Characterization of the Physical Fitness of Police Officers: A Systematic Review

Low physical activity levels of military police officers during day and night radio patrolling

INTRODUCTION

The São Paulo State Military Police officers have a higher mortality rate than the civilian population. The radio patrolling work (RP190) is carried out by pairs of military police officers (MPOs) for 12 hours, using a police vehicle, requiring physical capabilities at any moment. However, whether the activity performed by MPOs during operational work is within the sedentary or the physically active range classification requires investigation. This cross-sectional study measured and compared the number of steps performed by MPOs during night and day shift radio patrolling.

METHODS

The study participants included 170 MPOs with a median age of 35.0 (IQR: 29.0-43.0) years. All volunteers worked either the day (n=117) or night (n=53) shift and underwent step count analysis during the service shift using a Yamax pedometer (Digi-Walker SW 700, Tokyo, Japan). The data were normalised for pedometer wear time corresponding to the working service period. The MPOs in the radio patrolling programme wore the pedometer for 8.5 hours.

RESULTS

The results show that they took an average of 2516 (95% CI 2270 to 2632) and 295.8 (95% CI 278.1 to 313.5) steps during the whole service and per hour of service, respectively. No difference in the number of steps was observed during the day compared with the night shift (2574 (IQR: 1829-3371) vs 2485 (IQR: 1502-2821), p=0.131). However, when normalised for wear time of use, the number of steps was significantly higher in the day compared with the night group (311.7±119.1 vs 260.6±108.6, p=0.009, d=0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, MPOs working the night shift are less physically active than MPOs working the day shift. Furthermore, MPOs' activity can be classified into the sedentary range independently of their shifts.

Operational Police Stress Is Associated With Disordered Eating in Police Officers

OBJECTIVE

Police officers are under high operational stress and are at high risk for stress-related mental health disturbances. However, little research has investigated disordered eating in this population. In this study, we compared disordered eating symptoms between male and female police officers, examined the association between operational police stress and disordered eating symptoms, and explored body mass index (BMI) and sex as potential moderators of these associations.

METHOD

The participants consisted of 476 police officers from North Carolina, United States. Operational police stress was assessed using the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire, and disordered eating symptoms were assessed using the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory. Weight and height were measured by trained staff.

RESULTS

Compared with female officers (n = 149), male officers (n = 325) scored significantly higher on binge eating, excessive exercise, muscle building, and negative attitudes toward obesity, and lower on body dissatisfaction, cognitive restraint, restricting, and purging. After adjusting for BMI and sex, significant positive associations were found between operational police stress and all disordered eating symptom subscales, except for excessive exercise. No association was significantly moderated by BMI or sex.

DISCUSSION

Disordered eating is an understudied yet critical concern among stressed police officers, affecting both males and females. Targeted prevention and intervention strategies, such as regular screening during physical exams, could enable early detection of disordered eating symptoms in this high-stress occupation group.

Construction of a police physical evaluation model and standards based on law enforcement ability

Purpose: In the context of police practical combat with the essence of coercion and confrontation, police physical fitness training guided by practical combat is increasingly valued. The objective of this study was to establish a police physical evaluation model and standards based on law enforcement ability. Methods: Using literature analysis, expert interviews, Delphi method, field testing, and mathematical statistics, the test results of 301 frontline law enforcement police officers from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau were used as sample data. Factor analysis was conducted on the selected indicators to determine the final indicator system for police physical fitness. The percentile method was used to develop evaluation standards, and frequency statistics and chi-squared tests were used to calculate the effectiveness and accuracy of the evaluation standards. Results: The research results revealed that the police physical fitness evaluation model based on law enforcement ability is Y = 0.115 × 30 s of trigger pulling according to the gun + 0.105 × 30 s of straight punching sandbags + 0.095 × 30 s of wrestling the dummy + 0.062 × push-ups + 0.115 × 50-m run + 0.095 × 10 m × 4 round trips + 0.116 × standing long jump + 0.090 × 2,000-m run + 0.089 × 30 s of hitting sandbags using a short baton + 0.118 × 30 s of poking sandbags using the long baton. The evaluation criteria were divided into single-item and comprehensive evaluation criteria. Conclusion: A practical police physical fitness evaluation model can effectively evaluate the level of police physical fitness development, and the evaluation standards can provide an effective basis for a practical police physical fitness evaluation.

Technical-tactical behavior analysis of general duty police officers during non-compliant suspect apprehensions: A novel approach to establish minimum force requirements

BACKGROUND

While effective apprehensions of non-compliant suspects are central to public safety, the minimal force needed to transition a suspect from standing to the ground, vital for apprehension success, has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the technical-tactical behaviors of general duty police officers during simulated apprehensions and quantify the minimum force required to destabilize non-compliant suspects.

METHODS

Task simulations conducted with 91 officers were analyzed to identify common grappling movements, strikes, control tactics, and changes in body posture. A separate assessment of 55 male officers aimed to determine the minimum force required for destabilization in five body regions (wrist, forearm, shoulder, mid-chest, and mid-back). Data are presented as mean±standard deviation.

