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Background: Police institutions often use Occupational Physical Ability Tests (OPATs) as a measure of occupational performance. These tests are utilized to mimic the daily and essential tasks performed by the police officers, but few are performed with load carriage (LC). The purpose of this study was to examine the physical performance predictors of an OPAT performed without (NPPE) and with (WPPE) LC., Methods: Thirteen federal highway police officers (age: 36.8±3.7 years, body mass: 89±10.7 kg, height: 180±5.6 cm) volunteered to complete a battery of physical fitness tests (aerobic power and capacity, muscular endurance, lower limb power, upper limb strength, agility and anaerobic power) and anthropometrics. Occupational performance was measured by the total OPAT time consisting of 7 sequential police tasks. All subjects randomly completed the tests on both LC conditions., Results: Agility (P<0.01), lower limb power and height (P<0.05) were significantly related to performance in the NPPE OPAT. In the WPPE condition, aerobic power (absolute and relative) (P<0.01), lower limb power and agility (P<0.05). The best predictors for OPAT performance were agility (R2=0.45, P<0.01) in the NPPE condition, as well as relative aerobic power, upper limb strength and agility in the WPPE condition (R2=0.81, P<0.01)., Conclusions: Different conditions of LC have distinct occupational performance predictors. Thus, considering LC, physical exercise programs aimed at improving police occupational performance should aim at improving agility, upper limb strength and aerobic fitness.

Ortiz Jr, RO, Sinclair Elder, AJ, Elder, CL, and Dawes, JJ. A systematic review on the effectiveness of active recovery interventions on athletic performance of professional-, collegiate-, and competitive-level adult athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2275-2287, 2019-Active recovery (AR) is a popular approach to enhancing athlete recovery from participation through physical action, and it has a perceived benefit in the recovery of athletes' enhancement of postexertional physiological status; however, it is unclear whether these recovery techniques enhance athletic performance. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of AR interventions conducted postexertion on athletic performance among professional, collegiate, and competitive adult athletes. Articles were collected via 4 online databases restricted to publication in English between 1998 and 2014. After the evaluation of overlap among the databases and abstract review, 150 potential eligible studies remained. Twenty-six articles involving 471 subjects remained after full analysis. The primary exclusion factor was absence of AR types of interest or measures of performance. The review resulted in a wide variety of findings indicating the vagueness in AR approach and outcome measures, making it difficult to draw specific conclusions. The review demonstrated that AR interventions lasting 6-10 minutes revealed consistently positive effects on performance. The appropriate intensity level of AR sessions was inconclusive in the literature; however, blood lactate clearance rate as a recovery marker appeared unreliable. The review suggests that there are positive psychological outcomes from AR sessions, a need to determine if AR should be individualized in its application, and weak evidence regarding the efficacy of postexercise AR, particularly relating to performance. Future research is needed for reliable and accurate markers for fatigue, physiological recovery, performance, and markers of intensity and duration for AR interventions.

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 (VO2max) 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 samples 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 Vo2max (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.

The purpose of this review was to critically appraise articles that have investigated the association between lower-body strength and power during load carriage in tactical personnel. Literature databases were searched with specific search terms, yielding 921 articles. Additional studies found from article reference lists were also assessed for eligibility. Out of these articles, 16 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were critically appraised. Articles were assessed by the Downs and Black evaluation tool with inter-rater agreement determined by Cohen's kappa and final results graded according to the Kennelly quality grading system. Of the 940 identified articles, 16 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The average score of the eligible articles was 58%, considered to be of fair quality by the Kennelly grading system. The strength and volume of evidence reviewed suggests that: measures of lower-body strength and power can predict load carriage performance and appear to be important physical factors for load carriage ability, and that load carriage tasks negatively impact the performance of leg strength and power. Together these findings suggest that leg strength and power should be important considerations for tactical personnel training and assessment, as well as managing the impact of load carriage on tactical performance.

