scholarly journals The Physical Fitness Effects of a Week-Long Specialist Tactical Police Selection Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Schram ◽  
Jeremy Robinson ◽  
Robin Orr
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Police Selection ◽  
Special Operations ◽  
Jump Velocity ◽  
The Right ◽  
Tactical Teams

Specialist police tactical teams, like special operations military personnel, are tasked with dangerous, high risk missions which are beyond the scope of general police. Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these teams are physiologically and psychologically demanding. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a five-day selection course to aid in candidate preparation and course planning. Measures included body mass, grip strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, and a vertical jump assessment. Eleven candidates finished the selection course with significant decreases in body mass (−2.05 kg, p = 0.006 (95% CI = 3.65–0.45)), grip strength in the right (−14.48 kg, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 21.32–7.64)) and left (−14.27 kg, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 21.89–6.66)) hands and in sit-and-reach flexibility (−6.64 cm, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 9.94–3.33)). No significant decreases in power output or peak jump velocity of 669.77 W (95% CI = 1942.92–603.39) and 0.28 m/s (95% CI = 0.69–0.14) were found and a non-significant, overall increase in vertical jump height of 6.09 cm (95% CI = −6.08 to 18.79) was seen. Decreases in body mass, grip strength and lower limb flexibility are evident in a grueling five-day selection course. Individuals planning on attending these courses should plan for these negative effects and build redundancy into their performance to minimize the effects of fatigue, decrease injury risk and maximize chances of completion.

Increase in Injury Risk With Low Body Mass and Aerobic-Running Fitness in Elite Australian Football

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul B. Gastin ◽  
Denny Meyer ◽  
Emy Huntsman ◽  
Jill Cook
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Tall Stature ◽  
Injury Incidence ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Australian Football ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Purpose:To assess the relationships between player characteristics (including age, playing experience, ethnicity, and physical fitness) and in-season injury in elite Australian football.Design:Single-cohort, prospective, longitudinal study.Methods:Player characteristics (height, body mass, age, experience, ethnicity, playing position), preseason fitness (6-min run, 40-m sprint, 6 × 40-m sprint, vertical jump), and in-season injury data were collected over 4 seasons from 1 professional Australian football club. Data were analyzed for 69 players, for a total of 3879 player rounds and 174 seasons. Injury risk (odds ratio [OR]) and injury severity (matches missed; rate ratio [RR]) were assessed using a series of multilevel univariate and multivariate hierarchical linear models.Results:A total of 177 injuries were recorded with 494 matches missed (2.8 ± 3.3 matches/injury). The majority (87%) of injuries affected the lower body, with hamstring (20%) and groin/hip (14%) most prevalent. Nineteen players (28%) suffered recurrent injuries. Injury incidence was increased in players with low body mass (OR = 0.887, P = .005), with poor 6-min-run performance (OR = 0.994, P = .051), and playing as forwards (OR = 2.216, P = .036). Injury severity was increased in players with low body mass (RR = 0.892, P = .008), tall stature (RR = 1.131, P = .002), poor 6-min-run (RR = 0.990, P = .006), and slow 40-m-sprint (RR = 3.963, P = .082) performance.Conclusions:The potential to modify intrinsic risk factors is greatest in the preseason period, and improvements in aerobic-running fitness and increased body mass may protect against in-season injury in elite Australian football.

scholarly journals What is the impact of fitness on injury risk during police academy training? A retrospective cohort study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Tomes ◽  
Benjamin Schram ◽  
Rodney Pope ◽  
Robin Orr
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Police Department ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Ability Test ◽  
Academy Training ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Recruit Training ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: In the conduct of their daily duties, law enforcement officers (LEO) are often required to perform dynamic, physically demanding tasks with little or no notice, sometimes at maximal levels of exertion. Given these requirements, training for prospective LEOs must be rigorous enough to ensure that when trainees graduate, they are competent in their response to crisis and resilient enough to maintain this for the span of their career. Therefore, based on previously reported effectiveness of fitness testing in predicting injury risk in predominantly military settings, the aim of this study was to investigate relationships between a physical ability test (PAT) and risk of injury during police recruit training. Methods: Retrospective PAT results and trainee injury records were obtained from a national police department and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to investigate fitness differences between trainees who were, or were not, injured. Results: Significant differences in mean performance between groups existed for the following PAT components: pushups (injured mean 32.94±8.66 reps, uninjured mean 35.67±9.04 reps, p=0.01) and (R) grip strength (injured mean 49.61±12.51kg, uninjured mean 52.12±11.17kg, p=0.042) for all injuries; vertical jump height (injured mean 51.75±7.54cm, uninjured mean 55.06±8.19cm, p=0.032) for lower limb injuries, and all measures of grip strength for trunk injury. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that a clinically relevant relationship between some PAT fitness components and injury risk exists during police recruit training.

