Relationships Between Strength and Power With the 74.84-kg (165-lb) and 90.72-kg (200-lb) Body Drags.

ABSTRACT: Moreno, MR, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, Dulla, JM, and Lockie, RG. Relationships between strength and power with the 74.84-kg (165-lb) and 90.72-kg (200-lb) body drags. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1305-1313, 2024-A body drag is an essential job task in law enforcement. It is purported that strength and power should contribute to this task, but there has been limited analysis. This study examined strength (1-repetition maximum hexagonal bar deadlift [1RM HBD]) and power (vertical jump [VJ], standing broad jump [SBJ]) relationships with the 74.84-kg and 90.72-kg body drags. Forty-three civilians (24 men and 19 women) completed the SBJ, VJ, and 1RM HBD in 1 session. Peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw) was derived from the VJ. Relative measures were calculated from the SBJ, PAPw, and HBD. In another 2 sessions, subjects completed 74.84-kg and 90.72-kg drags in a counterbalanced order using 2 techniques: standard and adapted (time taken to pick dummy up from ground included in time). Independent samples t-tests compared the sexes and subjects who could or could not complete all drags. Partial correlations and stepwise regression, both controlling for sex, examined relationships between strength and power and the drags. In general, men outperformed women in almost all tests (p ≤ 0.024). Thirty-five subjects completed all drags and were stronger and more powerful than subjects who could not (p ≤ 0.011). The SBJ correlated with the 74.84-kg standard (r = -0.355) and 90.72-kg adapted (r = -0.373) drags; the VJ correlated with the 74.84-kg standard drag (r = -0.356). Peak anaerobic power measured in watts and 1RM HBD correlated with all drags (r = -0.382 to -0.668); PAPw was involved in all significant predictive relationships (explained variance = 34-62%). Absolute strength and power training should be a focus for recruits to enhance their ability to perform dragging tasks, especially with heavier masses.

Clinical teaching self-efficacy positively predicts professional fulfillment and negatively predicts burnout amongst Thai physicians: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Clinician teachers (physicians who teach in clinical settings) experience considerable psychological challenges in providing both educational training and patient care. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of physician burnout and professional fulfillment, and to identify internal and external factors associated with mental health outcomes among Thai clinician teachers working in non-university teaching hospitals. METHOD: A one-time online questionnaire was completed by physicians at 37 governmental, non-university teaching hospitals in Thailand, with 227 respondents being assessed in the main analyses. Four outcomes were evaluated including burnout, professional fulfillment, quality of life, and intentions to quit. RESULTS: The observed prevalence of professional fulfillment was 20%, and burnout was 30.7%. Hierarchical regression analysis showed a significant internal, psychological predictor (clinical teaching self-efficacy) and external, structural predictors (multiple roles at work, teaching support), controlling for the background variables of gender, years of teaching experience, family roles, and active chronic disease, with clinical teaching self-efficacy positively predicting professional fulfillment (b = 0.29, p ≤.001) and negatively predicting burnout (b = - 0.21, p =.003). CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the importance of faculty development initiatives to enhance clinical teaching self-efficacy and promote mental health among Thai physicians.

Interplay of Oncoplastic Reconstruction and Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer.

Purpose: Oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) combines breast cancer tumor removal with the cosmetic benefits of plastic surgery at the time of breast-conserving surgery. Potential advantages of OBS include wider surgical margins around the tumor bed, while the natural shape and appearance of the breast are maintained more than standard lumpectomy procedures. However, limited information is available regarding the potential effect on adjuvant radiation treatment planning. Materials and Methods: Women with localized breast cancer undergoing lumpectomy with immediate OBS and adjuvant radiation therapy between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed. OBS was performed using volume displacement techniques and patients received whole-breast irradiation with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Results: Volume of additional ipsilateral breast tissue removed during OBS ranged from 21 to 2086 cm3 (median, 304 cm3), 29% of patients had >500 cm3 of tissue removed. Surgical margins were positive in 12.5% and were not affected by volume of breast tissue removed (445 vs 439 cm3). Patients with surgical clips more often received a lumpectomy bed boost (75.9% vs 50.0%), boost volumes were on average 157 cm3 with clips versus 205 cm3 without clips. Mean V105 was comparable in patients with >500 cm3 tissue removed and irradiated breast volume >1000 cm3, while higher absolute volumes were found in patients with >26 cm posterior separation (58.0 cm3 vs 102.7 cm3; P = .07). No meaningful difference was observed in Dmax or radiation coverage (95% of the volume receiving 95% of the prescription dose) for patients with >26 cm posterior separation, >500 cm3 of breast tissue removed, or irradiated breast volume >1000 cm3. Conclusions: Radiation dosimetry plans for patients undergoing oncoplastic surgery were acceptable and no significant radiation or surgical advantage was gained in patients with more tissue removed. Our study stresses the importance of clear communication between surgeons and radiation oncologists about sufficient marking of the lumpectomy cavity, using practices that minimize the need for re-excisions and minimize lumpectomy cavity disruption during rearrangement.

Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy Facility Type Affects Anastomotic Complications After Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is a complex oncologic surgery that results in lower perioperative morbidity and mortality when performed in high-volume hospitals by experienced surgeons; however, limited data exists evaluating the importance of neoadjuvant radiotherapy delivery at high- versus low-volume centers. We sought to compare postoperative toxicity among patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy delivered at an academic medical center (AMC) versus community medical centers (CMC). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer at an academic medical center between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Associations between patient factors and treatment-related toxicities were calculated in univariate (UVA) and multivariable analyses (MVA). RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients were identified: 89 CMC and 58 AMC. Median follow-up was 30 months (0.33-124 months). Most patients were male (86%) with adenocarcinoma (90%) located in the distal esophagus or GEJ (95%). Median radiation dose was 50.4 Gy between groups. Radiotherapy at CMCs resulted in higher rates of re-operation after esophagectomy (18% vs 7%, p = 0.055) and increased rates of anastomotic leak (38% vs 17%, p < 0.01). On MVA, radiation at a CMC remained predictive of anastomotic leak (OR 6.13, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Esophageal cancer patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy had higher rates of anastomotic leaks when radiotherapy was completed at a community medical center versus academic medical center. Explanations for these differences are uncertain but further exploratory analyses regarding dosimetry and radiation field size are warranted.

The Effects of Traditional versus Ability-Based Physical Training on the Health and Fitness of Custody Assistant Recruits.

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.

The Health and Fitness Characteristics of Civilian Jailer Recruits Prior to Academy Training.

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.

An Analysis of the Body Drag Test in Law Enforcement Recruits with Consideration to Current Population Demographics.

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

How Does Time Spent Working in Custody Influence Health and Fitness Characteristics of Law Enforcement Officers?

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.

With great power comes great ability: Extending research on fitness characteristics that influence work sample test battery performance in law enforcement recruits.

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

Relationship Between the 20-m Multistage Fitness Test and 2.4-km Run in Law Enforcement Recruits.

ABSTRACT: Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Moreno, MR, Cesario, KA, Balfany, K, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, and Orr, RM. Relationship between the 20-m multistage fitness test and 2.4-km run in law enforcement recruits. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2756-2761, 2021-In the United States, the 2.4-km run is arguably the most common law enforcement aerobic assessment. Potential limitations are that recruits use an internal pacing strategy, the test requires fewer direction changes, and less-fit recruits run for longer. The 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) is commonly used internationally to assess aerobic fitness in law enforcement recruits and provides an external pacing strategy. This study documented sex differences between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits, and between-test relationships. Retrospective analysis on 8 academy classes (463 men and 87 women) from 1 agency was conducted. The 20MSFT was completed before academy and the 2.4-km run in the first week. Between-sex comparisons in the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT were conducted with independent-samples t-tests and effect sizes. Estimated V̇o2max from the tests was compared with paired-samples t-tests. Correlations and linear regression calculated 2.4-km run and 20MSFT relationships. There were significant between-sex differences for the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT (p < 0.01), with moderate (d = 0.9) and small (d = 0.4) effects, respectively. Estimated 2.4-km run V̇o2max was greater than that from the 20MSFT (p < 0.01). The 2.4-km run had significant relationships with the 20MSFT (r = -0.6), although the regression equations were low (r2 = 0.30-0.37). Between-sex differences in the 20MSFT seemed less than for those in the 2.4-km run. Nonetheless, even with significant relationships between the tests, the 20MSFT induces a higher running intensity and direction changes. This may limit transferability with the 2.4-km run in law enforcement recruits.