Volleyball is a sport comprised of multiple explosive efforts and multidirectional change of direction speed (CODS) actions. Since strength underpins both of these abilities, it is important to explore the relationship between these variables in order to develop strength and conditioning programs to optimize performance. The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship exists between absolute and relative strength and measures of power and CODS in collegiate volleyball players. Archived testing data from ten (n = 10, age: 19.1 ± 1.2 yrs, Ht: 173.1 ± 6.64 cm, Wt: 67 ± 7.04 kg) female DII collegiate volleyball players were analyzed. These data included: block vertical jump (Block VJ), approach vertical jump (Approach VJ), a repeat jump test (i.e., four consecutive VJs), modified T-test, 5-0-5 agility test, a single leg triple hop test, and a 1-3RM deadlift. Significant large correlations were observed between relative strength and the repeat jump test, modified T-test, and 5-0-5 agility test. Significant correlations were also observed between absolute strength and the modified T-test. These results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals should emphasize the development of both absolute and relative lower-body strength to improve measures of power and agility in collegiate volleyball players.

This study determined the influence of years spent working in custody on fitness measured by a state-specific testing battery (Work Sample Test Battery; WSTB) in deputy sheriffs. Retrospective analysis was conducted on one patrol school class (51 males, 13 females) divided into three groups depending on time spent working in custody: DS24 (<24 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.

This study investigated relationships between shorter (505, change-of-direction (COD) deficit as a derived physical quality) and longer (Illinois agility test; IAT) COD tests with linear speed, lower-body power (multidirectional jumping), and strength in recreationally-trained individuals. Twenty-one males and 22 females (similar to collegiate club-sport and tactical athletes) were assessed in: 505 and COD deficit from each leg; IAT; 20 m sprint; vertical jump (VJ height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio); standing broad jump; lateral jump (LJ) from each leg; and absolute and relative isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) strength. Partial correlations calculated sex-determined relationships between the COD and performance tests, with regression equations calculated ( p < 0.05). The 505 and IAT correlated with all tests except PAPw and absolute IMTP ( r = ±0.43⁻0.71). COD deficit correlated with the LJ ( r = -0.34⁻0.60). Left- and right-leg 505 was predicted by sex, 20 m sprint, and left-leg LJ (70⁻77% explained variance). Right-leg COD deficit was predicted by sex and left-leg LJ (27% explained variance). IAT was predicted by sex, 20 m sprint, right-leg LJ, and relative IMTP (84% explained variance). For individuals with limited training time, improving linear speed, and relative lower-body power and strength, could enhance shorter and longer COD performance.

Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Kornhauser, CL, and Holmes, RJ. Cross-sectional and retrospective cohort analysis of the effects of age on flexibility, strength endurance, lower-body power, and aerobic fitness in law enforcement officers. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 451-458, 2019-There can be a great age range in cohorts of law enforcement officers. As the tasks required of officers generally do not change with advancing age, it is important to understand how physical performance in tests that assess job-specific characteristics may be altered. Retrospective analysis of performance test data of 383 officers (362 men and 21 women) was conducted. The tests included the following: sit-and-reach to determine hamstring and lower back flexibility; maximal push-up and sit-up repetitions in 60 seconds to measure muscle endurance; vertical jump (VJ) to assess lower-body power; and 2.4-km run to ascertain aerobic capacity. Data were stratified by age into 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 year groups, and analyzed by sex. A 1-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to calculate the differences between the groups. Considering the male subjects, the 40-49 and 50-59 year groups performed poorer in the VJ, sit-up test, and 2.4-km run compared with the 20-29 year group (p ≤ 0.001-0.045). For the female subjects, the 20-29 year group was superior to the 30-39 (p = 0.013) and 40-49 (p = 0.025) year groups in the push-up test. To ensure that an older officer can successfully complete occupation-specific tasks, lower-body power, abdominal strength, and aerobic training should be completed. Female officers should also attempt to maintain relative upper-body strength. Practitioners must attempt to design training programs that fit within the context of the occupational demands, and potentially using a nontraditional training design as law enforcement officers may not have the time to follow a traditional periodization model.