scholarly journals A Descriptive Physical Profile of Western Australian Male Paramedics

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Chapman ◽  
J Peiffer ◽  
C Abbiss ◽  
P Laursen
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Test Body ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Physical Conditioning ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
Special Operations ◽  
Physical Profile

Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the physical characteristics of a group of West Australian male paramedics. Methods Data was collected from conventional (CO) (n=18) and special operations (SO) (n=11) officers undergoing occupational performance evaluations as contracted by St. John Ambulance Australia to an external independent third party. Using a series of field-based physical conditioning tests, aerobic capacity (multistage shuttle run test), body composition (skinfolds), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscular strength (5 stage abdominal and grip strength), muscular endurance (sit-ups, push-ups and chin-ups in 60 seconds (s)), power (vertical jump height), and anaerobic capacity/agility using the Bangsbo agility test were examined. Results The average predicted aerobic capacity of all officers was 45.8±5.2 ml·kg·min-1 (mean ± SD). Mean rating of abdominal strength was 4±1 and mean grip strength was 52±9 kg. The maximum number of sit-ups, push-ups and chin-ups performed in 60 s was 21±11, 40±12 and 7±5, respectively. Significantly more push-ups were completed for SO than for CO. Percentage body fat was significantly lower for SO than for CO. Fatigue index score (Bangsbo test) were significantly lower for SO than for CO. Conclusion The physical fitness profile of our sample indicated above normal levels of aerobic capacity, local muscle endurance and muscle strength, which likely contributes to workplace performance competency. However the fitness profile highlighted a potential deficiency in anaerobic capacity. Paramedics may benefit from a physical conditioning program with emphasis on their ability to operate at a greater functional capacity for higher repeated near maximal efforts.

scholarly journals Angular Kinematics and Physical Fitness Analysis of Tall height and Short Height Javelin Throwers- A Case Study of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 829-833
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zia ul Haq ◽  
Tasleem Arif ◽  
Muhammad Akhtar Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Angular Position ◽  
Throw Distance ◽  
The Right ◽  
Javelin Throwers

This study was designed to compare the physical fitness and angular position of the university level javelin throwers. Eight tall height and (n = 08) short height javelin throwers were selected for data collection. A handgrip dynamometer, stadiometer, and weight balance were used for the measurements of physical fitness. Two video cameras a Kinovea software was utilized for video analysis of the Javelin throws. The selected variables were stature, body mass, standing broad jump, maximum bench press handgrip strength, the javelin throw distance. The angle of knee joint, elbow joints, and stride length was selected variables while performing the javelin throw. An independent t-test was applied to find mean difference among tall and short height javelin thrower. The result showed the distance of javelin throw, handgrip strength, maximum bench press, vertical jump, and standing broad jump of tall height throwers were significantly higher than short height javelin throwers. On the other hand, the tall height throwers were also significantly higher in extension of right elbow, right knee, and stride length than the short height at the time of the javelin release from hand. It was concluded the longer arms, body mass, and angular kinematics of javelin throwers are associated with the better performance. It is suggested the physical fitness would be include in the selection of javelin throw and angular movement of the right knee and elbow focused on training of javelin thrower.

scholarly journals Asymmetry of Muscle Mass Distribution and Grip Strength in Professional Handball Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1913
Author(s):  
Marcin Lijewski ◽  
Anna Burdukiewicz ◽  
Jadwiga Pietraszewska ◽  
Justyna Andrzejewska ◽  
Aleksandra Stachoń
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Movement ◽  
The Body ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Morphological Asymmetry ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
The Right