Effects of Sex and Age on Physical Testing Performance for Law Enforcement Agency Candidates: Implications for Academy Training.

ABSTRACT: Bloodgood, AM, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, Stierli, M, Cesario, KA, Moreno, MR, Dulla, JM, and Lockie, RG. Effects of sex and age on physical testing performance for law enforcement agency candidates: implications for academy training. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2629-2635, 2021-Law enforcement candidates are often required to complete fitness tests to assess their preparedness for training. This study investigated the influence of sex and age on candidate performance before academy training. Retrospective analysis of 516 candidates was performed. Data were stratified into men (n = 432) and women (n = 84), and the pooled (men and women combined) data were stratified into age groups (20-24; 24-29; 30-34; 35-39; and 40+ years). The tests included the following: maximal push-ups and sit-ups in 60 seconds; a 75-yard pursuit run (75PR); arm ergometer revolutions completed in 60 seconds; and a 2.4-km run. To compare the sex and age groups, a 2 × 5 analysis of variance (with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple between-age group comparisons) was used. Men performed significantly (p < 0.001) more push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions and were faster in the 75PR and 2.4-km run. The 20-24, 25-29, and 35-39 year groups were faster in the 75PR compared with the 40+ year group; the 20-24 and 25-29 year groups were faster than the 35-39 year group; and the 20-24 year group was faster than the 30-34 year group (p ≤ 0.023). The 20-24 year group was faster than the 40+ year group in the 2.4-km run (p = 0.005). Women and older candidates may have a lower physical capacity than men and younger candidates, respectively, in certain physical assessments. Women and older candidates, in particular, may benefit from dedicated training before academy to better prepare for the demands of this period.

The Effects Aerobic Fitness has on Heart Rate Responses for a Custody Assistant Recruit Class Performing a Formation Run.

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.

Relationships Between Isometric Strength and the 74.84-kg (165-lb) Body Drag Test in Law Enforcement Recruits.

This study investigated whether: law enforcement recruits could complete a 74.84-kg (165-lb) body drag without specific training; relationships between the body drag and absolute and relative isometric grip and leg/back strength could be established to assist with training recommendations; a strength baseline needed to complete the 74.84-kg body drag could be established. Retrospective analysis on a recruit class (72 males, 21 females) from one agency was conducted. Recruits completed the body drag, and had strength assessed by hand grip and leg/back dynamometers in the week before academy. The body drag required the recruit to lift the dummy to standing and drag it 9.75 m as quickly as possible. Independent samples t-tests calculated between-sex differences in the drag and strength measures. Recruits were ranked according to drag time to describe the strength of recruits that could not perform the task. Pearson's correlations and a stepwise linear regression calculated relationships between the body drag and isometric strength. Male recruits completed the drag faster and were stronger than females (p < 0.001). Only two females could not complete the drag, and they had leg/back strength below 100 kg. Greater absolute (r = -0.599 and -0.677) and relative (r = -0.261 and -0.322) grip (combined score) and leg/back strength, respectively, related to a faster drag. Absolute leg/back strength predicted the body drag (r2 = 0.444). Improving absolute isometric grip and leg/back strength could enhance dragging ability. A minimum isometric leg/back strength score of 100 kg may be needed to perform a 74.84-kg body drag.

The Influence of Aerobic Fitness on Heart Rate Responses of Custody Assistant Recruits during Circuit Training Sessions.

