RESUMEN

This study investigated traditional training (TT) versus ability-based training (ABT) in custody assistant recruits. Retrospective analysis was conducted on two recruit classes who completed an 8-week academy. The TT group (18 males, 13 females) followed a physical training model where recruits completed the same exercises with the same intensity; the ABT group (17 males, 12 females) had exercises tailored towards their ability. Pre- and post-academy, recruits were assessed in: body mass; body fat percentage (BF%); resting heart rate (RHR); blood pressure (BP); waist circumference (WC); waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); grip strength; push-ups; sit-ups; YMCA step test recovery HR; 201-m run; and 2.4-km run. Independent samples t-tests evaluated between-class pre-test differences, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Paired samples t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) detected within-group training changes. Change scores were calculated for each variable; independent samples t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) compared change scores between groups. The TT group had lower BF%, BP, and WC; and were superior in sit-ups and the 2.4-km run before training. After academy, the TT recruits improved WHR, grip strength, recovery HR, 201-m run, and 2.4-km run, but increased diastolic BP. The ABT recruits decreased BF%, RHR, and WC, and improved push-ups, sit-ups, recovery HR, 201-m run, and the 2.4-km run. ABT recruits had greater positive changes in BF%, RHR, diastolic BP, and sit-ups. TT and ABT recruits generally experienced favorable fitness changes; the degree of positive change tended to be greater for ABT recruits for select tests. Coupled with the diastolic BP increase for TT recruits, this may provide evidence for ABT.

RESUMEN

Civilian jailer (CJ) recruits may not complete fitness testing within their hiring process. As certain job tasks in custody/jail facilities can be physically demanding (e.g., inmate restraint), better health and fitness should help a recruit graduate from a CJ academy and be prepared for the occupation. This study investigated the health and fitness characteristics of CJ recruits entering academy training, detailed between-sex differences, and categorized recruits relative to population norms. Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 89 CJ recruits (48 males, 41 females) across three academy classes from one law enforcement agency. The following were measured before academy: resting heart rate (RHR); blood pressure (BP); height, body mass, and body mass index (BMI); waist circumference; sit-and-reach; grip strength; 60-s pushups; and YMCA step test recovery heart rate (HR). Independent samples t-tests derived any between-sex differences. Recruit data were compared to categorical population norms. The results indicated that male recruits were taller, heavier, had greater grip strength, and completed more push-ups than female recruits (p < 0.001). Approximately 53% of recruits were overweight or obese according to BMI, ~63% had an RHR below average-to-very poor, and ~75% had elevated BP or hypertension. Most recruits had good-to-excellent flexibility (sit-and-reach; ~66%) and muscular endurance (push-ups; ~85%). However, ~70% of recruits had fair-to-poor grip strength, and ~79% had poor-to-very poor aerobic fitness measured by step test recovery HR. Aerobic conditioning and strength training should be a focus of CJ recruits during academy. Furthermore, better aerobic fitness should benefit job performance and lessen cardiovascular disease risk.

RESUMEN

An essential job task for law enforcement officers is a body drag, where they must drag a person from a hazardous environment. In California, a 9.75-m body drag with a 74.84-kg dummy must be completed within 28 s to graduate academy. This mass is less than the average US adult, which may suggest it should be increased. This has not happened due to concerns regarding a potential increase in recruit injuries and failure rates. However, if recruits can complete the drag without formal training, this could leave scope for increasing the mass. This study analyzed the body drag in incoming recruits, compared their results to graduated recruits, and detailed how many achieved current standards without training. A retrospective analysis of two incoming (n = 191) and nine graduated (n = 643) recruit classes from one agency was conducted. Incoming recruits completed the drag in the week prior to their 22-week academy; the graduated recruits in their final weeks. The drag required the recruit to lift the dummy and drag them 9.75 m. Independent samples t-tests compared the groups, and recruits were compared to the 28-s standard. Graduated recruits performed the drag faster than incoming recruits (~5.11 vs. ~7.28 s; p < 0.01). All but one incoming recruit completed the drag within 28 s. Incoming recruits had sufficient strength and technical ability to drag a 74.84-kg dummy fast enough to achieve state standards before training. Further analysis should determine whether the current California body drag is appropriate for policing job demands.

RESUMEN

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, divided 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.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Fitness could influence task performance in police officers. Limited research details relationships between different fitness characteristics and police-specific tasks. OBJECTIVE: Determine relationships between anaerobic and aerobic capacity with police-specific task performance. METHODS: Data for 308 recruits was analysed. Fitness tests included: push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers (muscular endurance); pull-ups (strength); vertical jump (VJ) and 2 kg medicine ball throw (MBT; power); 75-yard pursuit run (75PR; change-of-direction speed); 201 m run (anaerobic capacity); 2.4 km run and multistage fitness test (aerobic capacity). Police tasks included: 99-yard obstacle course (99OC); 74.84 kg body drag (BD); chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climbs; and 500-yard run (500R). Partial correlations controlling for sex and linear regression calculated relationships between fitness and job tasks. RESULTS: 99OC correlated with all assessments; BD only with 75PR. CLF related to the power and aerobic capacity tests, pull-ups, and 201 m run. SW related to VJ, 75PR, pull-ups, sit-ups, 201 m run, and aerobic capacity. 500R related to all except the MBT and 2.4 km run. 75PR and VJ predicted 4/5 tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Police research has shown the importance of muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Specific to this studies' correlations, the value of power and change-of-direction speed development for task performance was indicated.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study measured the heart rate (HR) responses to a formation run (group run completed along a set route) performed by higher fitness (HF), moderate fitness (MF), or lower fitness (LF) custody assistant (CA) recruits. Retrospective data from 26 recruits (12 males, 14 females) were analyzed. Prior to academy training, a YMCA step test was administered. Recruits were divided into three groups based on recovery HR: top 25% were HF; bottom 25% were LF; the rest were MF. Recruit HR was measured during a formation run completed at an ~11-minute mile · pace-1. HR zones were defined as: very light (< 57% of age-predicted maximum heart rate [HRmax]); light (57%-63% HRmax); moderate (64%-76% HRmax); vigorous (77%-95% HRmax); and very vigorous (> 95% 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 during the run; effect sizes (d) were also calculated. HF recruits spent a significantly longer time and percentage of total time in the very light HR zone compared to the LF group (p ≤ 0.039; d = 1.20-1.35). There were no other significant between-group differences (p = 0.070-0.980). HF CA recruits spent more time in the very light training zone compared to the other groups (d = 0.92-1.35), which may not be optimal for aerobic adaptations. LF recruits spent more time in the vigorous-to-very vigorous HR zones (~45 minutes; 70% of the run). These recruits may potentially be working above their current capacity. Formation runs may not be the most efficient aerobic conditioning method for all CA recruits.

RESUMEN

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 divided 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 (<57% of age-predicted maximum heart-rate [HRmax]); light (57-63% HRmax); moderate (64-76% HRmax); vigorous (77-95% HRmax); and very vigorous (>95% 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.

Asunto(s)