endurance) were academy graduation predictors ( r 2 = 0.169 p 0.001). For the male recruits, the predictors were age, MBT, and 20MSFT ( r 2 = 0.182 p ≤ 0.001), and for female recruits, arm ergometer and 20MSFT ( r 2 = 0.213 p ≤ 0.003). Recruits should improve multiple fitness aspects, including muscular endurance, power, and aerobic fitness, to enhance graduation potential.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-03-2019
Abstract: This study determined the influence of years spent working in custody on fitness measured by a state-specific testing battery (Work S le Test Battery WSTB) in deputy sheriffs. Retrospective analysis was conducted on one patrol school class (51 males, 13 females) ided into three groups depending on time spent working in custody: DS24 ( months n = 20) DS2547 (25–47 months n = 23) and DS48+ (≥48 months n = 21). These groups were compared to a recruit class (REC 219 males, 34 females) in the WSTB, which comprised five tasks completed for time: 99-yard (90.53-m) obstacle course (99OC) 165-pound (75-kg) dummy drag six-foot (1.83-m) chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climb and 500-yard (457.2-m) run (500R). A univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (controlling for sex and age) with Bonferroni post hoc determined significant between-group differences. DS48+ were slower in the 99OC compared to the REC (p = 0.007) and performed the CLF and SW slower than all groups (p ≤ 0.012). DS24, DS2547, and DS48+ were all slower than REC in the 500R (p ≤ 0.002). Physical training should be implemented to maintain fitness and job-specific task performance in deputy sheriffs working custody, especially considering the sedentary nature of this work.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-2020
Abstract: Gait analysis is one aspect of evaluation in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) improve gait and alignment through providing support. An alternative and under-researched orthosis are sensomotoric orthoses (SMotOs). The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is a valid observational gait analysis scale to measure gait quality. The aim of this study was to use the EVGS to determine what effect AFOs and SMotOs have on gait in children with CP. The inclusion criteria were: mobilizing children with a CP diagnosis, no surgery in the past six weeks, and currently using SMotOs and AFOs. Eleven participants were videoed walking 5 m (any order) barefoot, in SMotOs and AFOs. Of the participants (age range 3–13 years, mean 5.5 ± 2.9), two were female and six used assistive devices. Seven could walk barefoot. Participants had spastic diplegia (4), spastic quadriplegia (6), and spastic dystonic quadriplegia (1). Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels ranged I–IV. The total score for SMotOs (7.62) and AFOs (14.18) demonstrated improved gait when wearing SMotOs (no significant differences between barefoot and AFOs). SMotOs may be a viable option to improve gait in this population. Additional study is required but SMotOs may be useful in clinical settings.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-03-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13102-022-00443-Z
Abstract: Female soldiers form an integral part of any modern defence force. Previous reports have highlighted that female soldiers report injuries at higher rates than male personnel. One possible reason for this is an actual difference in underlying injury rates, purported to be due to several factors, including levels of fitness. The aim of this review was to determine risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. A systematic search was conducted for studies which reported on risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL and Medline through OVID. Eligible studies were rated for their methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tools and data were extracted and synthesized using a critical narrative approach. A total of 18 articles were included in this review which reported on 18 risk factors for injury. Smoking, previous injury, no history of deployment, heavy occupational tasks, lower levels of aerobic fitness and lower number of push-up repetitions appear to be risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. Age, height, body fat, high or low BMI and body mass do not appear to be consistent risk factors for injury in female soldiers and there appears to be minimal evidence for current levels of activity, sit-up ability, and other assessments of strength, power, speed, or movement being associated with injury risk. Additionally, neither flexibility nor previous levels of activity appear to be associated with injury risk in female soldiers. Strategies to improve aerobic fitness and upper limb endurance, reduce smoking, and optimise rehabilitation from injuries and risk management for heavy occupational tasks need to be developed for female soldiers. Such strategies are also likely to reduce risks for male soldiers.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-05-2022
DOI: 10.3390/SU14116548
Abstract: Fire academy training classes may have trainees with a range of different fitness capabilities. Documentation of trainee fitness could indicate the need for flexibility in physical training emphases. Therefore, data from six academy classes (males = 274 females = 31) were analyzed, including: Illinois agility test (IAT), push-ups, pull-ups, leg tucks, multistage fitness test, backwards overhead 4.54 kg medicine ball throw (BOMBT), 10-repetition maximum deadlift, and 18 kg kettlebell farmers carry. A one-way ANOVA, with the Bonferroni post hoc test, calculated between-class fitness differences. Normative fitness test data were produced via percentile ranks. Classes 5 and 6 had the most females (n = 15). Class 1 completed the IAT faster than all classes (p ≤ 0.009). Classes 1 and 4 had a further BOMBT distance than Classes 5 and 6, and Class 3 outperformed Class 6 (p ≤ 0.044). Class 4 completed more leg tucks than Class 5 (p = 0.047). Class 1 had a greater deadlift than Classes 3, 4, and 6, and Class 2 outperformed Classes 3–6 (p ≤ 0.036). Class 3 was slower in the farmers carry compared to all classes (p ≤ 0.002). Percentile rankings showed that most females (48–100%) were in the 0–29% rank. Staff should implement in idualized programs where appropriate for trainees as cohort fitness differences exist. Female trainees may need targeted maximal strength and power development.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-09-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2016
Abstract: Rugby union is a collision-based ball sport played at the professional level internationally. Rugby union has one of the highest reported incidences of injury of all team sports. To identify the characteristics, incidence, and severity of injuries occurring in Australian professional Super Rugby Union. Descriptive epidemiology study. The present study was a prospective epidemiology study on a cohort of 180 professional players from 5 Australian Super Rugby teams during the 2014 Super Rugby Union Tournament. Team medical staff collected and submitted daily training and match-play injury data through a secure, web-based electronic platform. The injury data included the main anatomic location of the injury, specific anatomic structure of the injury, injury diagnosis, training or match injury occurrence, main player position, mechanism of injury, and the severity of the injury quantified based on the number of days lost from training and/or competition due to injury. The total combined incidence rate for injury during training and match-play across all Australian Super Rugby Union teams was 6.96 per 1000 hours, with a mean injury severity of 37.45 days lost from training and competition. The match-play injury incidence rate was 66.07 per 1000 hours, with a mean severity of 39.80 days lost from training and competition. No significant differences were observed between forward- and back-playing positions for match or training injury incidence rate or severity. The incidence of injury for the present study was lower during match-play than has previously been reported in professional rugby union however, the overall time loss was higher compared with previous studies in professional rugby union. The high overall time loss was due fundamentally to a high incidence of injuries with greater than 28 days’ severity.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-09-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SU12197922