RESULTS

On average, apprehensions took 7.3±3.2 seconds. While all officers used grappling movements (100%) and the majority employed control tactics (75%), strikes were seldom used (4%). Apprehensions typically began with a two-handed pull (97%; Contact Phase), 55% then attempted an arm bar takedown, followed by a two-handed cross-body pull (68%; Transition/Control Phase), and a two-handed push to the ground (19%; Ground Phase). All officers began in the upright posture, with most shifting to squat (75%), kneel (58%), or bent (45%) postures to complete the apprehension. The minimum force required to disrupt balance differed across body regions (wrist: 54±12 kg; forearm: 49±12 kg; shoulder: 42±10 kg; mid-chest: 44±11 kg; mid-back: 30±7 kg, all P < 0.05), except between the shoulder and chest (P = 0.19).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide insights that can enhance the design and accuracy of future apprehension evaluations and inform the optimization of law enforcement physical employment standards.

Psychophysiology, Cognitive Function, and Musculoskeletal Status Holistically Explain Tactical Performance Readiness and Resilience

ABSTRACT

Thompson, AG, Ramadan, JH, Alexander, JS, and Galster, SM. Psychophysiology, cognitive function, and musculoskeletal status holistically explain tactical performance readiness and resilience. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2443-2456, 2023-This study aimed to advance the techniques used in quantifying holistic readiness and resilience within military personnel. Tactical performers, instructors, and applied human performance scientists designed a weeklong competition to reflect realistic operational demands, test specific underlying performance constructs, and elucidate how modernized assessments could drive programmatic action. By placing first in their installation's local preliminary competition, 34 active-duty Marines earned the opportunity to compete in a series of 7 intense events for the title of champion. All inferential statistics were set to a p ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Morning heart rate variability identified top from bottom quartile finishers before a single competition event. By day 3, morning countermovement jump force production (normalized reactive strength index-modified) and cognitive psychomotor vigilance were significant indicators of performance resilience and final competition group rank. Heart rate variability also tracked performer readiness across time, identifying within-group and between-group differences among top, bottom, and field. Collectively, these holistic assessments proved significant markers of acute and chronic tactical performance capabilities. In summary, the incorporation of psychophysiological monitoring, cognitive performance testing, and musculoskeletal force plate evaluations could help inform selection and support needs, drive workload or recovery modulation, and provide critical metrics for evaluating training efficacy and operational readiness. Defense organizations should consider routinely incorporating and actioning similar holistic status monitoring strategies in training and operational settings. Moreover, leveraging other tactical competitions may provide key opportunities for advancing the standard of practice through additional scientific investigation.

Four-Year Training Course for Police Officers (CFOP) and Fitness Outcomes of Police Academy Cadets: A Cohort Study from 2004 to 2020

This study examines the effect of gender, age, and a 4-year training course for police officers (CFOP) on the physical fitness attributes of Portuguese police academy cadets. This longitudinal cohort study considered 686 police cadets (female, n = 131; male, n = 555 male), corresponding to 2578 fitness assessments (female, n = 509; male, n = 2069). The database of police cadets' physical fitness evaluations (from 2004/2005 to 2019/2020) comprises body size, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity first assessment (T0) and evaluations at the end of the first four years of the CFOP (T1, T2, T3, T4). Results showed that (i) female cadets are younger (p < 0.05), shorter, lighter, less fast, less agile, less strong, and perform worse in aerobic capacity assessments than male cadets (all, p < 0.001) but perform better in the flexibility assessment (p < 0.001); (ii) female cadets > 29 years are significantly heavier, slower, jump less, perform fewer sit-ups, and perform less on the Cooper test (but they have more handgrip strength), and male cadets > 29 years are significantly heavier, slower, jump less, perform fewer sit-ups, and have less flexibility and aerobic capacity (still, they have superior back and lumbar strength and handgrip strength); and (iii) from T0 to T4 (Δ), female cadets are significantly faster (60 m, -0.32 s; slalom, -0.78 s), jump further (+4 cm), have more abdominal strength endurance (+2.6 repetitions) and more back and lumbar strength (+89.8 kg), and male cadets are significantly heavier (+3.27 kg), faster (60 m, -0.23 s; 30 m, -0.15 s; slalom, -0.91 s), jump further (+8 cm), complete more repetitions in the sit-ups (+4.9 repetitions) and in pull-ups (+2.5 repetitions) and have more back and lumbar strength (+92.1 kg) and handgrip strength (+8.6 kg) but a lower aerobic capacity (Cooper test, -74.8 m; VO2max, -1.3 mL/kg/min) when compared to T0. The study's findings lead to widely accepted conclusions within the discipline. Nevertheless, this work provides valuable insights into the impact of various factors on the physical fitness of Portuguese police academy cadets, i.e.: (i) it is an essential study with practical implications for recruitment, training, and the ongoing development of Portuguese police academy cadets and police officers; and (ii) these results can also assist in tailoring training programs to different age groups and genders, which is crucial in police training.

