Analysis of a State Police Academy Menu Cycle for Dietary Quality and Performance Nutrition Adequacy.

Law enforcement officers have high rates of overweight and obesity. With diet as a leading risk factor, training academies present an opportunity for early-career nutrition intervention. Our purpose was to determine the dietary quality (DQ) and performance nutrition adequacy of a state police academy's cafeteria menu. This cross-sectional content analysis included six weeks (three daily meals, Monday-Friday) of a police academy menu. Nutrient content was determined by portioning menus, gathering food specifications, and performing nutrient analysis. DQ was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Cohen's d. The total HEI score was 54/100. Subcomponent scores indicating adequacy included added sugar (5/5), total protein (4.97/5) and whole fruits (4.77/5). Seafood/plant proteins (0.33/5), fatty acid ratio (1.31/5), and dairy scores (1.59/10) needed significant improvement. The menu met the recommended intake for 13 of 19 nutrients investigated. Nutrients that did not meet adequacy were calories (% mean difference, needs-menu = 36.7%), carbohydrates (52.3%), vitamins D (82.5%) and E (66.7%), magnesium (44.1%), and potassium (41.8%). The academy menu leaves room for improvement in DQ and shortfall nutrients. By increasing low scores, the overall DQ of the menu will increase and supplement missing nutrients.

Kinanthropometric Characteristic Comparisons of NCAA Division I Offensive and Defensive Linemen Spanning 8 Decades.

ABSTRACT: Jacobson, BH, Dawes, J, Smith, D, and Johnson, Q. Kinanthropometric characteristic comparisons of NCAA Division I offensive and defensive linemen spanning eight decades. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3404-3408, 2022-College football players have gained body mass, stature, and speed since the inception of the game. Of particular note is the body mass gain of NCAA Division I offensive linemen (OL) and defensive linemen (DL). The primary purpose of this study was to compare body mass and stature of OL and DL for each decade since 1950 and to subsequently compare speed using more recently available NFL Combine data to determine if the rates of gain have been consistent or is waning. Ten universities were randomly chosen from the "Power Five" conferences based on the prominence of their football programs. Recorded data included players' body mass, stature, and available 40 yd times. For each team, 8 OL and 8 DL were chosen, totaling 80 OL and 80 DL. Results indicated that body mass increased significantly ( p < 0.05) for both OL and DL (57.9 and 54.4%, respectively). However, the rate of weight gain for either OL or DL was not linear. Both OL and DL consistently increased in height from 1950 with OL and DL increasing 12.7 cm (5.0 in) and 11.4 cm (4.7 in), respectively. In addition, 40 yd times have improved over the 3 available decades (2000-2020). The 2020 times were significantly faster than the 2000 for both OL and DL. These findings may have profound implications related to player safety. The overall increases in body mass of linemen in combination with greater speed may result in have devastating consequences to the human body in a contact/collision sport such as football. Indeed, new rules are being considered to reduce debilitating injures.

Physiological Demands of Common Occupational Tasks among Australian Police Officers: A Descriptive Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological demands placed on Australian police officers carrying out common operational tasks. METHODS: Forty participants (n = 40) from an Australian police force (mean age = 33.58 ± 7.78 years, mean height = 177.70 ± 7.28 cm, mean weight = 85.68 ± 14.52 kg, mean years of service: 6.74 ± 6.29 years) were recruited through preidentified local area commands. Spanning nine police stations from the same Australian state, volunteers wore monitoring devices to collect physiological measures (heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature) throughout the course of four consecutive shifts (two day shifts and two night shifts). Descriptive data were recorded and analyzed by task and changes in physiological measures. RESULTS: Of the 345 duty calls attended by participants, the four most commonly reported tasks were as follows: 'check bona fides' (n = 76; 22%), 'driving urgently' (n = 45; 13%), 'attending a domestic incident' (n = 37; 10%), and 'attending a concern for welfare' (n = 30; 8%). Mean percentages of maximum heart rates (%HRmax) were considered of very light exercise intensity and ranged from 47.11 (± 7.18) to 50.15 (± 9.35) % for checking bona fides through to driving urgently respectively. Fifteen percent of tasks attended had officers exceed 100 %HRmax (near maximal to maximal exercise intensity). Mean skin temperatures varied little (36.02-36.27°C) between tasks, while mean respiratory rates were lowest when attending a domestic incident and highest when driving urgently (22.56 ± 3.83 and 24.72 ± 6.12 breaths/min, respectively). CONCLUSION: Police officers experienced numerous physiological challenges ranging from an intensity of very light exercise through to near maximal and maximal exercise throughout their working day with occasions where their heart rates exceeded 100 %HRmax. These findings highlight the physiological stress associated with common occupational policing tasks, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health in police officers and the need for cardiovascular monitoring and conditioning.