Abstract: Limited evidence exists about non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) interventions among tactical personnel (police officers, firefighters, or army forces). The aim was to identify and systematically review the findings of randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating conservative interventions for the treatment NSLBP in tactical personnel. A search of seven databases for randomized controlled trials RCTs were conducted. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias (PEDro scale). Five RCTs (n = 387 military subjects median PEDro score = 7/10) were included. The trials were highly heterogeneous, differing in pain and disability outcome measures, duration of NSLBP symptoms (acute, nonacute, nonchronic, and chronic), types of intervention (exercise, manual therapy, and physical therapy), types of control groups, and intervention durations (4–12 weeks). Two studies reported that strengthening exercise interventions were not effective for reducing pain or disability in military personnel with chronic or nonacute NSLBP. Manual therapy treatment was more effective than usual activities in current pain and pain typical symptoms in soldiers with acute NSLBP after four weeks. A multidimensional intervention reduced disability in military personnel with non-chronic NSLBP after four weeks. Strong evidence does not exist for the efficacy of any conservative interventions in the reduction of pain and disability in tactical populations with NSLBP.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-09-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S10926-014-9540-7
Abstract: Many injuries experienced by soldiers can be attributed to the occupational loads they are required to carry. The aim of this study was to determine whether contemporary military load carriage is a source of injuries to Australian Regular Army soldiers and to profile these injuries. The Australian Defence Force 'Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Analysis and Reporting' database was searched to identify all reported injuries sustained during load carriage events. Key search terms were employed and narrative description fields were interrogated to increase data accuracy. A total of 1,954 injury records were extracted from the database. Of these, 404 injuries were attributed to load carriage. The majority of these load carriage injuries involved either the lower limb or back, with bones and joints accounting for the most frequently reported body structures to be injured. Field activities were the leading activities being performed at the time that load carriage injuries occurred, and muscular stress was identified as the mechanism of injury for over half of reported load carriage injuries. This study suggests that load carriage is a substantial source of injury risk to Australian Army soldiers. Physical training may fail to adequately prepare soldiers for load carriage tasks during field training exercises.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12905-022-01899-4
Abstract: An effective military force is required to be agile, capable, efficient, and potent. Injuries to military personnel interrupt active-duty service and can detract from overall capability. These injuries are associated with a high in idual and organizational burden, with lost work time and financial costs—all problematic for the ongoing functioning of a military force. Injury control strategies have therefore been described as force multipliers. Female personnel form an integral part of any modern defence force, but little research has examined their specific experiences of injury, to inform targeted injury control efforts. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise findings from studies of injury rates and patterns in female military personnel, comparing them to those of male personnel. A systematic search was conducted for studies which compared injury rates between the sexes at any stage of military service, from basic training through to deployment. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL and Medline through OVID. Methodological quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP), and AXIS tools and data were extracted, synthesized, and, where possible, underwent meta-analysis. Of 2287 identified studies, a total of 25 studies were eligible and included. Methodological quality ranged from 60% up to a perfect score of 100%, with an average of 82% across all studies. Relative risks for injuries (reported as RR [95%CI]) to females when compared to males were 2.10 [1.89–2.33] during basic training, 1.70 [1.33–2.17] during officer training, and 1.23 [1.05–1.43] post initial training. After adjustment for differences between the sexes in average fitness levels (2-mile run time), there was no longer a significant difference in injury rates (adjusted RR: 0.95 [0.86–1.05]). Female personnel tended to make bigger improvements in their fitness during basic training than males and tended to report their injuries more frequently and sooner than males. While this review found a higher rate of reported injuries in female military personnel when compared to male personnel, differences between the sexes in average fitness levels and injury reporting behaviours may largely explain this rate difference. The difference in rates of reported injuries was greatest during basic training, and reduced thereafter, possibly due in part to a reduced difference in fitness between the sexes or increased opportunity to self-determine workloads relative to fitness levels.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-09-2019
Abstract: Officers serving in specialist tactical response police teams are highly trained personnel who are required to carry heavy loads and perform explosive tasks. The aim of this study was to determine whether performance on a loaded explosive occupational task (urban rush) or distance-based load carriage tasks (2.4 km or 10 km) were indicative of officer success on a specialist selection course (SSC). Eighteen male police officers (mean age = 32.11 ± 5.04 years) participated in the SSC over five consecutive days. Data were categorized into Group 1 (successful applicants, n = 11) and Group 2 (unsuccessful applicants, n = 7). Independent s le t-tests were performed to determine differences between groups, along with point-biserial correlations to investigate associations between anthropometric and event performance data and course completion success. Alpha levels were set at p = 0.05 a priori. Height (p = 0.025), body weight (p = 0.007), and 2.4 km loaded performance (p = 0.013) were significantly different between groups, where being shorter (rpb(16) = −0.526, p 0.05), lighter (rpb(16) = −0.615, p 0.01), and faster (rpb(16) = −0.572, p 0.05) were associated with course success. While a loaded 2.4 km event is associated with success, a ceiling effect for an explosive anaerobic task and a longer 10 km task may exist, whereby increases in performance are not associated with selection success.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-10-2022