This study captured heart rate (HR) responses of custody assistant (CA) recruits undertaking circuit training sessions. Data from 10 male and 12 female CA recruits were analyzed. Based on YMCA step test recovery HR, recruits were divided into higher fitness (HF; top 25%), lower fitness (LF; bottom 25%), and moderate fitness (MF; remaining recruits) groups. HR was measured during two circuit training sessions featuring calisthenics and running. HR zones were defined as: very light (<57% of age-predicted maximum heart-rate [HRmax]); light (57-63% HRmax); moderate (64-76% HRmax); vigorous (77-95% HRmax); and very vigorous (>95% HRmax). A one-way ANOVA, with Bonferroni post hoc, calculated between-group differences in time spent, and percentage of total time, in the HR zones. In session one, the LF group spent less time in the light training zone compared to the MF group, and more time in the very vigorous zone compared to the HF group (p = 0.027-0.047). In session two, the LF group spent more time in the moderate zone compared to both groups, and a greater percentage of time in the very vigorous zone compared to the MF group (p = 0.002-0.004). LF recruits generally worked harder during circuit training than their fitter counterparts, which supported recommendations for ability-based modifications.

We Need You: Influence of Hiring Demand and Modified Applicant Testing on the Physical Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits.

A challenge for law enforcement agencies is the many positions that need filling. Agencies may modify their applicant test battery (ATB; multilevelled testing including fitness, background checks, psychological evaluations) to increase the hiring pool of potential recruits by augmenting the utility of testing. This study determined fitness differences of law enforcement recruits hired under two different ATB protocols. Retrospective analysis was conducted on seven academy classes (442 males, 84 females) hired under an older ATB, and one class (45 males, 13 females) hired under a newer ATB. Recruits completed the following before academy: 60 s push-ups and sit-ups (muscular endurance); vertical jump (lower-body power); medicine ball throw (upper-body power); 75 yard pursuit run (75PR; change-of-direction speed); and 20 m multistage fitness test (20MSFT; aerobic fitness). Independent sample t-tests (p ≤ 0.001) and effect sizes (d) evaluated between-group fitness differences for recruits hired under the different ATB protocols (combined sexes, males, and females). There were no significant differences between the ATB groups. However, newer ATB female recruits completed 13% fewer 20MSFT shuttles than the older ATB group, which, although not significant (p = 0.007), did have a moderate effect (d = 0.62). Females hired under the newer ATB had lower aerobic fitness, which could impact physical training performance and graduation.

Analyzing the Training Load Demands, and Influence of Sex and Body Mass, on the Tactical Task of a Casualty Drag via Surface Electromyography Wearable Technology.

This study measured the training load (TL) demands associated with a military-specific casualty drag measured via surface electromyography (sEMG) wearable technology, and the influence of sex and body mass on these measures. Thirty-six college-aged participants (males = 25; females = 11) performed two trials of a 123-kg (91-kg dummy with 32-kg load) backwards casualty drag over 15 m. Time was recorded to calculate drag velocity, with the fastest trial analyzed. Prior to testing, participants were fitted with compression garments embedded with sensors to measure the vastus lateralis and medialis (quadriceps; QUAD), biceps femoris (BF), and gluteus maximus (GM) of both legs. The sEMG signal for each muscle was measured as a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction to calculate TL. The variables included TL (total, QUAD, BF, GM), and between-muscle ratios. The sample was also ranked and median split via body mass into heavier and lighter groups. Independent samples t-tests calculated differences between drag velocity and TL for the sex and body mass groups. Pearson's correlations calculated relationships between body mass and velocity with the TL variables (combined, males, females). Females and lighter participants experienced greater TL compared to males and heavier participants, respectively (p < 0.01). A slower drag velocity correlated with a greater total and QUAD TL for all participants, males, and females (p ≤ 0.03, r = -0.65-0.80). Performing a slower casualty drag will increase TL demands, predominantly via QUAD stress. Training staff should develop the muscles important for the drag, especially for females and lighter males.

2.4-km Run and 20-m Multistage Fitness Test Relationships in Law Enforcement Recruits After Academy Training.