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.

Background: The general physical task demands of law enforcement may suggest that police Officers are of similar fitness levels across cities, states and countries., Objective: To investigate whether fitness levels of police Officers from two different United States (U.S.) Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) are similar., Methods: Retrospective data were analysed from two LEAs (LEA1 n = 79 and LEA2 n = 319). The data for Officers included: age, mass, 1-minute push-up repetitions, 1-minute sit-up repetitions, vertical jump height, 2.4 km run time (LEA 1) and 20-meter Multi-Stage Fitness Test results (LEA 2). Independent samples t-tests were used to compare anthropometric and fitness data between LEA with significance set at 0.05., Results: Officers from LEA1 weighed significantly less and performed significantly better than Officers from LEA2 on all fitness measures. When comparing male Officers alone, there was no statistical difference in age and mass; nonetheless, Officers from LEA1 significantly outperformed Officers from LEA2 on all fitness measures., Conclusion: While similarities / differences in job tasks performed between these two LEA are not known, the results from this study suggest differences in fitness between these two different U.S. LEA. Fitness standards and training protocols need to be developed and contextualized to each LEA's specific population and needs.

This study determined relationships between an agency-specific fitness test battery (PT500), and a work sample 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 ( r ² 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.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between absolute and relative lower-body strength on predictors of athletic performance among Division II collegiate women's soccer players. Archived pre-season testing data for seventeen ( n = 17) female National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II soccer players were analyzed, including: vertical jump, 3RM back squat, 505-agility, modified T-test, 10 m and 30 m sprint, and 20 m multistage fitness test (20 m MSFT). Relative strength was calculated based on the estimated 1RM back squat divided by the athlete's body mass. Significant correlations were discovered between absolute lower-body strength and 505-agility (Right: r = -0.51, p < 0.05; Left: r = -0.59, p < 0.05), modified T-test ( r = -0.55, p < 0.05), 10 m and 30 m ( r = -0.59, p < 0.05; r = -0.54, p < 0.05), and sprint performance. Relative lower-body strength showed significant correlations with vertical jump ( r = 0.54, p < 0.05), 505-agility (Right: r = -0.58, p < 0.05; Left: r = -0.67, p < 0.01), modified T-test ( r = -0.75, p < 0.01), 10 m and 30 m ( r = -0.59 p < 0.05; r = -0.67, p < 0.01), and the 20 m MSFT ( r = 0.58, p < 0.05). These results indicate that strength and conditioning coaches should emphasize the development of absolute and relative lower-body strength with their players to improve power, agility, and speed performance.

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.

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-sample 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.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the physiological and perceptual demands associated with defensive tactics (DEFTAC) training among state patrol officers of different BMI (body mass index) categories. Twenty-four male state patrol officers (n = 24, age 36.00 + 7.86 yrs) voluntarily agreed to participate in data collection during a DEFTAC gauntlet. Anthropometric information (height (HT) 182.19 + 7.43 cm and weight (WT) 96.31 + 17.45 kg), body mass index (BMI), peak and average heart rates, duty weight, BLa, and RPE, were recorded. Officers were then divided into two-groups (Healthy BMI (BMI ≤ 25), n = 12, Overweight (BMI ≥ 25), n = 12). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted to determine the effect of BMI on the outcome variables. Furthermore, a Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was also conducted to determine if significant relationships between RPE, BLa, and HR existed between groups. Significant mean score differences between healthy and overweight officers were found in measures of age [t(22) 4.12, p< 0.01, R 2 = .44], and weight of duty gear [t(21) 3.96, p<0.01, R 2 = .33]. When used as a covariate, age also predicted average HR% [ F (1, 21) = 6.19, p < .05, partial η 2 = .24]. Significant relationships were found in the healthy group between RPE and DEFTAC time, DEFTAC time and score, as well as score and post BLa. Significant relationships for the overweight group between peak (HR) percentage and post BLa, peak (HR) percentage and RPE, DEFTAC time and duty weight, and between weight and DEFTAC time. The results of this study suggest that overweight officers may have lower DEFTAC scores when compared to their healthy counterparts. Based on the results, it seems reasonable to compare physiological variables from this population to those from combative sports as well as for officers to achieve and maintain a healthy BMI value in order to improve individual DEFTAC performance.