Abstract: The risks and incidence rates of musculoskeletal injuries among military personnel are high, and the importance of physiotherapy in treating these injuries is well established. However, what is less clear is whether the timing of commencement of physiotherapy treatment affects musculoskeletal injury outcomes in military personnel. This lack of clarity is exacerbated by the known underreporting of injuries among military personnel, and the resulting self-management of musculoskeletal injuries using analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other means. This narrative review was designed to identify and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of timing of physiotherapy treatment on musculoskeletal injury outcomes, focusing on potential benefits of early versus typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment. Overall, current evidence suggests early physiotherapy treatment of musculoskeletal injuries offers distinct advantages over typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment in military settings. Specifically, it appears early treatment expedites recovery in early phases following injury onset and benefits longer term mental health and well-being. It may also reduce the need for more invasive and costly health care interventions and enable earlier return to training and operational service. Importantly, a cultural shift within military contexts to ensure early reporting of musculoskeletal injuries is required if the benefits of early commencement of physiotherapy treatment are to be achieved.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-03-2022
DOI: 10.3390/NU14071336
Abstract: Background: Law enforcement is a dangerous, stressful, and health-threatening occupation. This study investigated the association between demographic factors including sex, age, and types of law enforcement occupation and described self-reported barriers to healthy and enjoyable diets within a cohort of law enforcement personnel. Methods: This mixed-methods study explored cross-sectional data from the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating validated survey. The survey included eight questions obtaining quantitative data and two open ended question obtaining qualitative data. A framework thematic analysis using the theory of planned behavior was undertaken to describe self-reported barriers to a healthy and enjoyable dietary intake. Results: 159 participants (median age = 27 (range 19–60) years 74% males) were surveyed. In general, demographic factors are not associated with the dietary beliefs and behavior of law enforcement personnel. Self-reported barriers (generated themes) to a healthy and enjoyable diet included in idual preferences, social influences, internal drive, capacity to change and occupational influences, which broadly aligned with the theory of planned behavior. Conclusions: Dietary intake in law enforcement personnel is impacted by occupational considerations, including busy schedules, long working hours, inconsistent meal breaks, tiredness, and shift work. The study provides useful information to support dietary interventions.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 18-06-2021
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000656
Abstract: Physical fitness assessments for tactical occupations (e.g., military, law enforcement, and emergency services) can include predictive tests of anaerobic power, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, muscular power, strength, agility, and/or simulated occupational tasks. Not only can these tests be used to assess the ability of someone to undertake the job role but they can be used to determine injury risk, training failure, and/or general health. This review discusses different uses for physical fitness assessments and considerations for their use in tactical populations.
Publisher: Unpublished
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-11-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12909-020-02360-6
Abstract: The impact of stress and burnout in students is an emerging topic. When students perceive that they are unable to cope with stressors, there is increased potential for burnout. To maximise students’ higher educational institution outcomes, students must be able to effectively cope with stressful demands. Research suggests physiotherapy students, in particular, suffer from a high risk of stress and burnout, however limited research exists on postgraduate, pre-registration, physiotherapy students. The purpose of this study was to determine perceived stress, burnout and associated coping strategies across three timepoints in the first year of a postgraduate, pre-registration physiotherapy program. A qualitative and quantitative survey design was utilised at one Australian Higher Education Institution. The 51-item self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographics, the Coping Self Efficacy (CSE) Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey for Students (MBI-GS (S)), and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was administered at three timepoints (T) in the program: T1 at the start of semester 1, T2 before the first placement in semester 2 and T3 after 10-weeks of placement. Data were analysed using descriptive, statistical and thematical analysis. All first year Doctor of Physiotherapy students. A response rate of 62% ( n = 38) was achieved. There were no differences in stress and burnout scores between sexes, nor differences in stress and burnout over time. Highest median CSE scores were seen at T1, with highest median MBI-GS (S) cynicism scores at T2, exhaustion (EX) at T1 and T2, and professional efficacy at T1 and T2. The greatest mean CSE changes were seen from T1-T2 and T1–3, and PE greatest changes from T2-T3 and T1-T3. No strong correlation was found between stress and burnout. Curriculum coursework was a frequently reported stressor, along with clinical placement and transition periods. Coping strategies utilized by students were both positive and maladaptive. Positive strategies included sporting activities, baking, listening to music, and social connections, whereas maladaptive strategies included alcohol consumption, excessive eating, and gaming. Student consistently identified periods of stress and burnout, with curriculum coursework in particular being a trigger. Findings acknowledge the need for further investigation on sources of perceived stress, burnout, and coping mechanisms to optimise student welfare and enhance Higher Education Institution outcomes.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-04-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-07-2021
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1949135
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between components of physical fitness on performance in an occupation-specific physical ability test (PAT) for state patrol officers (women, n = 19 men, n = 256) using archived data. Physical fitness was assessed by 2.4 km run time (2.4 R), body fat % (BF), 1 min sit-up (SU), 1-min push-up (PU), the vertical jump (VJ), and the sit-and-reach test (SR). Principal components analysis (PCA) of the entire s le revealed that dynamic fitness (DF), related 2.4 R, SU, PU, VJ, & BF, explained 49% of variance in performance in the PAT. Lower back and hamstring flexibility explained a further 18% of variance. Law-enforcement agencies using a standard job-specific test to screen the occupational fitness of its members may use fitness tests to make fitness recommendations. Officers should prioritize developing aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, lower-body power, and flexibility to help meet the demands of occupational performance.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-11-2018
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1353129
Abstract: The aim of this study was to quantify the validity and intra-tester reliability of a novel method of kinematic measurement. The measurement target was the joint angles of an athlete performing a BMX Supercross (SX) gate start action through the first 1.2 s of movement in situ on a BMX SX r using a standard gate start procedure. The method employed GoPro® Hero 4 Silver (GoPro Inc., USA) cameras capturing data at 120 fps 720 p on a 'normal' lens setting. Kinovea 0.8.15 (Kinovea.org, France) was used for analysis. Tracking data was exported and angles computed in Matlab (Mathworks®, USA). The gold standard 3D method for joint angle measurement could not safely be employed in this environment, so a rigid angle was used. Validity was measured to be within 2°. Intra-tester reliability was measured by the same tester performing the analysis twice with an average of 55 days between analyses. Intra-tester reliability was high, with an absolute error <6° and <9 frames (0.075 s) across all angles and time points for key positions, respectively. The methodology is valid within 2° and reliable within 6° for the calculation of joint angles in the first ~1.25 s.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-08-2022