The ESA Parastronaut Feasibility Project: Investigating the Need and Contents of Physical Performance Tests for an Inclusive European Astronaut Corps

INTRODUCTION

In 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA) held the first astronaut selection since the beginning of space flight that allowed physically impaired astronaut candidates to be selected in an inclusive European astronaut corp. The main objective of the 'parastronaut feasibility project' is to investigate if physical performance tests (PPTs) should be part of future astronaut recruitments for an inclusive ESA astronaut corps to test their flight readiness. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess if future (para-)astronaut recruitment campaigns should include PPTs to ensure flight readiness, safety, and mission success; (2) if so, which areas of physical performance should be tested to mimic nominal and off-nominal crew activities during all phases of a space mission; and (3) to assess whether PPTs are compatible with the ethical principles of equal opportunity for an inclusive pool of astronaut candidates.

METHODS

58 subject matter experts with specialisations in space physiology, operational human space flight, space medicine, medical ethics or parasports were interviewed in two rounds using the Delphi method. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained, analysed, categorised, and visualised using the qualitative research tool NVivo and Excel.

RESULTS

Two thirds of the experts were in favour of adding PPTs to future astronaut selections and recommended to implement them for both physically unimpaired and physically impaired astronaut candidates. The main physical skills that should be examined are space-related, mission-specific coordination skills of the upper extremities, followed by endurance performance and stamina, dexterity of the upper extremities, motor learning ability and mobility.

CONCLUSION

Based on this study, it is clear that PPTs should be part of future astronaut selection campaigns. However, the content of these PPTs must be carefully evaluated and validated using existing data on crew activities before, during, and after space flight, while considering equal opportunities in the context of human space flight. Historical considerations have influenced current astronaut requirements, but this study's findings indicate a need to reassess these requirements for future inclusive selection campaigns, as their validity and necessity remain uncertain.

Skeletal Muscle Discomfort and Lifestyle of Brazilian Military Police Officers of Administrative and Tactical Force

Our aim was to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort and the lifestyle of military police officers of administrative and tactical force departments. Military police officers were distributed into two groups: administrative (Adm, n = 15) and tactical force (TF, n = 16) departments. Their lifestyle was assessed using the Fantastic Lifestyle questionnaire. Moreover, physical activity quantification was assessed using the International Physical Activity questionnaire, and musculoskeletal discomfort was quantified using the Corlett diagram. The mean total time of physical activity was 546 ± 276 min per week. No differences (p = 0.0832) were found between the Adm (454 ± 217 min) and TF (623 ± 301 min) groups. Concerning lifestyle, in general the sample presented very good (42%) and good (42%) style classification. For this parameter, no significant differences were found, but only a tendency was discovered (x2: 7.437; p = 0.0592); indeed, the TF presented a better classification (63%) of very good, compared to the Adm (53%) of good. No differences (p > 0.05) were found in musculoskeletal perception of discomfort between the right and left sides (p > 0.05) for all police officers and between the Adm and FT groups (p > 0.05). Military police officers showed high and moderate risk for waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, respectively; however, lifestyle and total time of physical activity were considered adequate without differences between military administrative and tactical force sectors.

Physical Fitness and Psychosocial Profiles of Policewomen from Professional Training Courses and Bodyguard Special Police Sub-Unit

Police work demands a high level of physical fitness (PF) and psychosocial well-being (PSWB) to cope with the challenges and demands of the profession. The profession has historically been male-dominated, and female police officers (POs) face unique challenges and stereotypes. This study aims (i) to identify the PF and PSWB attributes that significantly distinguish the women from three different professional training courses (agents, chiefs, and officers) and (ii) to assess the significance of PF and PSWB attributes on the likelihood that women in professional training courses belonging to a special bodyguard police sub-unit. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, involving 102 female POs (professional PO training courses, n = 94; special bodyguard police sub-unit, n = 8). PF (morphology; fitness, including endurance, strength, and flexibility tests) and PSWB (measured through scales for grit and dispositional resilience) attributes were assessed. Significant differences were observed in age, morphological (height and waist-to-hip ratio), fitness (horizontal jump and endurance tests), and PSWB (perseverance in effort and alienation) attributes among the three professional training courses. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, relative fat mass, relative muscle mass, horizontal jump, and endurance on exertion significantly distinguished between the three groups. Complementarily, it was observed that the waist-to-hip ratio and sit-up attributes influence the probability of women from the professional training courses joining the special bodyguard police sub-unit. The study highlights that (i) female POs in different professional training courses showed distinct PF and PSWB profiles, and (ii) only two PF attributes (waist-to-hip ratio and sit-up) were predictors for the special bodyguard police sub-unit. In accordance, these findings provide valuable insights for designing training programs to support female POs in improving their PF, psychological well-being, and overall performance in the police profession.