This study investigated relationships that linear speed and lower-body power have on change-of-direction (COD) speed in collegiate women soccer players. Data from two Division I ( n = 39) and one Division II ( n = 18) schools were analyzed. Subjects were assessed in: power (vertical jump (VJ); jump height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM); linear speed (10-m sprint); and COD speed (modified T-test (MTT), 505, COD deficit). Independent samples T-tests derived significant between-group differences, with effect sizes ( d ) calculated. Pearson&rsquo;s correlations determined relationships between COD speed, linear speed, and power, with regression equations calculated. Division I players demonstrated superior 505, COD deficit, VJ height, PAPw, and P:BM ( d = 1.09⁻2.21). Division II players were faster in the MTT ( d = 1.51). For all players, the 505 correlated with the 10-m sprint ( r = 0.39⁻0.53) and VJ height ( r = &minus;0.65⁻0.66), while the COD deficit related to the 10-m sprint ( r = &minus;0.77⁻0.82). The regression data supported these results. Division I players were superior in the 505 and COD deficit, and expressed their power in the 180&deg; 505 task. Division II players should enhance lower-body power and the ability to perform 180&deg; direction changes.

The current literature suggests that load carriage can impact on a tactical officer's mobility, and that survival in the field may rely on the officer's mobility. The ability for humans to generate power and agility is critical for performance of the high-intensity movements required in the field of duty. The aims of this review were to critically examine the literature investigating the impacts of load carriage on measures of power and agility and to synthesize the findings. The authors completed a search of the literature using key search terms in four databases. After relevant studies were located using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the studies were critically appraised using the Downs and Black Checklist and relevant data were extracted and tabled. Fourteen studies were deemed relevant for this review, ranging in percentage quality scores from 42.85% to 71.43%. Outcome measures used in these studies to indicate levels of power and agility included short-distance sprints, vertical jumps, and agility runs, among others. Performance of both power and agility was shown to decrease when tactical load was added to the participants. This suggests that the increase in weight carried by tactical officers may put this population at risk of injury or fatality in the line of duty., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Army Special Operation Forces (ARSOF) Operators who participate in the Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning program perform significantly better on a simulated stress shoot scenario than ARSOF Operators who do not participate in the program., Methods: Deidentified archival data from 64 male ARSOF Operators (mean ± standard deviation: age, 31.1 ± 4.96 years; SOF experience, 3.44 ± 4.10 years) who participated in the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat stress shoot were assessed to determine if differences in performance existed between program users (n = 25) and nonusers (n = 39). A series of bootstrapped analyses of variance in conjunction with effect-size calculations was conducted to determine if significant mean score differences existed between users and nonusers on raw and total course completion times, high-value target acquisition (positive identification time), and penalties accrued., Results: Small to medium effect sizes were observed between users and nonusers in raw time, penalties, and total time. Although there were no significant differences between users and nonusers, there was less variation in raw time and total time in users compared with nonusers., Conclusion: Our findings becomes a question of practical versus statistical significance, because less performance variability while under physical and psychological duress could be life saving for ARSOF Operators., (2018.)