Abstract: The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the impact of footwear on worker physical task performance and injury risk. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews protocol and registered in the Open Science Framework. Key search terms were entered into five academic databases. Following a dedicated screening process and critical appraisal, data from the final articles informing this review were extracted, tabulated, and synthesised. Of 19,614 identified articles, 50 articles informed this review. Representing 16 countries, the most common populations investigated were military and firefighter populations, but a wide range of general occupations (e.g., shipping, mining, hairdressing, and healthcare workers) were represented. Footwear types included work safety boots/shoes (e.g., industrial, gumboots, steel capped, etc.), military and firefighter boots, sports shoes (trainers, tennis, basketball, etc.) and various other types (e.g., sandals, etc.). Occupational footwear was found to impact gait and angular velocities, joint ranges of motion, posture and balance, physiological measures (like aerobic capacity, heart rates, temperatures, etc.), muscle activity, and selected occupational tasks. Occupational footwear associated with injuries included boots, conventional running shoes, shoes with inserts, harder/stiffer outsoles or thin soles, and shoes with low comfort scores—although the findings were mixed. Occupational footwear was also linked to potentially causing injuries directly (e.g., musculoskeletal injuries) as well as leading to mechanisms associated with causing injuries (like tripping and slipping).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-10-2022
Abstract: The leg tuck was replaced by the plank in the Army Combat Fitness Test, in part because it was felt it discriminated against women. There is limited leg tuck research, including between-sex comparisons and relationships with other fitness tests. This study investigated the leg tuck in a firefighter trainee population (274 males, 31 females). Archival fitness test data included: Illinois agility test (IAT) push-ups pull-ups leg tucks multistage fitness test 4.54 kg backwards overhead medicine ball throw (BOMBT) 10-repetition maximum deadlift and 18 kg kettlebell farmer’s carry over a 91.44 m course. Independent s les t-tests (p 0.05) and effect sizes (d) compared the sexes. Partial correlations and stepwise regression (controlling for sex p 0.05) calculated relationships between the leg tuck with the other tests. Male trainees outperformed females in all tests (p ≤ 0.003). The largest difference was for the BOMBT (d = 2.59) not the leg tuck (d = 1.28). The strongest leg tuck relationships were with pull-ups (r = 0.790) and push-ups (r = 0.553). Sex, pull-ups, and push-ups predicted the leg tuck (r2 = 0.674). Approximately 80% of the females could complete one leg tuck, although female personnel may require specific strength and power training. Pulling strength may be a determining factor in leg tuck performance, which is likely not indicated by the plank.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003217
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Moreno, MR, Cesario, KA, Balfany, K, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, and Orr, RM. Relationship between the 20-m multistage fitness test and 2.4-km run in law enforcement recruits. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2756–2761, 2021—In the United States, the 2.4-km run is arguably the most common law enforcement aerobic assessment. Potential limitations are that recruits use an internal pacing strategy, the test requires fewer direction changes, and less-fit recruits run for longer. The 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) is commonly used internationally to assess aerobic fitness in law enforcement recruits and provides an external pacing strategy. This study documented sex differences between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits, and between-test relationships. Retrospective analysis on 8 academy classes (463 men and 87 women) from 1 agency was conducted. The 20MSFT was completed before academy and the 2.4-km run in the first week. Between-sex comparisons in the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT were conducted with independent-s les t -tests and effect sizes. Estimated V̇ o 2 max from the tests was compared with paired-s les t -tests. Correlations and linear regression calculated 2.4-km run and 20MSFT relationships. There were significant between-sex differences for the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT ( p 0.01), with moderate ( d = 0.9) and small ( d = 0.4) effects, respectively. Estimated 2.4-km run V̇ o 2 max was greater than that from the 20MSFT ( p 0.01). The 2.4-km run had significant relationships with the 20MSFT ( r = −0.6), although the regression equations were low ( r 2 = 0.30–0.37). Between-sex differences in the 20MSFT seemed less than for those in the 2.4-km run. Nonetheless, even with significant relationships between the tests, the 20MSFT induces a higher running intensity and direction changes. This may limit transferability with the 2.4-km run in law enforcement recruits.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 18-01-2023
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004426
Abstract: Kukić, F, Janković, 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.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-09-2020
Abstract: Specialist police tactical teams, like special operations military personnel, are tasked with dangerous, high risk missions which are beyond the scope of general police. Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these teams are physiologically and psychologically demanding. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a five-day selection course to aid in candidate preparation and course planning. Measures included body mass, grip strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, and a vertical jump assessment. Eleven candidates finished the selection course with significant decreases in body mass (−2.05 kg, p = 0.006 (95% CI = 3.65–0.45)), grip strength in the right (−14.48 kg, p 0.001 (95% CI = 21.32–7.64)) and left (−14.27 kg, p 0.001 (95% CI = 21.89–6.66)) hands and in sit-and-reach flexibility (−6.64 cm, p 0.001 (95% CI = 9.94–3.33)). No significant decreases in power output or peak jump velocity of 669.77 W (95% CI = 1942.92–603.39) and 0.28 m/s (95% CI = 0.69–0.14) were found and a non-significant, overall increase in vertical jump height of 6.09 cm (95% CI = −6.08 to 18.79) was seen. Decreases in body mass, grip strength and lower limb flexibility are evident in a grueling five-day selection course. In iduals planning on attending these courses should plan for these negative effects and build redundancy into their performance to minimize the effects of fatigue, decrease injury risk and maximize chances of completion.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 18-01-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-08-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-05-2022
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004268
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.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-07-2022
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004301
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 ( r 2 = 0.409), and the lowest predictive relationship was observed with the vertical jump ( r 2 = 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.