Effects of Sex and Load Carried per Kilogram of Body Mass on Landing Technique.

Sex differences and heavy load carriage may contribute to the high rate of musculoskeletal injury in military recruits, particularly within the female population. Thus, the purposes of this study were to determine if load influenced landing quality differently in females compared to males and if load carried per kg body mass was associated to quality of landing. Twenty-eight participants were recruited for this study (males: n = 14; females: n = 14). Participants were grouped by sex. All twenty-eight participants performed three drop-jumps (DJ) under unloaded and loaded conditions. The loaded condition included a combat helmet, tactical vest, and rucksack (22 kg). Two cameras recorded in the frontal and sagittal directions during the three DJ trials. DJ trials were scored using the LESS. There was no significant difference in LESS difference scores between males and females, t(26) = -1.014, p = 0.320, 95% CI = -2.01 to 0.68. Load carried per kg body mass (r s = 0.401, p = 0.034) was significantly correlated to LESS rank order. The results suggest load does not significantly alter landing quality as measured by the LESS. However, participant body mass and load per kg of body may play a role in a person's ability to adapt to heavy loads.

The Effects of Firefighter Equipment and Gear on the Static and Dynamic Postural Stability of Fire Cadets.

BACKGROUND: Slips, trips, falls, and jumps were the second leading cause of injuries at the fireground. RESEARCH QUESTION: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of firefighter equipment and gear (EQG) on postural stability and determine if load per kg of body mass (L/BM) is associated with postural stability. METHODS: 26 male fire cadets (26.15 ±â€¯4.16 yr., 178.92 ±â€¯6.92 cm, 86.61 ±â€¯9.09 kg) were included in the analyses. Participants performed 3 single-leg landings (SLL) with and without EQG. The first 3 seconds of ground reaction forces following initial ground contact were used to calculate dynamic postural stability index (DPSI). Participants completed 2 static balance tasks (normal stability and limits of stability (LoS)) with and without EQG. Main outcome measures were overall LoS score (LoSS), direction-specific LoSS, and LoS distance (cm) of COP excursion (LoSD) in the anterior, posterior, right, and left directions. Separate paired-samples t-tests were run to determine the differences between load conditions for DPSI, overall LoSS, direction-specific LoSS, and LoSD in all directions. Bivariate correlations were conducted to determine the relationship of L/BM to DPSI, overall LoSS, and LoSS and LoSD in the anterior, posterior, right and left directions. RESULTS: Due to the use of multiple statistical tests, a Bonferroni correction was used, and the alpha level of .05 was adjusted to .005. DPSI was significantly higher loaded than unloaded, t(25) = -13.965, p < .001, d = 7.032, 95% CI, -0.133 to -0.099. No other comparisons were significant. A significant strong positive correlation (r(24) = .665, p < .001) was observed between L/BM and DPSI. No other correlations were significant. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that firefighter EQG may significantly impact a cadet's ability to maintain postural stability while performing their duties.

Unilateral Isometric Squat: Test Reliability, Interlimb Asymmetries, and Relationships With Limb Dominance.