Law enforcement agencies frequently use physical ability tests (PATs) as a method of evaluating occupational performance. These tests are designed to replicate essential occupational tasks frequently performed by officers in the field. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships exist between the selected physical fitness tests and PAT performance and to determine which of these tests best differentiates between high and low PAT performers. Full-time highway patrol officers (n = 495) submitted self-reported anthropometric data (mean age = 39.6 + 7.7 years) along with fitness assessments taken from their organization's yearly fitness tests. All subjects completed a series of field-based fitness tests, as well as an occupationally specific PAT. Results of the study indicated that the selected tests accounted for almost 69% of the total variance on PAT performance. Overall, the 20-m meter multistage fitness test, 1-minute sit-up performance, and vertical jump height best predicted PAT performance. Furthermore, it was revealed that high performers were significantly more fit in all measures of dynamic fitness when compared with lower performers. No significant differences were discovered in static strength between groups. Strength and conditioning specialists should focus on developing aerobic capacity, trunk muscular endurance, and whole-body anaerobic power to improve PAT and occupational performance.

Background: Law enforcement officers perform physically demanding tasks that generally remain constant as they age. However, there is limited population-specific research on age, gender and normative fitness values for law enforcement officers as opposed to those of the general population. The purpose of this study was to profile the current level of fitness for highway patrol officers based on age and gender and provide percentile ranking charts unique to this population., Methods: Retrospective data for six-hundred and thirty-one state troopers (♂ = 597; mean age = 39.52 ± 8.09 yrs; mean height = 180.72 ± 7.06 cm; mean weight = 93.66 ± 15.72 kg: ♀ = 34; mean age = 36.20 ± 8.45 years; mean height = 169.62 ± 6.65 cm; mean weight = 74.02 ± 14.91 kg) collected in 2014-2015 were provided for analysis. Data included demographic (age), anthropometric (height and weight), and select fitness (VJ, push-ups, sit ups, isometric leg/back strength, isometric grip strength and 20 m shuttle run test) information., Results: There were generally significant differences between genders for all anthropometric and fitness measures, most consistently in the 30-39 age groups. While there was a general decline in push-up and shuttle run performance in female officers, these results did not reach significance. For male officers, there were significant differences between the 20-29 year-old age group and the 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59 year-old groups with the younger group performing better in VJ, push-ups, sit ups and number of shuttle runs than the older groups. There were no differences in isometric grip strength and leg back dynamometer measures between age groups., Conclusion: Male officers tended to be heavier, taller and perform significantly better than female officers in all measures bar sit-ups. While there appeared to be a general decline in certain physical characteristics across genders with increasing age the notable differences were between the youngest male age group (20-29 years) and all other male age groups with a potential reason being the lack of fitness requirements once typically younger cadets leave the academy. Percentile rankings for the assessed measures were found to have elements very specific to this population when compared to the general population and those provided in this paper can be used to inform future profiling and research in this population.

Davis, MR, Easter, RL, Carlock, JM, Weiss, LW, Longo, EA, Smith, LM, Dawes, JJ, and Schilling, BK. Self-reported physical tasks and exercise training in Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3242-3248, 2016-Little research has been done examining the most physically demanding tasks a SWAT officer may perform in the line of duty. Our objective was to analyze the rankings of tasks by SWAT officers based on frequency, difficulty, and importance and assess if training is addressing traits needed for successful task completion. A survey was designed using Qualtrics (Qualtrics Labs Inc). The survey had a demographics section, performance section, and training section. Officers were contacted by phone or e-mail and asked about interest in participating. Officers who agreed were sent the survey. Our results found a strong correlation between frequency of task and importance (r = 0.69, p = 0.001), and a moderate correlation was found between task difficulty and importance (r = 0.37, p = 0.005). Task rankings were averaged across the 3 domains to assess "overall" importance, and the top 3 tasks were assessed for necessary traits for successful performance. Power and strength were determined to be the most important traits for successful performance. Officers ranked the top 2 focuses of their training program in the training section as stamina/muscular endurance and cardiovascular/respiratory endurance. Training programs for SWAT officers should be developed to improve performance of the tasks with the highest "overall" importance. Therefore, a training program should emphasize strength and power improvements while not neglecting other measures of fitness.