Publisher: Centre for Evaluation in Education and Science (CEON/CEES)
Date: 2021
Abstract: Police officers may be required to use their firearms in self-defence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between hand grip size and strength with pistol shooting accuracy in police officers. Twelve (age = 38.08 ± 6.24 years height = 174.42 ± 7.33 cm) police officers had their hand sizes (palm width and hand span) and hand grip strength measured. Handgrip dynamometer was set at a Glock 17 pistol's grip width (50 mm). The officers fired 10 rounds from their service pistols at a stationary target. Independent s les t-tests were performed to identify differences between the sexes. Correlations were used to investigate relationships between measures of hand size, strength, and marksmanship. Alpha levels were set at p 0.05. Male officers were significantly stronger (p = 0.01) and had a bigger hand width (p = 0.03), but not hand span. There were no significant differences in marksmanship between the sexes. Neither hand size nor grip strength had a significant impact on marksmanship even though there were strong and significant relationships between hand size (span and MCP) and grip strength. A V-shaped curve appears to exist between grip strength and marksmanship and hand span and marksmanship, with a potential influencing factor being the standard sizing of the pistol grip.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-11-2020
Abstract: This study captured heart rate (HR) responses of custody assistant (CA) recruits undertaking circuit training sessions. Data from 10 male and 12 female CA recruits were analyzed. Based on YMCA step test recovery HR, recruits were ided into higher fitness (HF top 25%), lower fitness (LF bottom 25%), and moderate fitness (MF remaining recruits) groups. HR was measured during two circuit training sessions featuring calisthenics and running. HR zones were defined as: very light ( % of age-predicted maximum heart-rate [HRmax]) light (57–63% HRmax) moderate (64–76% HRmax) vigorous (77–95% HRmax) and very vigorous ( % HRmax). A one-way ANOVA, with Bonferroni post hoc, calculated between-group differences in time spent, and percentage of total time, in the HR zones. In session one, the LF group spent less time in the light training zone compared to the MF group, and more time in the very vigorous zone compared to the HF group (p = 0.027–0.047). In session two, the LF group spent more time in the moderate zone compared to both groups, and a greater percentage of time in the very vigorous zone compared to the MF group (p = 0.002–0.004). LF recruits generally worked harder during circuit training than their fitter counterparts, which supported recommendations for ability-based modifications.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 29-09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.26582/K.51.2.2
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of a physical training program and semester break periods on the chosen physical abilities and basic body composition indicators among police trainees. Body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), push-ups (PU), sit-ups (SU) and 2.4 km run (RUN) times of 420 male trainees attending the Abu Dhabi Police College were collected. The testing was conducted by the police education centre during routine testing periods (June, September, December, May) which bracketed the semesters and could be used to investigate the impacts of the physical training program and any potential detraining occurring over the semester break. A repeated measure analysis of variance was performed to identify changes in results across the time periods with a Bonferroni post-hoc adjustment to identify where differences, if any, lay. The level of significance was set at 0.05 a priori. Following the semester break period from June to September, BW, WC and RUN increased significantly (p& .01), while PU and SU decreased significantly (p& .01). WC and RUN significantly decreased from September to December and December to May (p& .01) BW significantly decreased from September to December (p& .01), but did not change from December to May (p=.267) PU and SU significantly increased from September to December (p& .01) and December to May (p=.018 and p& .01, respectively).
Publisher: Lithuanian Sports University
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.33607/BJSHS.V4I111.675
Abstract: Background. Activities like running, push-ups and sit-ups may be impacted by a higher body volume and size whether it is due to the amount of fat mass (FM) or skeletal muscle mass (SMM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physical performance among muscularly developed police employees with higher body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods. Twenty (n = 20) male police employees were ided in 3 groups by BMI but defined by significantly different skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI): muscular (n = 7, BMI 25 kg/m 2 , SMMI ≥ 13.16 kg/m 2 ), very muscular (n = 7, BMI = 25–27.5 kg/m 2 , SMMI = 13.17–14.10 kg/m 2 ), and highly muscular (n = 6, BMI 27.5 kg/m 2 , SMMI ≥ 14.10 kg/m 2 ). Body composition components (FM, SMM, percent of fat mass [PFM], percent of skeletal muscle mass [PSMM], SMMI) were assessed by multichannel bioelectrical impedance. The differences in performance of the 50-meter sprint run (RU50), 1-minute push-up (PU), 1-minute sit-up (SU), and 800-meter run (RU800) between BMI groups were statistically tested by a univariate analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results. Highly muscular participants performed fewer SU than muscular (8.14 repetitions, p = .004) and very muscular (6.42 repetitions, p = .021) participants, and run slower on RU800 test (52.57 s, p = .034 and 51.71 s, p = .038, respectively). Conclusion. Physical performance may be negatively impacted in highly muscular police employees once BMI gets above 27.5 kg/m 2 and SMMI above 14.10 kg/m 2 .
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-01-2020
Abstract: Background: Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are less physically active than typically developing children due to reduced socialisation and delayed gross-motor skills, negatively impacting social, emotional and physical well-being. This study aimed to determine whether hydrotherapy influences behaviours which impact mental health and well-being in children with ASD. Methods: A within-subjects, randomised crossover-controlled pilot trial was used over 8 weeks. Children aged 6–12 years and diagnosed with ASD (n = 8) were randomly allocated to Group 1 (n = 4) or Group 2 (n = 4). All children participated in hydrotherapy intervention from either weeks 1 to 4 or weeks 5 to 8. The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) measured behaviour changes impacting mental health and well-being, administered at weeks 0, 4 and 8. Results: No observable differences were found in CBCL subscales between Group 1 or 2 at baseline (week 0). Paired-s les t-tests revealed significant improvements post-intervention: Anxious/Depressed subdomain (p = 0.02) and the Internalising Problems Domain Summary (p = 0.026), with large effect size (d = 1.03 and d = 1.06 respectively). Thought Problems (p = 0.03) and Attention Problems (p = 0.01) both significantly improved post-intervention. The Total Problems score significantly improved post-intervention (p = 0.018) with a large effect size (d = 1.04). Conclusion: Hydrotherapy may enhance behaviours impacting mental health and well-being of children with ASD and could be considered a beneficial therapy option.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-10-2019