Differences and Relationships Between Push-up and Sit-up Variations Among Male Law Enforcement Cadets

ABSTRACT

Lopes dos Santos, M, Thompson, M, Dinyer-McNeely, T, Torrence, T, Lockie, RG, Orr, RM, and Dawes, JJ. Differences and relationships between push-up and sit-up variations among male law enforcement cadets. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1865-1869, 2023-The purpose of this study was to explore variation-dependent differences in push-up and sit-up tests, as well as to identify the relationships between push-up and sit-up variations commonly performed among tactical personnel. Data from 41 (age = 21.1 ± 1.8 years, body mass = 89.5 ± 15.5 kg) male police cadets from one US-based training academy who performed the standard push-up (PU Standard ), hand-release push-up (PU Hand-release ), standard sit-up (SU Standard ), and hands behind the head sit-up (SU BehindHead ) were examined. The maximum number of repetitions completed for each exercise was used for analyses with paired-samples t tests used to identify significant differences between outcome measures and effect sizes (ES) to determine change in magnitude. A significant difference, with a large ES, was found in the number of repetitions completed between the push-up variations ( p < 0.001, ES = 0.75) and sit-up variations ( p < 0.001, ES = 1.02). Performance in PU Standard was only able to explain 39% of the variation in PU Hand-release ( r = 0.62, r2 = 0.39, p < 0.001), and performance in the SU Standard was only able to explain 29% of the variation in SU BehindHead ( r = 0.54, r2 = 0.29, p < 0.001). The current study suggests differences in performance capabilities may be dependent on the push-up and sit-up variations chosen for testing. Although it is still unclear whether one variation would be a better predictor of police work performance, agencies must give special attention to the overall construct validity of fitness tests for entry and retention of law enforcement officers.

COVID-19 Social Restrictions' Impact on the Health-Related Physical Fitness of the Police Cadets

We aim to examine the changes in health-related physical fitness components, before and after COVID-19 social restrictions, in Police Academy cadets by age, sex, and physical activity (PA) level. A longitudinal analysis of 156 cadets (29.5% women) aged 25.4 ± 5.3 years old was conducted. All variables were collected before and after the lockdown period (13 weeks). PA levels were assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. Health-related physical fitness components were assessed based on the standardized protocols of morphological evaluation, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity tests. Despite the high correlations between pre- and post-pandemic social restrictions, we found significantly higher values for anthropometric indicators and lower physical fitness levels in post-pandemic restrictions, except for lower-body strength. When stratifying the sample by sex, age, and PA categories, the results indicate that the COVID-19 lockdown tends to differently impact anthropometric indicators and the physical fitness of the cadets, according to their sex, age, and PA categories. Our findings show that our sample reduces several health-related physical fitness components due to the social lockdown, with emphasis on cardiorespiratory fitness in men and upper-limb strength in women, highlighting the need to create effective strategies to keep police officers active during situations of less physical work.

Exercise motivations of law enforcement officers in Northeast Louisiana

Previous research indicates that law enforcement officers did not uphold optimal physical fitness. This study aimed to examine exercise motivations of incumbent officers. The EMI-2 was used to collect data. Kruskal–Wallis H tests and post-hoc Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni-corrected p values were used to analyze the data. As a group, the officers were motivated to exercise for the positive health benefits. The results also indicated that building up strength/endurance and competition had influential impacts on their motivation to exercise. Police agencies may take these elements into consideration when planning and implementing a physical training program for the incumbent officers.

Effects of Law Enforcement Load Carriage Systems on Muscle Activity and Coordination during Walking: An Exploratory Study

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) commonly wear a duty belt (DB) or tactical vest (TV) and from prior findings, these forms of load carriage (LC) likely alter muscular activity. However, studies on the effects of LEO LC on muscular activity and coordination are limited in the current literature. The present study examined the effects of LEO load carriage on muscular activity and coordination. Twenty-four volunteers participated in the study (male = 13, age = 24.5 ± 6.0 years). Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors were placed on the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, multifidus, and lower rectus abdominus. Participants completed treadmill walking for two load carriage conditions (duty belt and tactical vest) and a control condition. Mean activity, sample entropy and Pearson correlation coefficients were computed for each muscle pair during the trials. The duty belt and tactical vest resulted in an increase in muscle activity in several muscles; however, no differences between the duty belt and tactical vest were found. Consistently across the conditions, the largest correlations were observed between the left and right multifidus (r = 0.33-0.68) and rectus abdominus muscles (0.34-0.55). There were statistically small effects (p < 0.05, η² = 0.031 to 0.076) of the LC on intermuscular coordination. No effect (p > 0.05) of the LC on sample entropy was found for any muscle. The findings indicate that LEO LC causes small differences in muscular activity and coordination during walking. Future research should incorporate heavier loads and longer durations.

Physical Training Programs for Tactical Populations: Brief Systematic Review

This review aims (i) to identify and analyze the physical training programs used for tactical personnel (TP) and (ii) to understand the effects of physical training programs on the health and fitness, and occupational performance of tactical personnel. A literature search used the keywords 'Physical Training Program', 'Police', 'Law Enforcement', and 'Firefighter'. A total of 23 studies out of 11.508 analyzed were included. All studies showed acceptable methodological quality in assessing physical fitness (PF), and training programs' effect sizes (Cohen's d) on PF attributes were calculated. The results showed that physical training programs (duration > four weeks) can improve (medium-to-large effects) (i) measures of physical fitness and (ii) performance in simulations of occupationally specific tasks. This review provides summary information (i) to help select (or adjust) physical training programs for TP and (ii) to clarify the effect of different occupational-specific training interventions on fitness measures and health-related parameters for TP.