The use of pre-workout beverages is becoming an increasingly common method of improving performance during exercise in athletic and recreationally active populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a commercially available energy drink on exercise performance. Thirty-one healthy males (n=23) and females (n=8) participated in this study and were separated into two groups: supplement (SU; n=16) or placebo (PL; n=15). Subjects visited the laboratory on 2 occasions separated by no more than 7 days. The first visit consisted of completing a push up to fatigue protocol (PUFP) without ingesting the pre-workout energy drink supplement (PWEDS). The second visit consisted of ingesting either a placebo or the PWEDS 30 minutes prior to completing the PUFP. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded following each set of pushups on both testing days. Also, participant's height, weight, and body composition were collected. There was no significant differences at baseline in any variable between groups (p = >.05). After the second testing session, both groups significantly improved total push-ups (PL Pre: 133.3 ±39.4, PL Post: 155.3 ± 54.1; SU Pre: 139.3 ± 58.5, SU Post: 161.3 ± 79.4; p=<.001), and push-ups completed in each of the 3 sets (p=<.001), when compared to baseline. Post-testing revealed no significant difference between groups in total push-ups completed or RPE at any time point, when compared to baseline. In conclusion, the commercially available PWEDS offered no additional ergogenic effects when compared to the placebo.

Background: Police officers are often required to undertake physically demanding tasks, like lifting, dragging and pursuing a suspect. Therefore, physical performance is a key requirement., Methods: Retrospective data for 76 male police officers (mean age = 39.42 ± 8.41 years; mean weight = 84.21 ± 12.91 kg) was obtained. Data included anthropometric (skinfolds, estimated percentage body fat, lean body mass and fat mass) and physical performance (1 Repetition Maximum Bench Press, 1-min sit-ups, 1-min push-ups, vertical jump, 300 m run, 1.5 mile run) measures and correlations between anthropometric measurement and fitness score were obtained., Results: Estimated percentage body fat was significantly (p ≤ .001) and negatively correlated with all performance measures, except sit-ups and 300 m and 1.5 mile run performance. Estimated lean body mass was significantly and positively (p ≤ .001) correlated with push-ups, bench press and vertical jump measures, while increasing estimated fat mass was significantly (p ≤ .001) associated with reduced performance on sit-up, vertical jump, 1.5 mile run and estimated maximal voluntary oxygen uptake., Conclusions: A targeted approach, going beyond just decreasing percentage body fat to also selectively increasing lean mass, should be applied for optimal improvement in physical fitness performance.

The purpose of this study is to provide descriptive and comparative information regarding the cardiorespiratory fitness of professional baseball pitchers. Twenty-four ( n = 24) major league (ML) baseball pitchers (starters n = 14; relievers n = 10) over seven seasons (2007⁻2013) were evaluated. A modified Bruce protocol and the CardioCoach™ CO₂ metabolic analyzer were used to estimate VO 2 max and anaerobic threshold (AT) at the beginning of each season. Performance data from each season was utilized to draw inference about pitching performance. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare Starting (S) and Relief (R) pitchers above/below the group mean for VO 2 max and AT. Pearson product moment correlations were also used to examine relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness and performance. Significant differences in performance were discovered between S pitchers above/below the overall group mean for VO 2 max . ( p ≤ 0.05) and for AT in Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP) ( p ≤ 0.05) and Earned Run Average (ERA) ( p ≤ 0.05). Significant relationships between VO 2 max and Walks per 9 Innings (BB/9) ( p ≤ 0.05), Home Runs per 9 innings (HR/9) ( p ≤ 0.05), Wins (W) ( p ≤ 0.05), Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) ( p ≤ 0.01), Strikeouts (K) ( p ≤ 0.01), Hits per 9 innings (H/9) ( p ≤ 0.01), Strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9) ( p ≤ 0.01), ERA ( p ≤ 0.01), and WHIP ( p ≤ 0.01). Low, but significant, correlations were discovered between AT and WHIP ( p ≤ 0.05) and ERA (≤0.05)., Conclusion: Higher aerobic capacity appears to be more influential for S than R pitchers. Strength and conditioning practitioners should ensure that pitchers, especially S pitchers at the ML level, perform sufficient and appropriate endurance training to support pitching performance.