ABSTRACT: Bishop, C, Read, P, Lake, J, Loturco, I, Dawes, J, Madruga, M, Romero-Rodrigues, D, Chavda, S, and Turner, A. Unilateral isometric squat: Test reliability, interlimb asymmetries, and relationships with limb dominance. J Strength Cond Res 35(2S): S144-S151, 2021-The aim of this study was to determine test reliability, establish interlimb asymmetries and their associations with force production capability on the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) limbs during the unilateral isometric squat test. Twenty-eight recreational sport athletes attended a single-test session after familiarization and performed 3 trials on each limb with 140° of hip and knee flexion, to assess peak force (PF), rate of force development (RFD), and impulse at different time intervals. Reliability, interlimb asymmetries, and Pearson's r correlations were computed thereafter. Test reliability was metric-dependent with only PF showing good levels of reliability on both limbs (coefficient of variation = 5.44-5.70; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93-0.94). Interlimb asymmetries ranged from 8.36 to 25.46%, with a tendency for RFD and impulse asymmetries to reduce as time intervals increased. Three significant negative relationships of a possible 49 (r = -0.43 to -0.47; p < 0.05) were found between asymmetries and performance on the D limb. However, 31 significant negative correlations (r = -0.42 to -0.71; p < 0.05) were found between asymmetries and performance on the ND limb. These findings demonstrate that practitioners may only be able to use PF as a reliable test metric during a unilateral isometric strength test. Furthermore, the negative association between asymmetries and strength performance on the ND limb may indicate that the reduction of imbalances through targeted training interventions may be warranted.

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.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on the Performance of Federal Highway Policemen in Physical Fitness Tests.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Bartel, C, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on the performance of Federal Highway Policemen in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 11-19, 2020-Personal protective equipment (PPE), worn by police officers, provides protection and can modify physiological and performance responses during physical efforts. Physiological, perceptual, and physical responses were compared with PPE (WPPE) and without PPE (NPPE) among the Brazilian Federal Highway Policemen (FHP). Nineteen (n = 19) FHP completed 2 experimental trials: NPPE and WPPE (load = 8.3 kg). Tests of aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, as well as change of direction speed (CODS) were performed under both conditions. Heart rate reductions were shown at the second ventilatory threshold (1.4%) and maximal exercise (1.5%) WPPE. In comparison with NPPE, physical performance in the WPPE condition showed decreases in the following: treadmill time at maximal exercise (21%, p < 0.001); time in the isometric trunk test (28.9%, p < 0.001); vertical jump height (11.6 and 10.5%, p < 0.001); standing long jump distance (7.3%, p < 0.001); bar hang time (14.8%, p < 0.05); and CODS (2.6%, p < 0.05). Results indicate that PPE use reduces physical performance of FHP in cardiorespiratory, strength, power, and CODS tests.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on Metabolism and Performance During an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police Officers.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Farias, CB, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on metabolism and performance during an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police officers. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1093-1102, 2020-Federal Highway Police (FHP) officers perform their duties while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Given the need for officers to wear PPE, it is important to understand the effects this additional load can have on occupational performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of load carriage on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses during an Occupational Physical Ability Test (OPAT). Thirteen male FHP officers completed an OPAT with PPE (WPPE, load = 12.0 kg) and without PPE (NPPE, load = 5.2 kg) in 2 separate sessions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Metabolic responses (heart rate [HR] and its variability, and blood lactate concentration [Lac]), perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and OPAT performance were measured. Paired t and Wilcoxon tests were used to identify differences between conditions, and 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was performed to analyze the results of Lac between the conditions. Occupational Physical Ability Test completion time was significantly greater in the WPPE condition compared with the NPPE condition (125.9 ± 13.8 vs. 118.3 ± 11 seconds, p < 0.01). Lac after the OPAT was higher in the NPPE condition compared with the WPPE (respectively 11.7 ± 2.7 vs. 9.6 ± 1.5 mmol·L, p < 0.05). The HRmax (NPPE = 180.5 ± 8.9 vs. WPPE = 178.3 ± 6.6 b·min, p = 0.44) and RPE (NPPE = 8.6 ± 0.8 vs. WPPE = 8.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.77) were not different between conditions. Personal protective equipment reduces performance in specific occupational circuit, changing Lac but without affecting HR and RPE. Strength and conditioning programs for FHP should aim to reduce the negative impact of additional load associate with wearing PPE.

Associations between Fitness Measures and Change of Direction Speeds with and without Occupational Loads in Female Police Officers.