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.

Injury Profiles of Police Recruits Undergoing Basic Physical Training: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose A lack of published epidemiological data among police recruits presents a major challenge when designing appropriate prevention programs to reduce injury burden. We aimed to report the injury epidemiology of Western Australian (WA) Police Force recruits and examine sex and age as injury risk factors. Methods Retrospective analyses were conducted of prospectively collected injury data from WA Police Force recruits between 2018-2021. Injury was defined as 'time-loss' and injury incidence rate per 1000 training days (Poisson exact 95% confidence intervals) was calculated. For each region and type of injury, the incidence, severity, and burden were calculated. The association between age, sex, and injury occurrence were assessed using Cox regression time-to-event analysis. Results A total of 1316 WA Police Force recruits were included, of whom 264 recruits sustained 304 injuries. Injury prevalence was 20.1% and the incidence rate was 2.00 (95%CI 1.78-2.24) injuries per 1000 training days. Lower limb injuries accounted for most of the injury burden. Ligament/ joint injuries had the highest injury tissue/pathology burden. The most common activity injuring recruits was physical training (31.8% of all injuries). Older age (Hazard Ratio = 1.5, 95%CI = 1.2 to 1.9, p = 0.002) and female sex (Hazard Ratio = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.3 to 1.6, p < 0.001) increased risk of injury. Conclusion Prevention programs targeting muscle/tendon and ligament/joint injuries to the lower limb and shoulder should be prioritised to reduce the WA Police Force injury burden. Injury prevention programs should also prioritise recruits who are over 30 years of age or of female sex, given they are a higher risk population.

Substantiation of the Program of Recreational and Health-promoting Training Sessions with Instructors Officers During their Professional Activities

Aim: The aim is to substantiate the program of recreational and health-promoting training sessions with instructor officers of higher educational institutions with specific learning environment of different ages during their professional activities. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in 2019-2022. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literary sources, pedagogical observation, programming, modeling. 140 instructor officers (men) of different age groups were involved in the research. Results: On the basis of the analysis of literary sources, the study of the practical experience of instructional activities, we substantiated the authors’ program of recreational and health-promoting training sessions with the instructor officers, the essence of which is to increase the amount of motor activity of the instructional staff through the use of simple and available means of general physical training, taking into account instructors’ age, their state of health, the focus of the training sessions and the time of the training sessions during the day. Conclusions: As a result of the implementation of the authors’ program in the educational process, changes were made to the organization of physical training of the instructional staff, which provide for conducting training sessions according to a “flexible” schedule depending on the academic load of instructors; the ratio of the volumes of general and special physical training has been changed, which provides for an increase in the specific weight of general physical training; recreational and health-promoting training sessions have been introduced, depending on the time of the training session during the working day.

Is Self-Efficacy for Exercise Predictive of Leisure-Time Physical Activity among Police Officers? A Pilot Study

Leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is an essential indicator of overall health. Given the physical nature of police work, it is critical to understand variables that predict officers’ engagement in MVPA. Self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) may be a variable directly related to officer engagement in MVPA. This study aims to examine the relationship between SEE and MVPA among police officers in two departments in a small urban midwestern city. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 32 officers (male = 26, female = 6; aged 35.9 ± 7.1 years). Regression analysis was performed to explore how anthropometric and demographic variables affected SEE’s ability to predict MVPA. When combined with SEE, the model containing age had the highest predictive ability of officers’ engagement in MVPA (p = 0.011; adjusted R2 = 0.2145). Adding other predictor variables reduced the model’s ability to predict MVPA. SEE significantly predicted officers’ engagement in MVPA when age was added as a predictor variable. SEE alone could not predict officers’ engagement in MVPA, but adding other variables besides age to the model did not improve its predictive ability in our study. Police organizations should explore wellness initiatives that increase officers’ SEE and promote MVPA, particularly as officers age.

Assessment of Compliance with Healthy Lifestyle Standards by the Instructional Staff of Higher Educational Institutions

Aim: To assess the quality of compliance with the standards of a healthy lifestyle by instructors of higher educational institutions with specific learning environment and their attitude to exercise. Materials and Methods: To achieve the aim of the research, we conducted a survey of instructors (n=126) of different age groups according to the questionnaire developed by the authors. The questionnaire is designed to investigate the current state of physical training with instructional staff; to clarify the issues of instructors’ healthy lifestyle; to study ways to improve their physical fitness. Results: It was found that only 10.3% of instructors regularly exercise in the morning; 85.7% get to the place of service by public transport or by car and only 14.3% go on foot. On weekends, 41.3% of instructors prefer passive types of motor activity and recreation; more than 50% smoke, in addition, 30.9% smoke one pack or more a day. On top of that, 46.8% of instructors do not engage in physical training at all; 50.9% of instructors answered that they attend training sessions in order to prepare for the test. Conclusions: It was found that the majority of instructors (67.1%) rarely or almost never follow the standards of a healthy lifestyle. Insufficient efficiency of the current system of physical training of instructional staff was identified and the reasons for insufficient level of physical fitness, health of instructors and systematic absence from physical training sessions were revealed.