Lockie, RG, Hernandez, JA, Moreno, MR, Dulla, JM, Dawes, JJ, and Orr, RM. 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test relationships in law enforcement recruits after academy training. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 942-945, 2020-The 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) are common aerobic fitness tests in law enforcement. Previous research analyzed relationships between these tests in recruits, and indicated limited transferability due to disparate demands (direction changes and running intensity). However, the correlations between 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in recruits after academy training may be different, where recruits should be fitter and able to complete high-intensity running efforts. This study documented changes in and relationships between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits after academy training. Retrospective analysis on 6 academy classes (276 males and 50 females) from one agency was conducted. The 20MSFT and 2.4-km run were completed before and after academy training. Estimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was derived from 2.4-km run time and the 20MSFT shuttle number. Paired-samples t-tests ascertained whether the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT improved after academy. Correlations and linear regression derived relationships between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT. Recruits improved in the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT (p < 0.01). There were significant correlations between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT for all recruits (r = -0.49), males (r = -0.48), and females (r = -0.29). However, the regression equations for all recruits (r = 0.24), males (r = 0.23), and females (r = 0.08) were low. The results suggested that there were disparate aspects to the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits after academy training. Although aerobic fitness improved, there are likely other aspects important to the 20MSFT not developed during academy (change-of-direction ability and high-intensity running). This could impact the between-test relationship.

Assessing Repeated-Sprint Ability in Division I Collegiate Women Soccer Players.

Lockie, RG, Liu, TM, Stage, AA, Lazar, A, Giuliano, DV, Hurley, JM, Torne, IA, Beiley, MD, Birmingham-Babauta, SA, Stokes, JJ, Risso, FG, Davis, DL, Moreno, MR, and Orjalo, AJ. Assessing repeated-sprint ability in Division I collegiate women soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 2015-2023, 2020-Repeated-sprint ability (RSA) is a key component of soccer, and is the capacity to repeatedly produce near-maximal to maximal sprints with short recovery periods. Repeated-sprint ability has received little analysis in collegiate women soccer players. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between RSA and tests of soccer-specific performance. Nineteen players from the same Division I collegiate women's soccer team were recruited. The RSA test consisted of six 20-m sprints completed on 15-second cycles. The measurements taken were total time (TT) and percent decrement (PD; percent change from first to last sprint). Subjects also completed tests of: lower-body strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] back squat); jump performance (vertical and standing long jumps); linear (0-5, 0-10, and 0-30 m sprint intervals) and change-of-direction (505 from each leg) speed; and soccer-specific fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YYIRT1]). Pearson's correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were used to calculate relationships between RSA TT and PD with the performance tests. Total time exhibited significant relationships with the 0-10 (r = 0.50) and 0-30 m (r = 0.71) sprint intervals, and the left-leg 505 (r = 0.57). However, lower-body strength measured by the 1RM back squat and jump performance did not relate to TT. Percent decrement correlated only with the left-leg 505 (r = 0.53) and no other performance test. This included the YYIRT1, although both PD and YYIRT1 performance are limited by fatigue. The results from this study indicated that faster linear sprinting speed could positively influence RSA in Division I collegiate women soccer players.

A Preliminary Analysis of Relationships Between a 1RM Hexagonal Bar Load and Peak Power with the Tactical Task of a Body Drag.

A critical job task for law enforcement officers that should be influenced by strength is the body drag. This study analyzed relationships between absolute and relative strength measured by a one-repetition maximum hexagonal bar deadlift (1RM HBD), with body drags completed with 74.84 kg and 90.72 kg dummies. Twenty recreationally-trained individuals completed the 1RM HBD in one session, with peak power measured via a linear position transducer. Over two subsequent sessions, participants dragged the 74.84 kg and 90.72 kg dummies with two techniques. The first technique followed Californian standards, where participants wrapped their arms around the dummy and lifted it to standing before timing commenced. In the adapted technique, timing included the initial manipulation of the dummy. Participants dragged the dummy as quickly as possible over a 9.75 m distance. Partial correlations and linear regression (controlling for sex; p < 0.05) analyzed relationships between the HBD and body drags. The standard 74.84 kg body drag correlated with every HBD variable (r = -0.477 to -0.666), and was predicted by the absolute 1RM HBD (r2 = 0.467). The adapted 74.84 kg drag correlated with all HBD variables (r = -0.535 to - 0.754), and was predicted by peak power and the 1RM HBD (r2 = 0.758). Both 90.72 kg drags correlated with absolute and relative 1RM HBD (r = -0.517 to -0.670). Strength related to all body drags; peak power may be more important for drags with lighter loads. Strength training should be a focus in law enforcement to enhance drag performance.