Female police officers may be required to pursue offenders on foot while wearing occupational loads. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between fitness measures and change of direction speed (CODS) in female police officers and the influence of their occupational loads. Retrospective data were provided for 27 female police officers (age = 32.19 ± 5.09 y, height = 162.78 ± 5.01 cm, and mass = 71.31 ± 13.42 kg) and included fitness measures of: lower-body power (standing long jump (SLJ)), upper-body and trunk muscle endurance (push-up (PU) and sit-up (SU)), aerobic power (estimated VO2max), and CODS (Illinois agility test). The CODS test was performed without and with occupational load (10 kg). Paired sample t-tests (between-load conditions) and Pearson's correlations (relationships between measures) were performed with linear regression analysis used to account for the contribution of measures to unloaded and loaded CODS performance. CODS was significantly slower when loaded (unloaded = ~23.17 s, loaded = ~24.14 s, p < 0.001) with a strong, significant relationship between load conditions (r = 0.956, p < 0.001). Moderate to strong, significant relationships were found between all fitness measures ranging from estimated VO2max (r = -0.448) to SU (r = -0.673) in the unloaded condition, with the strength of these relationships increasing in the loaded condition accounting for 61% to 67% of the variance, respectively. While unloaded agility test performance was strongly associated with loaded performance, female police officer CODS was significantly reduced when carrying occupational loads. A variety of fitness measures that influence officer CODS performances become increasingly important when occupational loads are carried.

Age-related body composition differences in female police officers / Diferencias de composición corporal relacionadas con la edad en oficiales de la policía femenina

SUMMARY: Since performance in police occupations may depend on body composition and physical abilities, women are less likely to become police officers. However, information on age-related differences in body composition among female police officers (FPO) barely exists. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between age and body composition in FPO. Body composition of 95 FPO was assessed and divided into 4 age groups: 21-25 (age = 23.58 ± 0.84 years, body height [BH] = 1.61 ± 0.04 m, body mass [BM] = 65.55 ± 12.59 kg); 26-30 (age = 28.24 ± 1.20 years, BH = 1.61 ± 0.04 m, BM = 72.08 ± 12.80 kg); 31-35 (age = 32.73 ± 1.59 years, BH = 1.62 ± 0.06 m, BM = 74.88 ± 12.22 kg); and 36-40 (age = 37.71 ± 1.40 years, BH = 1.61 ± 0.08 cm, BM = 77.38 ± 11.61 kg). Eight body composition characteristics were measured using bioelectrical impedance (InBody 720): BM, body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), fat mass (FM), trunk fat mass (TFM), percent body fat mass (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and percent skeletal muscle mass (PSMM). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc test (p<0.05) and Cohen's effect size (ES) were used to determine significant differences in anthropometric variables by age. Statistically significant differences occurred in BM (F = 3.412, p = 0.021), BMI (F = 3.662, p = 0.015), FM (F = 3.411, p = 0.021) and FMI (F = 3.479, p = 0.019). A large inverse ES occurred in trend of age-related differences in PBF and PSMM. The BM is higher relative to age due to FM, which may cause a decrease in PSMM. The most critical period seems to be between 30-35 years.

RESUMEN: Debido a que el desempeño en los trabajos policiales puede depender de la composición corporal y las capacidades físicas, las mujeres tienen menos probabilidades de convertirse en agentes de policía. Sin embargo, existe escasa información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con la edad en la composición corporal entre las mujeres policías (MP). Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre la edad y la composición corporal en la MP. La composición corporal de 95 MP se evaluó y dividió en 4 grupos etarios: 21-25 (edad = 23.58 ± 0.84 años, altura corporal [AC] = 1.61 ± 0.04 m, masa corporal [MC] = 65,55 ± 12,59 kg); 26-30 (edad = 28,24 ± 1.20 años, AC = 1,61 ± 0,04 m, MC = 72,08 ± 12,80 kg); 31-35 (edad = 32,73 ± 1,59 años, AC = 1,62 ± 0,06 m, MC = 74,88 ± 12,22 kg); y 36-40 (edad = 37,71 ± 1.40 años, AC = 1,61 ± 0,08 cm, MC = 77,38 ± 11,61 kg). Se midieron ocho características de la composición corporal utilizando la impedancia bioeléctrica (InBody 720): MC, índice de masa corporal (IMC), índice de masa grasa (IMC), masa grasa (MG), masa grasa del tronco (MGT), porcentaje de masa corporal grasa (PMC) , masa muscular esquelética (MME) y porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética (PMME). Se utilizó un análisis de varianza multivariable (MANOVA) con la prueba post-hoc de Bonferroni (p <0.05) y el tamaño del efecto de Cohen (ES) para determinar diferencias significativas en las variables antropométricas por edad. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en MC (G = 3,412, p = 0,021), IMC (G = 3,662, p = 0,015), MG (G = 3,411, p = 0,021) y IMG (G = 3,479, p = 0,019). Se produjo un ES inverso grande en la tendencia de las diferencias relacionadas con la edad en PGC y PMME. La MC es más alta en relación con la edad debido a la MG, lo que puede causar una disminución en el PMME. El período más crítico parece ser entre 30-35 años.