The effects of a 6-month mandatory military police academy training on recruits’ physical fitness

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness for health and professional performance play important roles in police workforce considering that policing is a dangerous job, associated with high physical demands. OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate the effects of a 6-month course of police academy training on health-related physical fitness (HRPF) of military police recruits. (2) To investigate whether recruits’ HRPF still met the academy entry standards after an unsupervised 7-month period prior to academy. METHODS: We conducted an observational and longitudinal study with 219 male police recruits (aged 25.5±3.6 years; BMI of 24.4±2.5 kg/m2). HRPF parameters included the Cooper 12-min running test for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), curl-ups, pull-ups and push-ups for muscle strength/endurance which were evaluated 3 times: 7 months prior to academy course and pre- and post- the academy training period. RESULTS: Participants maintained optimal age-related HRPF during the unsupervised period prior to academy. After academy training upon graduation, all HRPF parameters further increased an average of 7.7 to 69.0% (p < 0.001; calculated Cohen’s d effect size ≥0.95). CRF was the only HRPF that improved less than 10% after the academy course. CONCLUSIONS: Police recruits that had passed the application fitness standards maintained their HRPF prior to academy, and all their HRPF parameters increased after a 6-month academy training period which was not primarily focused on exercise training. Among all components of HRPF, CRF appears to be the most challenging one to improve among police recruits. Our findings suggest that regular training with minimum physical standards could be potentially beneficial to police officers’ health and career longevity.

Effects of the Task Complexity on the Single Movement Response Time of Upper and Lower Limbs in Police Officers

Police officers occasionally encounter belligerents resisting or even physically assaulting them without or with objects. The self-defense or legal utilization of use of force to disable the offender from harming an officer or others may depend on a single movement speed of hands and legs. This study investigated the effects of task complexity on a single movement response time of the upper and lower limbs in police officers. The sample consisted of 32 male police officers aged between 23 and 50 years. They performed a single movement as fast as possible with their upper and lower limb in three incrementally more complex tasks. In the first task, participants acted on a light signal and with their dominant limb they had to turn off the signal as fast as possible. In the second task, on the light signal, participants could turn off the light with free choice of the upper limb in a hand task or lower limb in a leg task. In the third task, participants had to turn the light off with the right limb if the light turned red and with the left limb if the light turned blue. The BlazePod device was used to assess the movement response time. The results show that there was a significant effect of task complexity on the single movement response time of the hand (F = 24.5, p < 0.001) and leg (F = 46.2, p < 0.001). The training of police officers should utilize specific and situational tasks to improve movement response time by improving the redundancy in decision-making processes during work-specific tasks of different complexity.

Identifying the Physical Fitness and Health Evaluations for Police Officers: Brief Systematic Review with an Emphasis on the Portuguese Research

Simple Summary

Police health and physical fitness are essential for improving quality of life and police skills. This review aims to identify and analyze international and Portuguese studies that have investigated the relationships between various aspects of physical fitness as specified by job descriptions and to understand the health-related requirements of police officers. This will help to select the most used fitness measures and health-related parameters for police officers and improve training curricula for these occupational groups.

Abstract

This review aims (i) to identify and analyze the most used physical fitness tests for police officers (from international and Portuguese studies) and (ii) to understand the health-related physical fitness requirements according to the job descriptions of police officers. A total of 29 studies were included. Eighteen were from around the world and eleven were related to Portuguese police officers. All studies showed acceptable methodological quality in the assessment of physical fitness, and the most used fitness components were muscular strength, endurance, power, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, flexibility, and agility. For the analysis of health parameters, they are insufficient at the international level, while at the Portuguese level we have an acceptable sample. We try to analyze the relationship between physical fitness and health, but the studies conducted so far are insufficient. This review provides summary information (i) to help select the most used fitness measures and health-related parameters for police officers, and (ii) that will serve as a starting point for evaluating the relationship between the health and physical fitness of police officers.

Effects of Maximal and Submaximal Anaerobic and Aerobic Running on Subsequent Change-of-Direction Speed Performance among Police Students

Simple Summary

Change-of-direction maneuvers are frequently performed by police officers and athletes. These maneuvers are typically performed with the intention of being maximally fast. Often, an officer or an athlete will run at a certain pace before commencing a change-of-direction speed maneuver. Depending on the duration and intensity of this running activity, their performance of the change-of-direction speed maneuver may be reduced. This study determined the degree to which the preceding maximal and submaximal anaerobic and aerobic activity affect the subsequent performance of the change-of-direction speed maneuver. We found that both anaerobic and aerobic running activities decreased the speed of the subsequent performance on the Illinois Agility Test. We also found that anaerobic running at 85% and 90% had a greater impact on change-of-direction speed performance than did aerobic running at these intensities. Above 90% intensity, anaerobic and aerobic performance similarly impacted the change-of-direction speed. As such, given the requirement for tactical personnel and intermittent, multidirectional sports athletes to perform a change-of-direction speed maneuver following a period of submaximal anaerobic or aerobic activity, increasing fitness may be a means of reducing the negative impacts of preceding submaximal impacts on change-of-direction speed performance.

