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. 2018 Nov 6;15(11):2477.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph15112477.

Physical Fitness Characteristics That Relate to Work Sample Test Battery Performance in Law Enforcement Recruits

Robert G Lockie  1 , J Jay Dawes  2 , Katherine Balfany  3 , Ciara E Gonzales  4 , Maria M Beitzel  5 , Joseph M Dulla  6 , Robin M Orr  7
Affiliations

Physical Fitness Characteristics That Relate to Work Sample Test Battery Performance in Law Enforcement Recruits

Robert G Lockie et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

This study determined relationships between an agency-specific fitness test battery (PT500), and a work sample test battery (WSTB) in law enforcement recruits. Retrospective analysis on 219 males and 34 females from one agency was conducted. The PT500 comprised: push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers in 120 s; pull-ups; and 201 m and 2.4 km runs. The WSTB comprised: 99 yard (90.53 m) obstacle course (99OC); body drag (BD) with a 165 pound (75 kg) dummy; 6 foot (1.83 m) chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climb; and 500 yard (457.2 m) run (500R). Partial correlations, controlling for sex, calculated PT500 and WSTB relationships (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression determined whether fitness predicted WSTB performance. The 500R related to all PT500 assessments (r range = -0.127⁻0.574), 99OC related to all bar push-ups and mountain climbers, and BD related to none. The CLF related to sit-ups, pull-ups, and 2.4 km run; SW related to mountain climbers, pull-ups, and 2.4 km run (r range = -0.127⁻-0.315). Push-ups, pull-ups, and 2.4 km run were involved in predictive relationships for 99OC, CLF, SW, and 500R (r² range = 0.217⁻0.500). To perform better in the WSTB and job-specific tasks, developing upper-body strength and aerobic fitness may be beneficial.

Keywords: aerobic capacity; anaerobic capacity; deputy sheriff; job-specific; muscular endurance; police; tactical.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The 99 yard obstacle course.
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