Use of human body morphology as an indication of physical fitness: implications for police officers / Uso de la morfología del cuerpo humano como una indicación de la condición física: implicancias en oficiales de policía

Research with police officers (POs) suggests an association between body composition, physical performance and health. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between body composition and measures of physical fitness, and their use to predict estimated physical fitness score (EPFS). The sample included 163 male POs (age = 31.61 ± 4.79 years, height = 172.97 ± 6.09 cm, body mass = 77.53 ± 11.66 kg). Eight body composition variables: body mass index (BMI), body fat mass index (BFMI), percent of body fat (PBF), percent skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), index of hypokinezia (IH), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), protein mass index (PMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI); and four physical fitness measures: a 3.2 km run, a 2-minute push-up, 2-minute sit-up and estimated physical fitness score (EPFS) were correlated, followed by the regression analysis for causal relationship between body composition and EPFS. Running 3.2 km test correlated to BMI, PBF, PSMM, BFMI, and SMMI (r = 0.274, 0.250, -0.234, 0.311, p<0.01, respectively); 2-minute push-up correlated to PBF, PSMM, BFMI, SMMI, PMI, IH, and FFMI (r = -0.413, 0.436, -0.375, 0.221, 0.231, -0.411, 0.261, p<0.01, respectively); 2-minute sit-up correlated to PBF, PSMM, BFMI, and IH (r = -0.237, 0.250, -0.236, -0.218, p<0.01, respectively); and EPFS correlated to BMI, FFMI, PBF, PSMM, BFMI, and IH (r = -0.200, 0.168, p<0.05, and r = -0.369, 0.378, 0.376, -0.317, p <0.01, respectively). Two models of predictions were extracted: 1) PBF, BFMI, PMI and FFMI (R2 = 0.250, p<0.001); 2) PBF, BFMI and PMI (R2 = 0.244, p<0.001). Obtained prediction models may be a promising screening method of a POs' fitness, when conducting the physical tests is not possible or safe (obese and injured POs or bad weather conditions).

En este trabajo realizado con oficiales de policía (OP) se sugiere una asociación entre la composición corporal y el rendimiento físico y la salud. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar las asociaciones entre la composición corporal y las medidas de aptitud física, y su uso para predecir el puntaje de aptitud física estimado (PAFE). La muestra incluyó 163 OP masculinos (edad = 31,61 ± 4,79 años, altura = 172,97 ± 6,09 cm, masa corporal = 77,53 ± 11,66 kg). Se analizaron ocho variables de composición corporal: índice de masa corporal (IMC), índice de masa corporal grasa (IMCG), porcentaje de grasa corporal (PGC), porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética (PMME), índice de hipoquinezia (IH), índice de masa muscular esquelética (IMME), índice de masa proteica (IMP) e índice de masa libre de grasa (IMLG); y cuatro medidas de aptitud física: se correlacionaron una carrera de 3,2 km, una elevación de 2 minutos, una postura de 2 minutos y un puntaje de aptitud física estimada (PAFE), seguido del análisis de regresión para la relación causal entre la composición corporal y el PAFE. La prueba de ejecución de 3,2 km se correlacionó con el IMC, PGC, PMME, IMCG y IMME (r = 0,274, 0,250, -0,234, 0,311, p <0,01, respectivamente); Push-up de 2 minutos correlacionado con PGC, PMME, IMCG, IMME, PMI, IH y IMLG (r = -0,413, 0,436, -0,375, 0,221, 0,231, 0,411, 0,261, p <0,01, respectivamente); Sit-up de 2 minutos correlacionado con PGC, PMME, IMCG e IH (r = -0,237, 0,250, 0,236, -0,218, p <0,01, respectivamente); y EPFS correlacionado con IMC, IMLG, PGC , PMME, IGMC e IH (r = -0,200, 0,168, p <0,05, y r = -0,369, 0,378, 0,376, -0,317, p <0,01, respectivamente). Se extrajeron dos modelos de predicción: 1) PGC, IGMC, IMP y IMLG (R2 = 0,250, p <0,001); 2) PGC, IGMC y IMP (R2 = 0,244, p <0,00). Los modelos de predicción obtenidos pueden ser un método prometedor de detección de la condición física de los OP, cuando no es posible o seguro realizar las pruebas físicas (OP obesos y lesionados o condiciones climáticas adversas).