In collegiate level soccer acceleration, maximal velocity and agility are essential for successful performance. Power production is believed to provide a foundation for these speed qualities. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of change of direction speed, acceleration, and maximal velocity to both the counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) in collegiate soccer players. Thirty-six NCAA Division II soccer players (20 males and 16 females) were tested for speed over 10 and 30 m, CODS (T-test, pro agility) and power (CMJ, SJ). Independent t-tests ( p ≤ 0.05) were used to derive gender differences, and Pearson's correlations ( p ≤ 0.05) calculated relationships between the different power and speed tests. Female subjects displayed moderate-to-strong correlations between 30 m, pro agility and T-test with the CMJ ( r = -0.502 to -0.751), and SJ ( r = -0.502 to -0.681). Moderate correlations between 10 and 30 m with CMJ ( r = -0.476 and -0.570) and SJ ( r = -0.443 and -0.553, respectively) were observed for males. Moderate to strong relationships exist between speed and power attributes in both male and female collegiate soccer players, especially between CMJ and maximal velocity. Improving stretch shortening cycle (SSC) utilization may contribute to enhanced sport-specific speed.

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of measurements of VO 2 as obtained by the Zephyr Bioharness (ZB) and the Cosmed Quark CPET Metabolic cart (CM). Both ZB and CM have been proven reliable by previous research. The ZB is portable and offers many practical advantages over CM, which requires greater expertise and expense, and tests must be completed in a laboratory setting. Aerobic capacity was assessed in a sample of college students (n=33). Subjects performed a maximal test using a treadmill protocol. Mean Ventilation (VE), mean heart rates (HR), respiratory exchange ratios (RER), and aerobic capacity (VO 2 ) were similar using both the ZB and the CM, with no significant differences observed. Because data varied very little, both methods are comparable, which indicates ZB is a practical solution for monitoring physiological variables outside of a laboratory setting.

Soccer research in exercise science has focused on men's soccer, while women's soccer has been underrepresented in training studies, as well as in studies focusing on physiological variables. The purpose of this study was to examine anthropometric data and selected physiological and biomechanical variables of importance as they correlates to performance variables such as ball velocity and distance, specifically in female collegiate soccer players. Twenty-two NCAA Division I female soccer athletes participated in the study. Body composition, muscular strength, explosive power, aerobic power, acceleration, speed, and agility were tested in each athlete. Knee torque (KT) and hip torque (HT) were also measured on both legs. Kicking accuracy and velocity were examined. A correlation was found between KT and KV (r=0.93), as well as vertical jump and KV (r=0.91). Aerobic power (r=0.93), agility (r=0.88), and vertical jump (r=0.84) were highly correlated to BF%. These data suggest that significant relationships do exist between peak knee and hip torque, agility, lean body mass, strength, and explosive power with soccer-specific variables such as kick velocity (KV). Contributing to the body of data on female soccer athletes and variables important in performance is essential as the population engaged in the sport continues to increase.

Measurement of aerobic capacity is an important task that must be done accurately in order for data to be worthwhile. Measurement is traditionally obtained through the use of a nose-clip, mouthpiece, and headgear apparatus. This method of collecting gas has proven to be difficult due to the high incidence of losing the nose clip during exercise, the awkwardness and discomfort of the apparatus, and the loss of oral communication. This study compares this method with using a gas collection mask for physiological measurement. Masks have been avoided due to leakage that causes errors in data. Maximal and submaximal values for Ve, VO 2 , HR, and RER were compared for both methods of collection. Results show that the mask produced values equal to those of the mouthpiece, nose clip, and headgear. Significantly more discomfort, as well as influence on running economy, was reported with the headgear. The data show that leakage is not a significant problem. Based on preliminary studies and data from this study, using the mask is recommended. Data suggests that further studies look at facial shape, as well as masks of different size and material, with regards to eliminating any data errors occurring in the mask.