1
|
Martin J, Toczko M, Lockie RG. Individual responses to the implementation of mandatory fitness testing within a fire department. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:455-461. [PMID: 37258271 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of implementing a consequential fitness assessment (pull-ups, curl-ups, push-ups, 3 min step test) in a fire department on an individual level. METHODS We used a repeated-measures design to analyse fitness assessment data from 2019 to 2020 in Northern Virginia. A total of 631 professional firefighters completed the fitness assessment in both years. Repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVAs) and multiple regression modelling were used to examine the effects of the fitness assessment and factors associated with changes in fitness, respectively. RESULTS Overall all aspects of fitness improved over the first year of implementation with a majority of firefighters improved on all components of the fitness assessment except for pull-ups (16.1% improved). Greater levels of baseline fitness and being female were negatively associated with changes in all fitness measures. Older firefighters had smaller changes in pull-up, curl-up and push-up performance. CONCLUSIONS During the first year of fitness assessment implementation, the fire department generally improved. The findings suggest that fire departments which enforce mandatory fitness assessments must establish policies for dealing with inadequate performance and offer resources to aid individual firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Martin
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Toczko
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Robert G Lockie
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
RODAS KARLYA, DULLA JOSEPHM, MORENO MATTHEWR, BLOODGOOD ASHLEYM, THOMPSON MEGANB, ORR ROBINM, DAWES JJAY, LOCKIE ROBERTG. The Effects of Traditional versus Ability-Based Physical Training on the Health and Fitness of Custody Assistant Recruits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2022; 15:1641-1660. [PMID: 36583140 PMCID: PMC9762161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- KARLY A. RODAS
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - JOSEPH M. DULLA
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Qld, AUSTRALIA,Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA, USA
| | - MATTHEW R. MORENO
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - ASHLEY M. BLOODGOOD
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - MEGAN B. THOMPSON
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA,Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - ROBIN M. ORR
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Qld, AUSTRALIA
| | - J. JAY DAWES
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA,Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - ROBERT G. LOCKIE
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lockie RG, Moreno MR, Dulla JM, Orr RM, Dawes JJ, Rodas KA. The Health and Fitness Characteristics of Civilian Jailer Recruits Prior to Academy Training. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2022; 15:58-78. [PMID: 36895843 PMCID: PMC9987445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Lockie
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R Moreno
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Joseph M Dulla
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Qld, AUSTRALIA
| | - Robin M Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Qld, AUSTRALIA
| | - J Jay Dawes
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.,Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Karly A Rodas
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodas KA, Moreno MR, Bloodgood AM, Dawes JJ, Dulla JM, Orr RM, Lockie RG. The Effects Aerobic Fitness has on Heart Rate Responses for a Custody Assistant Recruit Class Performing a Formation Run. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2021; 14:1219-1233. [PMID: 35096241 PMCID: PMC8758157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karly A Rodas
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R Moreno
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Ashley M Bloodgood
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - J Jay Dawes
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
- Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Joseph M Dulla
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD, AUS
| | - Robin M Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD, AUS
| | - Robert G Lockie
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lockie RG, Rodas KA, Dawes JJ, Dulla JM, Orr RM, Moreno MR. How Does Time Spent Working in Custody Influence Health and Fitness Characteristics of Law Enforcement Officers? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9297. [PMID: 34501887 PMCID: PMC8431568 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of time spent working in custody on the health and fitness of law enforcement officers (LEOs). Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 48 male and 12 female LEOs, 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Lockie
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92835, USA; (K.A.R.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Karly A. Rodas
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92835, USA; (K.A.R.); (M.R.M.)
| | - J. Jay Dawes
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Joseph M. Dulla
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4229, Australia; (J.M.D.); (R.M.O.)
| | - Robin M. Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4229, Australia; (J.M.D.); (R.M.O.)
| | - Matthew R. Moreno
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92835, USA; (K.A.R.); (M.R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hernandez E, Dawes JJ, Orr RM, Dulla JM, Lockie RG. Are There Differences in Fitness between Recruits from Larger (Hosting) and Smaller (Participating) Law Enforcement Agencies? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2021; 14:885-901. [PMID: 34567369 PMCID: PMC8439685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Law enforcement agencies often conduct academy training classes that include recruits hired by both the larger hosting agency (HA), and by smaller participating agencies (PA). HAs that need to fill more positions may have recruits with a wide range of fitness levels. Smaller agencies may be more selective in their hiring as they do not have as many available positions. This study compared HA and PA recruit fitness prior to academy. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 academy classes, incorporating 742 HA recruits (602 males, 140 females) and 99 PA recruits (82 males, 17 females). The following fitness tests were administered prior to academy: push-ups and sit-ups completed in 60 seconds, vertical jump; 2-kg medicine ball throw, 75-yard pursuit run, and 20-m multistage fitness test. A univariate analysis of variance, with sex as a covariate, analyzed each fitness test to determine any differences between HA and PA recruits. Effect sizes were also calculated. There were significant differences in push-up (p = 0.034, d = 0.22) and situp (p < 0.001, d = 0.47) repetitions between HA and PA recruits. PA recruits completed ~8% and ~12% more repetitions, respectively. There were trivial differences between HA and PA recruits in the other fitness tests, although HA recruits tended to have a wider range of fitness levels. The push-up and sit-up differences may provide some indication that PA were more selective in their hiring. Nonetheless, staff should recognize that individual fitness differences may exist in recruits from different agencies prior to academy training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Hernandez
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - J Jay Dawes
- School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
- Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Robin M Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Qld, AUSTRALIA
| | - Joseph M Dulla
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Qld, AUSTRALIA
| | - Robert G Lockie
- Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schlegel P. Definition of actual fitness terms: high-intensity functional training, high-intensity interval training, functional training, circuit training, CrossFit®. TĚLESNÁ KULTURA 2021. [DOI: 10.5507/tk.2021.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|