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 sample 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 samples 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.

Association of waist to height ratio with 2.4 kilometers running time among male police populations

BACKGROUND: Body anthropometrics are biologically predetermined, while morphology responds to energy intake and output and stressors, thus impacting health. Fitness is impacted by these bodily characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study determined to what degree anthropomorphic measures and age of police officers determined 2.4 km running performance. METHODS: Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and 2.4 km running time (RUN) of 1916 male police officers were directly measured and analyzed. After determining correlations of anthropomorphic variables with RUN. Stepwise linear regressions evaluated individual associations of age, height, weight, BMI, WC, and WHtR with RUN, to determine the model with the highest predictive value of RUN performance. RESULTS: WHtR was the strongest RUN predictor (r = 0.672, R2 = 0.451, p < 0.001), while the best predictive model apart from WHtR also included age and BM (R2 = 0.556, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WHtR was the strongest anthropomorphic predictor of RUN performance. As a predictor, WHtR provides information on both anthropometric and morphology components of police officers. Its utilization among police occupations may be more effective than BMI as it better relates to performance.

How Fit Are Special Operations Police Officers? A Comparison With Elite Athletes From Olympic Disciplines

The diverse tasks of special operations police (SOP) units place high physical demands on every officer. Being fit for duty requires a wide range of motor abilities which must be trained regularly and in a structured manner. But SOP operators have to plan and manage large proportions of their training alone, which makes it difficult to control. Therefore, this study aimed to highlight strengths and deficits of the SOP operators' fitness by comparing them to elite athletes, and to define future training goals. Retrospective data of 189 male SOP operators were used, who completed several isometric strength tests, a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake, and countermovement jumps to determine leg muscle power. On the basis of a literature search, performance data were then compared to a total of 3,028 elite male athletes from 36 Summer Olympic disciplines. Pooled means and standard deviations were calculated for each discipline and effect sizes were used to analyze their similarities and differences to the SOP unit. On average, SOP operators were taller, heavier, and stronger than elite athletes. But both the ability to convert this strength into explosive movement and aerobic power was significantly less developed. From this point of view, SOP operators should consider polarized endurance training to work efficiently on improving aerobic performance. In addition, regular plyometric training seems necessary to improve leg muscle power and agility.

Moving Past the One-Size-Fits-All Education-Training Model of Police Academies to the Self-Prescribed Individualized Exercise Prescription Model

Law enforcement agencies generally employ the "one-size-fits-all" education-training model. Its effectiveness compared to alternative training models has been under scrutiny. Physical fitness scores of Serbian male (n = 98) and female (n = 79) police cadets during their yearly evaluation were compared. Cadets trained for the first 3 years with the "one-size-fits-all" model. In the fourth year, they self-prescribed an individualized exercise program based on the obtained curriculum knowledge. A two-way MANOVA revealed a significant effect of academic years on combined variables (p < 0.001) and significant differences between academic years for deadlift, half squat, standing long jump, sit-ups and 12-min Cooper test time (p < 0.001). Sex also had a significant main effect on combined variables (p < 0.001) with males outscoring females on all of the fitness assessments. For pull-ups, there was a significant year * sex interaction (p = 0.01) with the third year to be pivotal for female and male performance, respectively. In conclusion, the use of a "one-size-fits-all" model, presented differences in physical fitness scores between the years one to three, pointing to its questionable effectiveness. On the contrary, the self-prescribed individualized exercise program of the fourth year elicited greater fitness scores, indicating the need to evaluate the applicability of such a training model more.

Physiological Predictors of Mental Disorders Among Police Officers in Indonesia

Police officers may be at a higher risk of suffering from mental disorders (MDs) compared with other occupations. This study aimed to examine the physiological predictors of MDs among police officers in Indonesia. The mental health status of each participant was examined using a standardized Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) tool and underwent several laboratory examinations including hematology, urine, serology, and electrocardiogram tests. A logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio. Of the 4590 participants, 2.14% were diagnosed with MDs. The study found 19 physiological variables are potential predictors of MDs. In multivariate analysis adjusted for body mass index, sex, and age, the concentration of ketones, protein, and specific gravity in urine and the amount of lymphocyte in the blood are among important predictors of MDs. This suggests that carefully examining the results of urinalysis and hematology tests can help us detect early cases of MDs among police officers.