Abstract: Firefighters, along with other tactical personnel, are at a high risk of work-related physical injury above that of the private sector. The aim of this critical narrative review was to identify, critically appraise and synthesise key findings from recent literature investigating firefighting musculoskeletal injuries to inform injury reduction programs. The methodological approach (search terms, databases, etc.) was registered with PROSPERO and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist with scores graded according to the Kennelly grading system. Levels of evidence were ranked according to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Of the 8231 studies identified, 17 met the criteria for inclusion. The methodological quality of the studies was ‘fair’ with a level of evidence of III-2. Reported injury rates ranged from 9% to 74% with the lower extremities and back the leading aggregated bodily sites of injury. Sprains and strains were the leading nature of musculoskeletal injury, often caused by slips, trips and falls, although muscle bending, lifting and squatting or muscle stressing were also prevalent. This review may inform injury reduction strategies and given that injuries reported in firefighters are similar to those of other tactical populations, safety processes to mitigate injuries may be of benefit across the tactical spectrum.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-03-2023
Abstract: 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 s les 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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-06-2019
Abstract: Structural firefighting is a highly stressful occupation with firefighters performing intense bouts of physical activity in environmental extremes while wearing impermeable, heavy and restrictive personal protective equipment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of performing occupational tasks during an active structural fire on firefighters’ hydration status. Nine fully qualified firefighters (mean ± SD age = 39.22 ± 7.89 years) completed a 15 min ‘live’ fire scenario while performing occupational tasks. Urine Specific Gravity (USG), body weight and tympanic membrane temperature were measured pre-scenario and at 0 and 20 min post-scenario. There was a significant decrease in body weight (0 min and 20 min p 0.0005) and increase in tympanic membrane temperature (0 min and 20 min p 0.0005) following the fire scenario. There was no significant change in USG post-scenario. Short duration firefighting operations can cause significant fluid loss, as measured by change in body weight but not necessarily USG.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-09716-Z
Abstract: Law enforcement personnel have been recognized as having a high risk for several lifestyle-related health conditions which, in combination with the nature of their work (sedentary roles interspersed with intermittent high-intensity activity, shift work, and a high stress-load), can have a negative impact on their health. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary habits and factors or barriers influencing these habits within a cohort of law enforcement personnel in the United States of America. Cross-sectional data were obtained via validated paper-based surveys being the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants, Short Version. A total of 159 participants (median age = 27 [range 19–60] years 74% males) participated. Barriers to healthy eating included being busy and irregular working hours. Overall, 91% ( n = 143) placed high importance on consuming nutritious food and 80% ( n = 126) on food high in vitamins and minerals. A further 80% ( n = 127) emphasized high protein content and 41% ( n = 62) followed a high protein diet. Barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyle (60%, n = 94), and irregular working hours (41%, n = 64). Overall, 80% ( n = 127) were very willing to make changes in eating habits to be healthier. Law enforcement officers know what they should eat and report convenience and health the most important factors guiding their food choices. Knowing this, officers find challenges putting good dietary practices into practice due to factors like a busy lifestyle and irregular work hours. Reportedly “very willing” to make changes in their eating habits to be healthier, future interventions should focus on how to effect changes to their eating habits as opposed to focussing on what to eat.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12891-021-03986-3
Abstract: Tactical populations, such as military, firefighter and law enforcement populations, are known to suffer a relatively high number of musculoskeletal injuries, with the lower extremity of notable concern. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the profile of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries within a state police agency. Injury data were collected by an Australian state police force over a 7-year period (2009–2016) and records not meeting the definition for lower extremity musculoskeletal injury were excluded. Statistical analyses were descriptive, with frequencies, means and standard deviations calculated where applicable. Chi-square analysis was performed to compare injury profiles by gender. Ethics approval was granted by Bond University Human Research Ethics Committee (Research Protocol 15360). Of the initial 65,579 incident records, 12,452 (19%) related to lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries. The knee was the most commonly injured site (31.4%) with sprains/strains (42.3%) the most common nature of injury and arresting offenders (24.2%) the most common activity at time of injury. Slips/trips/falls (37.8%) was found to be the most common cause of injury. Variations were found between genders, most notably within the injury activity ( p .001). 27.1% of male officers were injured when arresting offenders compared to 16.5% for female officers. Walking/running contributed to 17.9% of female officer incidents compared to 9.3% for male officers. The mean number of hours worked prior to injury occurrence was 6.00 ± 3.56 h with significantly more injuries occurring in the middle third of the shift (4.34–8.67 h, p 0.001). While the proportion of injuries that affected the lower extremity was lower for police, the leading sites of injuries (knees and ankles) were similar to those of military and fire and rescue populations. Variations between genders suggest there may need to be differences in return-to-work rehabilitation.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-09-2018
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002452
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, Stierli, M, Cesario, KA, Moreno, MR, Bloodgood, AM, Dulla, JM, and Dawes, JJ. The physical characteristics by sex and age for custody assistants from a law enforcement agency. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2223–2232, 2019—Custody assistants (CAs) are a position within a law enforcement agency who are responsible for assisting officers with maintaining security in correctional facilities. Unlike other positions, CAs may not be required to complete physical testing before being hired. This lack of testing could influence the characteristics of CAs who attend academy training. Therefore, retrospective analysis of performance test data for 108 officers (69 men and 39 women) was conducted. The tests included: grip strength for both hands number of push-ups and sit-ups in 60 seconds 201-m (220 yard) and 2.4-km runs and maximal aerobic capacity (V o 2 max) estimated from the 2.4-km run. Data were stratified by sex and age (≤24 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years, and ≥35 years). Independent s les t tests ( p ≤ 0.05) calculated differences between men and women. To compare age groups, a 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was used ( p ≤ 0.05). Men scored significantly higher than women in hand grip, push-ups, and sit-ups, were faster over the 201-m and 2.4-km runs, and had a higher Vo 2 max ( p ≤ 0.001–0.024). There were no significant differences in performance tests across the age groups for either men or women. To better tolerate the rigors of physical training, female CAs should attempt to improve their fitness before the start of academy training because they often need to complete the same tasks as the male CAs. Age did not seem to influence the physical characteristics of CAs, although all CAs should attempt to develop the fitness qualities needed for their occupation.
