The effects of body armour on mobility and postural control of police officers

The comfort and functional performance of personal protective equipment for police officers: a systematic scoping review

This scoping review aimed to identify and summarise evidence on the comfort and functional performance of police officer personal protective equipment (PPE). The Arksey and O'Malley (2005) five-stage framework for scoping reviews was followed. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched, and 35 articles were included in the review. The findings show that increased police PPE mass increases heart rate, metabolic energy expenditure, and perceived exertion in response to exercise. Unisex armour designs cause increased discomfort for females with larger bra sizes. PPE reduces joint-specific range of motion, with the design and location impairing movement more than mass. Jumping and sprinting performance is decreased with heavy PPE but unaffected by lighter protection, while agility is compromised with most forms of protection. Future research is needed on the fit and function of PPE for specialist police units, such as mounted police, along with further investigations on how fit can affect functional performance.

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

ABSTRACT

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

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

ABSTRACT

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

Balance Training and Shooting Performance: The Role of Load and the Unstable Surface

Military and law enforcement members' shooting ability is influenced by their postural balance, which affects their performance and survivability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a proprioception training program (standing or walking on unstable surfaces) on postural balance and shooting performance. Twenty participants, divided into two groups, completed 60 shots in a shooting simulator while standing, before and after a 4-week proprioception training program. One group (n = 10) followed the training program (EXP), while the other group followed the regular military academy program (CON). The shooting was conducted under four conditions: without load on a stable surface, with load on a stable surface, without load on an unstable surface, and with load on an unstable surface. The findings reveal that the training program had a significant impact on the EXP, improving their balance (p < 0.01). Additionally, only in the EXP, shooting score and the percentage center of gravity increased (p < 0.01) and the stability of the shots, measured by holding time on the target, doubled from 2.2 to 4.5 s (p < 0.01). These improvements were more pronounced when participants had a load and/or were on an unstable surface. In conclusion, a proprioception training program could be beneficial for improving postural balance and shooting performance.

Effect of the Law Enforcement Duty Belt on Muscle Activation during Hip Hinging Movements in Young, Healthy Adults

Sixty percent of all law enforcement officers (LEOs) experience low back pain (LBP), with the LEO duty belt (LEO_DB) commonly reported to be a contributing factor. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the LEODB's effect on muscular activity and compare it to a tactical vest, which is a commonly used alternative to an LEO_DB. In total, 24 participants (13 male, 11 female; mass, 73.0 ± 11.1 kg; height, 169.0 ± 10.0 cm; age, 24.0 ± 5.8 years) completed a progressive series of hip hinge tasks in a single testing session. All participants completed four conditions (no belt, leather belt, nylon belt, and weight VEST) in a randomized order. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors were placed bilaterally on the rectus abdominus, multifidus, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris. Across all tasks, no significant effects of load on muscle activity were found for any of the muscles. Participants rated the VEST condition as more comfortable (p < 0.05) and less restrictive (p < 0.05) than either LEODB. The findings suggest an LEO_DB does not alter muscle activity during bodyweight hip hinging or lifting objects from the ground. Future research should examine whether changes in muscle activity occur with durations of LEO_DB wear more similar to an actual work shift duration for LEOs (≥8 h).

Ergonomic impact of prehospital clinicians using body armour: A qualitative study

Armed crime constitutes a significant number of offences in England. The associated healthcare burden forms 32% of the workload of London HEMS, requiring these clinicians to use body armour. Much research has explored the ergonomic impact of body armour in police and military populations however the impact on prehospital clinicians is not known. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of prehospital clinicians of wearing body armour.Focus groups were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, utilising hermeneutic phenomenology.Problems with the comfort, safety, time, hygiene, coverage, and female fit of armour were identified. Clinicians feel hot in summer, time to respond to scenes is increased and the fit for females is poor.Consideration should be given to sourcing specific female-fit armour and to the interoperability with the rest of the protective clothing. A redesign of uniform could provide greater flexibility to mitigate some of the issues.

The Influence of Age and Dynamic Balance on Functional Movement Among Active-Duty Police Officers

CONTEXT

Although occupational injuries for police officers cannot be prevented, factors that contribute to musculoskeletal injury risk could be better identified to inform preventative interventions. Previous research has supported screening tools such as the functional movement screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) as possible indicators of musculoskeletal injury risk. The purposes of this study are to (1) examine the relationships between age, dynamic balance, and functional movement in police officers and (2) determine how much variance in functional movement is predicted by age and dynamic balance.

METHODS

This study was conducted in a university research laboratory as part of an ongoing collaboration with a local police department. All data for the current study were collected across 2 separate laboratory visits within a 14-day period.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-five active-duty police officers (31 men and 4 women; mean [SD], age 33.4 [9.4] y, height 177.4 [8.0] cm, body mass 88.4 [15.3] kg) volunteered to participate in this study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional movement was assessed using the FMS, and FMS overall scores were calculated. Dynamic balance was assessed via the YBT, and lower quarter Y-Balance Test scores (LQYBT%) were calculated.

RESULTS

There was a significant negative correlation between FMS overall score and age (r = -.641, P < .001). Correlations between FMS overall score and LQYBT% and between LQYBT% and age were not statistically significant. Age and LQYBT% scores significantly predicted FMS overall scores (F2,32 = 11.162, P < .001), accounting for 41.1% of the variance in FMS overall scores (R2 = .411) with age being the only significant predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that age and FMS overall score have a strong, negative relationship, suggesting that age may be a contributing factor to movement quality and may lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury within this unique population.

The Effects of Early Physiotherapy Treatment on Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review

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.

Can training trunk musculature influence musculoskeletal pain and physical performance in military police officers?

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 divided 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 (p < 0.05) and the GMP significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the TTG when compared to the CG. Improvement in side plank test scores was associated with a decreased in GMP (r = -0.495, p < 0.05). TT can reduce the perception of GMP in addition to increasing the endurance of the trunk muscles. The side plank was the only physical test associated with GMP. Practitioner summary: Trunk Training can reduce general musculoskeletal pain and increase the endurance of the trunk muscles without a concomitant loss in general fitness in elite Military Police Officers. This research lasted 11 weeks and presents real-world and pragmatic findings.

Functional Electrical Stimulation of Peroneal Muscles on Balance in Healthy Females

Balance improvement could contribute to ankle stability for the prevention of ankle sprains. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an effective way of augmenting muscle activity and improving balance. This study investigated the effect of FES of peroneal muscles on single-and double-leg balance. Fifteen healthy females (age = 23.1 ± 1.6 years, height = 1.63 ± 0.07 m, and weight = 63.7 ± 9.9 kg) performed single- and double-leg standing balance tests with eyes open and closed before and after 15-minute FES intervention during treadmill running at a comfortable, self-selected pace. FES of peroneal muscles was provided bilaterally, using an Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator. The total excursion of the centre of pressure (COP) was calculated to assess the standing balance control ability. The total excursion of COP in single- and double-leg stance with eyes open reduced significantly after FES intervention by 14.7% (p < 0.001) and 5.9% (p = 0.031), respectively. The eyes-closed condition exhibited a 12.7% (p = 0.002) reduction in single-leg stance but did not significantly change in double-leg stance (p > 0.05). Limb preference did not account for balance postintervention. No significant difference in total excursion of COP was found between preferred and less preferred limbs with both visual conditions (p > 0.05). FES of peroneal muscles improved standing balance control with eyes open in double-leg and single-leg stance and with eyes closed in double-leg stance. The improvements in balance control with FES treatment did not vary concerning limb preference.