SYSTEMATIC SPORTS MEDICINE BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF REALIZING PHYSICAL FITNESS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The idea of sports as a way of strengthening the body has been around for a long time. It has also been confirmed from the perspective of modern medicine. The development of sports has been accepted by people under the effect of medical proof. Objective: This article explores the behavioral characteristics and shortcomings of physical exercise for the elderly who aim to strengthen their health. Methods: The article statistically analyzes the influencing factors of urban Chinese elderly people participating in sports. At the same time, it uses questionnaire surveys and mathematical statistics to find out the common main obstacles hindering the participation of the elderly in sports in Chinese cities. Results: Keeping fit is the primary purpose of older urban people participating in sports. Walking, Tai Chi, square dancing, etc., are the primary sports for the elderly. Conclusion: Most older adults still participate in physical exercises in independent forms or self-organized small groups. Under the concept of physical fitness, the elderly are more active in physical exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

A combined training program's effect on anthropometry, body composition, physical fitness and blood pressure in elite police

BACKGROUND

Combined training (CT) simultaneously associates aerobic and strength exercises. Worldwide, studies on CT´s on Police officers' physical fitness are scarce. This study aims to measure a 4-month CT program's impact in the Close Protection Unit of the Portuguese Elite Police.

METHODS

A pre-and post-test study included 32 participants (mean age 30.1±2.7 years old). Anthropometry, body composition, physical fitness, and blood pressure assessments were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, 26.0) with a significance level at p≤0.05.

RESULTS

The main results showed an improvement in anthropometrics; aerobic capacity, strength, muscular endurance, and systolic blood pressure. However, a lean mass decrease, a fat mass increase, and worse results in other bioimpedance measures were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the poor body composition results may imply a closer look for health concerns, although physical fitness has improved. Thus, it might be suggested that a CT program is helpful to increase physical fitness in elite police officers. Yet, improvements for its future application can be suggested, namely to include and address hydration level, nutrition, and rest/sleep moments. Moreover, because a high physical fitness level is needed in these population throughout their lifespan, ministerial policies should develop specific training programs, that can reduce morbidity and premature mortality, and have a major cos-teffectiveness impact on public health.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated with a Reduced Cardiovascular Risk in Occupational Groups with Different Working Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study among Police Officers and Office Workers

Several studies reported a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among police officers and office workers, and adequate cardiorespiratory fitness was reported to have protective effects in reducing cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on reducing cardiovascular risk factors in these occupational groups. This cross-sectional study enrolled 101 male participants (55 police officers and 46 office workers). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed via spiroergometry. Cardiovascular risk factors were also examined, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk and heart/vascular age were reported using the Framingham risk score. In both groups, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower cardiovascular risk factors. Police officers and office workers with higher cardiorespiratory fitness demonstrated significantly lower values in BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, diastolic resting blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides and total cholesterol values, and 10-year cardiovascular risk and heart/vascular age (all factors p < 0.0077, age adjusted). Police officers and office workers mostly presented low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness: 60% of police officers and 58% of office workers were considered “not fit and obese”. Despite different working conditions, both occupational groups had a high rate of low cardiorespiratory fitness levels and showed no differences in their cardiovascular risk profiles. In both groups, cardiorespiratory fitness reduced cardiovascular risk factors, but there was no difference in the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiovascular risk factors.

A nationally representative study of law enforcement shiftwork and health outcomes

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of past and current rotating shift assignments on U.S. law enforcement officers' health outcomes. In a nationally representative sample of 2,867 officers, with an oversample of female officers, we estimated models of sleep quality and fatigue, physical health outcomes, and psychological health outcomes. Further, we examined individual and agency-level factors associated with officers who reported currently working a rotating shift, to investigate what patterns there may be in shift assignments. A history of rotating shift assignments was positively associated with lower sleep quality, and with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, but not with gastrointestinal disorders, perceived stress, emotional well-being, or suicidality. The associations of shiftwork with health outcomes did not vary by gender. Demographic characteristics did not predict current rotating shift assignments, but a longer history of shiftwork and more working hours did predict a current shift assignment. Attention to mitigating shift system designs as well as the effect of cumulative years of working a rotating shift for the benefit of officer health outcomes is warranted.

Perceived and Measured Physical Fitness of Police Students

The physical fitness of police officers needs to support good health and physical performance. Physical fitness comprises a considerable amount of training for police students who are to become police officers. However, to what degree police students are able to perceive their fitness level and differentiate between health-related and performance-related physical fitness is unknown. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of differentiation between health-related and performance-related physical fitness using physical self-concept and measured indicators of physical fitness. The second aim of this study was to investigate the association between components of physical self-concept and measured indicators of physical fitness of police students. The sample of 177 police students of both sexes (98 males and 79 females) completed a 40-item physical self-description questionnaire and their physical abilities were assessed for handgrip strength, standing long jump, 30 s sit-ups, and 12-min running. Principal component analysis established health-related and performance-related physical fitness from both perceived and measured physical fitness measures. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the perceived and measured physical fitness. Results suggest small to moderate ability to recognize the level of certain physical abilities, indicating the association between psychological mechanisms and biological functioning.

Profile of Self-Reported Physical Tasks and Physical Training in Brazilian Special Operations Units: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

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/pushing/pulling 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.