The Use of 2 Conditioning Programs and the Fitness Characteristics of Police Academy Cadets.

CONTEXT: Police academy training must physically prepare cadets for the rigors of their occupational tasks to prevent injury and allow them to adequately perform their duties. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2 physical training programs on multiple fitness measures in police cadets. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Police training academy. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: We collected data from 70 male (age = 27.4 ± 5.9 years, body weight = 85.4 ± 11.8 kg) and 20 female (age = 30.5 ± 5.8 years, body weight = 62.8 ± 11.0 kg) police cadets and analyzed data from 61 male cadets (age = 27.5 ± 5.5 years, body weight = 87.7 ± 13.2 kg). INTERVENTION(S): Participants completed one of two 6-month training programs. The randomized training group (RTG; n = 50), comprising 4 separate and sequential groups (n = 13, n = 11, n = 13, n = 13), completed a randomized training program that incorporated various strength and endurance exercises chosen on the day of training. The periodized group (PG; n = 11) completed a periodized training program that alternated specific phases of training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Anthropometric fitness measures were body weight, fat mass, and lean body mass. Muscular and metabolic fitness measures were 1-repetition maximum bench press, push-up and sit-up repetitions performed in 1 minute, vertical jump, 300-m sprint, and 2.4-km run. RESULTS: The RTG demonstrated improvements in all outcome measures between pretraining and posttraining; however, the improvements varied among the 4 individual RTGs. Conversely, the PG displayed improvements in only 3 outcome measures (push-ups, sit-ups, and 300-m sprint) but approached the level of significance set for this study (P < .01) in body weight, fat mass, and 1-repetition maximum bench press. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of format, physical training programs can improve the fitness of tactical athletes. In general, physical fitness measures appeared to improve more in the RTG than in the PG. However, this observation varied among groups, and injury rates were not compared.

The effect of position on the percentage of body mass supported during traditional and modified push-up variants.

The push-up is a popular upper-extremity weight-bearing exercise. However, limited information is available regarding its effectiveness. Much of the past research has focused on muscle activation levels, whereas very little has examined the forces encountered during push-up variants. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of position within the range of motion on the percentage of body mass (BM) supported by the upper extremities during the traditional and modified (knees-down) push-up. Twenty-eight highly strength-trained male subjects were positioned with their hands on a force platform in 4 static positions, consisting of the up and down position in both the traditional and modified push-up exercise. The performance measures included the average vertical ground reaction force (GRF), expressed as a percentage of BM, supported in each of the 4 static positions and the percentage of change between the up and down positions in each push-up exercise. In both the traditional and modified push-ups, subjects supported less weight in the up vs. the down position. The percentage change in % BM from the up to the down position was greater in the modified push-up variant. The pattern of resistances to the push-up exercises observed in this study may be a result of differing moment arms between the support surface contact point (knees or feet) and the hands. These results may be useful in prescribing programs for strengthening and/or rehabilitation for both the prime movers and stabilizers of the upper extremity. Further, range of motion may need to be altered to accommodate strength differences in beginners and clients rehabilitating from injury.