Publisher: Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date: 15-11-2016
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 23-12-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004197
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, and Dawes, JJ. Slowing the path of time: Age-related and normative fitness testing data for police officers from a health and wellness program. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 747–756, 2022—This study investigated the effects of age on the fitness of police officers participating in a health and wellness program. Normative percentile rank data were also produced for each fitness test for each year, considering age and sex. Archival data from 2018 (170 men and 39 women) and 2019 (194 men and 44 women) were analyzed. Data included estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V̇ o 2max ), sit and reach, push-ups, vertical jump (VJ), grip strength, sit-ups, and bench press ratio. The officers in each year were grouped by age: 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50+ years. A univariate analysis of covariance with Bonferroni’s post hoc adjustment determined significant between-group differences. In 2018, the 40–49 and 50+ groups had a lower V̇ o 2max , lesser sit and reach, VJ, and grip strength, and completed fewer push-ups and sit-ups than the younger groups ( p ≤ 0.027). In 2019, the 40–49 and 50+ groups had a lower V̇ o 2max , lesser sit and reach, VJ, grip strength, and bench press ratio, and completed fewer push-ups than the younger groups ( p ≤ 0.034). There were no significant differences between the 20–29 and 30–39 groups. The percentile ranks demonstrated that except for sit and reach, most female officers were placed in the 0–19% ranks. Even for officers participating in a health and wellness program, those 40+ years old tended to have lesser fitness than younger officers. Older officers may have transitioned into roles requiring less physical activity, so should be encouraged to participate in health and wellness programs. The percentile ranks provide comparative data for practitioners and reinforce the need for female and older officers to complete specific fitness training.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-07-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-09-2013
DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2013.833944
Abstract: This narrative review examines injuries sustained by soldiers undertaking occupational load carriage tasks. Military soldiers are required to carry increasingly heavier occupational loads. These loads have been found to increase the physiological cost to the soldier and alter their gait mechanics. Aggregated research findings suggest that the lower limbs are the most frequent anatomical site of injury associated with load carriage. While foot blisters are common, other prevalent lower limb injuries include stress fractures, knee and foot pain, and neuropathies, like digitalgia and meralgia. Shoulder neuropathies (brachial plexus palsy) and lower back injuries are not uncommon. Soldier occupational load carriage has the potential to cause injuries that impact on force generation and force sustainment. Through understanding the nature of these injuries targeted interventions, like improved physical conditioning and support to specialised organisations, can be employed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2019
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1177/21582440221079932
Abstract: This study investigated whether intellectual potential, personality, and physical fitness at recruitment predicted study success in police students (future officers), and whether biological sex influenced these factors. The intellectual potential (high school success and Serbian language test), personality traits (Big Five), and physical abilities (standing long jump, push-ups in 10-seconds, 30-seconds sit-ups, 12-min Cooper running test, and a whole body contract-extend test) of 115 students were assessed on their day of recruitment. Academic success (time-to-graduate and grade point average) were collected at graduation. An independent s le t-test and linear regression were used to determine between-sex differences and predict academic success. Between-sex differences occurred in Serbian language test, the extraversion personality trait, standing long jump, 10-second push-ups, 30-second sit-ups, running, and grade point average. Recruitment measures significantly predicted ( p .05) grade point average in male ( R 2 = 0.344) and female ( R 2 = 0.636) students. High school success was the most significant predictor in males, while high school success, Serbian language test, and 10-seconds push-ups were significant predictors in females. Personality traits and physical abilities may differ between male and female police students, but in idually they do not significantly predict the academic success, regardless of sex. However, higher prediction power in academic success in female students may reduce the cost of training and improve workforce employment, while higher levels in physical abilities may reduce the dropout rate, improve health, and provide the potential their ability to complete physically demanding tasks.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-01-2019
Abstract: This study analyzed the effects physical fitness may have on reasons for academy separation in law enforcement recruits. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 401 recruits 330 recruits graduated (GRAD), and 71 recruits separated at various times during academy. Twenty-eight recruits separated for personal reasons (SEPPR) 18 due to physical training failures (i.e., poor fitness) or injury (SEPFI) and 25 due to academic or scenario failures (SEPAS). Fitness testing occurred prior to academy, and included: Push-ups and sit-ups in 60s a 75-yard pursuit run (75PR) vertical jump medicine ball throw and multistage fitness test (MSFT). A one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc compared between-group fitness test performance. A multiple stepwise regression calculated whether recruit characteristics or fitness could predict separation. The GRAD group was younger than the SEPAS group (p 0.01), faster in the 75PR than the SEPFI group (p = 0.02), and completed more MSFT shuttles than the SEPPR and SEPFI groups (p = 0.01). Age predicted GRAD and SEPAS group inclusion MSFT predicted GRAD, SEPPR, and SEPFI group inclusion. Recruits who had superior high-intensity running capacity (75PR) and aerobic fitness (MSFT) should have a better chance of completing academy. However, this could be influenced by training practices adopted during academy.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-10-2023
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-10-2021
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000679
Abstract: Law enforcement officers must perform physically demanding tasks as part of their job duties. Consequently, law enforcement officers must possess an adequate level of physical fitness to perform these activities safely and effectively. Ironically, most of an officer's shift time is sedentary. This, in addition to other occupational challenges, may make it difficult for officers to develop and maintain fitness across the occupational life span. This is concerning when considering that physical fitness is associated with their occupational task performance. In this column, the unique challenges law enforcement officers experience when trying to maintain health and occupational fitness are discussed.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-07-2020
Abstract: Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) and sensomotoric orthoses (SMotOs) are two—clinically relevant, yet under researched—types of lower limb orthoses used in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Quality of life is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Evaluating the effect of these two types of orthoses on quality of life in children with CP has not been reported on. The aim of this case study series was to synthesise and enrich the volume of evidence reported to inform real world applications of SMotO use in children with CP. Participants recruited were children with CP who performed the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up-and-Go, the Gross Motor Function Measure and/or the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score in AFOs, SMotOs and barefoot where able. Qualitative data included videos of gait, a questionnaire and pedographs. Eight participants completed 39 quantitative and six qualitative measures, with the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) reporting the highest response. A general improvement was seen in gross motor skills and gait when wearing the SMotOs compared to AFOs and some parents reported that SMotOs were preferred. The reader is able to correlate the quantitative results with the qualitative evidence presented.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-11-2021
DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000680
Abstract: Many essential occupational tasks performed by law enforcement officers are physically demanding. There are numerous challenges with developing and maintaining physical fitness within this population. These challenges can lead to a steady decline in health and fitness over the occupational life span and have a devastating impact on officer safety and wellness. The purpose of this column is to discuss physical training program considerations when working with law enforcement professionals and provide potential solutions to these barriers.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002469
Abstract: Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, and Orjalo, AJ. Analysis of the effects of sex and age on upper- and lower-body power for law enforcement agency recruits before academy training. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1968–1974, 2018—Power is an important characteristic for law enforcement officers. Tasks such as carrying or dragging a civilian to safety, jumping or vaulting, and suspect restraint and pursuit require power to be effective. Certain recruits may be lacking in these qualities even if they have been accepted to a law enforcement agency (LEA). This study investigated upper- and lower-body power in male and female LEA recruits, and recruits of different ages, before academy training. Retrospective analysis of recruit data from one LEA was conducted. The measurements were: vertical jump (VJ) height peak anaerobic power calculated by the Sayers equation power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM) seated medicine ball throw (MBT) distance and MBT distance relative to body mass. Independent-s le t -tests were used to compare the sexes, whereas a 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc compared the pooled data for recruits across different age groups (20–24 25–29 30–34 and 35+ years). The male recruits demonstrated superior performance across all power tests compared with the female recruits ( p 0.001). Regarding age, the 35+ year group performed less than optimally in the VJ and P:BM compared with the 20–24 and 24–29 years groups, and in the relative MBT compared with the 20–24 and 30–34 years groups ( p = 0.003–0.037). Despite being accepted to a LEA, female recruits and recruits aged 35+ years of age may be lacking in upper- and lower-body power. Female and older recruits should participate in strength and power training before academy attendance to maintain or enhance these qualities.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-12-2018
Abstract: Despite having to perform the same occupational tasks as full-time soldiers, part-time soldiers may have lower levels of physical conditioning and report higher rates of injury per unit exposure to active service. The purpose of this study was to profile the leading body site of injury occurring in part-time soldiers to inform injury prevention strategies. Injury data from the Australian Army Reserve (ARES) spanning a two-year period were obtained from the Department of Defence Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation and Reporting database pertaining to locations, nature, mechanisms, and the activity being performed at the time of injury. Among the 1434 injuries reported by ARES personnel, the knee was the most common injury site (n = 228, 16%). Soft tissue injury due to trauma or unknown causes was the most common nature of knee injury (n = 177, 78%). Combat training was the most common activity being performed when soft tissue injuries occurred at the knee (n = 73, 42%), with physical training the second most common (n = 51, 30%), due to muscular stress (n = 36, 71%) and falls (n = 8, 16%). Targeted intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to injury minimization strategies for soft tissue knee injuries during combat and physical training should be designed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-09-2021
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1973576
Abstract: To investigate the effect of a Trunk Training (TT) program on the general musculoskeletal pain (GMP) and physical performance of Military Police Officers. Twenty officers were ided into either control group (CG) or TT group (TTG). Both groups performed nine weeks of traditional physical training. However, the TTG had 25-minutes allocated to TT during each scheduled physical training period. Anthropometric, trunk endurance, and physical fitness tests were completed pre- and post-training for both groups. Both groups also answered a weekly questionnaire about their GMP. Post-training, trunk endurance performance was significantly higher (
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S40779-020-00260-W
Abstract: Attrition rate in new army recruits is higher than in incumbent troops. In the current study, we identified the risk factors for attrition due to injuries and physical fitness failure in recruit training. A variety of predictive models were attempted. This retrospective cohort included 19,769 Army soldiers of the Australian Defence Force receiving recruit training during a period from 2006 to 2011. Among them, 7692 reserve soldiers received a 28-day training course, and the remaining 12,077 full-time soldiers received an 80-day training course. Retrieved data included anthropometric measures, course-specific variables, injury, and physical fitness failure. Multivariate regression was used to develop a variety of models to predict the rate of attrition due to injuries and physical fitness failure. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the performance of the models. In the overall analysis that included both the 28-day and 80-day courses, the incidence of injury of any type was 27.8%. The 80-day course had a higher rate of injury if calculated per course (34.3% vs. 17.6% in the 28-day course), but lower number of injuries per person-year (1.56 vs. 2.29). Fitness test failure rate was significantly higher in the 28-day course (30.0% vs. 12.1%). The overall attrition rate was 5.2 and 5.0% in the 28-day and 80-day courses, respectively. Stress fracture was common in the 80-day course ( n = 44) and rare in the 28-day course ( n = 1). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the course-specific predictive models were relatively low (ranging from 0.51 to 0.69), consistent with “failed” to “poor” predictive accuracy. The course-combined models performed somewhat better than the course-specific models, with two models having AUC of 0.70 and 0.78, which are considered “fair” predictive accuracy. Attrition rate was similar between 28-day and 80-day courses. In comparison to the 80-day full course, the 28-day course had a lower rate of injury but a higher number of injuries per person-year and of fitness test failure. These findings suggest fitness level at the commencement of training is a critically important factor to consider when designing the course curriculum, particularly short courses.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 09-11-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 26-03-2021
Abstract: 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. 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. 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. 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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-2021
Abstract: Providing physical activity opportunities to children throughout the school day may be beneficial for children’s health and learning. Existing practices regarding the frequency, type and context of physical activity opportunities being provided to children in the early years of primary school remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to observe Year 1 children’s physical activity and its contexts during school class time and identify opportunities to incorporate additional activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 Year 1 children (20 boys, 14 girls mean age = 6.36 ± 0.34 years) from one primary school in Queensland, Australia. A modified version of the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children—Elementary School was used to assess children’s physical activity and its contexts during class time. Observational data were collected over a four-week period. The frequencies (and percentages) of intervals of children’s activity observed in sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous intensities during different instructional and social contexts and physical settings were recorded and calculated. Pearson’s chi-square test of association was conducted to evaluate whether social context (group composition) was related to incidental physical activity. A total of 5305 observation intervals (i.e., 5 s observation interval followed by a 25 s recording interval) were available for analysis (~44 h of observation). Year 1 children were sedentary for the majority (86%) of observed intervals during school class time. Children spent limited time performing light (12% of intervals) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (2% of intervals). Organised physical activity observed during class time included physical education/school sport (5.9% of intervals) and classroom-based physical activity (2.8% of intervals). When children completed activities in small groups, they were significantly more likely to engage in incidental physical activity than when they completed activities as a whole class (χ2 = 94.73 p 0.001). Incorporating movement into academic lessons or during transitions between lessons and classrooms may encourage children to be more active. Incidental physical activity may also be promoted through small group activities. Schools should ideally be encouraged and supported to employ a whole-of-school approach to physical activity promotion, which includes identifying and implementing opportunities for children to be active during class time.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
No related grants have been discovered for Robin Orr.