Handball is among the disciplines that impose a significant degree of asymmetry on the body movement. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of physical effort on the occurrence of asymmetry in body musculature and in isometric strength of handball players. The study examined 36 professional handball players. Players’ height and body mass were measured as to calculate their body mass indexes (BMIs). Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (SBIA) was used to assess: the percentage of fat mass, total muscle mass (MM), musculature of the right and left side of the body, and body segments (trunk, upper and lower limbs). Moreover, grip strength was also measured. The assessment confirmed the existence of discrepancies in the right and left sides of players’ bodies for the majority of the parameters. Cross-asymmetry and significant bilateral discrepancies in trunk musculature were also observed. Morphological asymmetry may impact performance in sports since it can cause unfavorable functional changes, which in turn increase the risk of injury and conditions caused by overexertion. Therefore, we believe it is important to emphasize the importance of individualized symmetrization during sports practice and consistent monitoring of the asymmetries occurring in different body parts; this should both improve one’s sports results and minimize the risk of injury.

scholarly journals Changes in Children’s Body Composition and Posture during Puberty Growth

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Wojciech Rusek ◽  
Joanna Baran ◽  
Justyna Leszczak ◽  
Marzena Adamczyk ◽  
Rafał Baran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Pelvic Obliquity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Posture ◽  
Older Children ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right

The main goal of our study was to determine how the age of children, puberty and anthropometric parameters affect the formation of body composition and faulty body posture development in children. The secondary goal was to determine in which body segments abnormalities most often occur and how gender differentiates the occurrence of adverse changes in children’s body posture and body composition during puberty. The study group consisted of 464 schoolchildren aged from 6–16. Body posture was assessed with the Zebris system. The composition of the body mass was tested with Tanita MC 780 MA body mass analyzer and the body height was measured using a portable stadiometer PORTSTAND 210. The participants were further divided due to the age of puberty. Tanner division was adopted. The cut-off age for girls is ≥10 years and for boys it is ≥12 years. The analyses applied descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation, stepwise regression analysis and the t-test. The accepted level of significance was p < 0.05. The pelvic obliquity was lower in older children (beta = −0.15). We also see that age played a significant role in the difference in the height of the right pelvis (beta = −0.28), and the difference in the height of the right shoulder (beta = 0.23). Regression analysis showed that the content of adipose tissue (FAT%) increased with body mass index (BMI) and decreased with increasing weight, age, and height. Moreover, the FAT% was lower in boys than in girls (beta negative equal to −0.39). It turned out that older children (puberty), had greater asymmetry in the right shoulder blade (p < 0.001) and right shoulder (p = 0.003). On the other hand, younger children (who were still before puberty) had greater anomalies in the left trunk inclination (p = 0.048) as well as in the pelvic obliquity (p = 0.008). Girls in puberty were characterized by greater asymmetry on the right side, including the shoulders (p = 0.001), the scapula (p = 0.001) and the pelvis (p < 0.001). In boys, the problem related only to the asymmetry of the shoulder blades (p < 0.001). Girls were characterized by a greater increase in adipose tissue and boys by muscle tissue. Significant differences also appeared in the body posture of the examined children. Greater asymmetry within scapulas and shoulders were seen in children during puberty. Therefore, a growing child should be closely monitored to protect them from the adverse consequences of poor posture or excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in the body.

scholarly journals The dynamic association between body mass index and cognition from midlife through late-life, and the effect of sex and genetic influences

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida K. Karlsson ◽  
Margaret Gatz ◽  
Thalida Em Arpawong ◽  
Anna K. Dahl Aslan ◽  
Chandra A. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Genetic Predisposition ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
European Ancestry ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Dynamic Relationship

AbstractBody mass index (BMI) is associated with cognitive abilities, but the nature of the relationship remains largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the bidirectional relationship from midlife through late-life, while considering sex differences and genetic predisposition to higher BMI. We used data from 23,892 individuals of European ancestry from the Health and Retirement Study, with longitudinal data on BMI and three established cognitive indices: mental status, episodic memory, and their sum, called total cognition. To investigate the dynamic relationship between BMI and cognitive abilities, we applied dual change score models of change from age 50 through 89, with a breakpoint at age 65 or 70. Models were further stratified by sex and genetic predisposition to higher BMI using tertiles of a polygenic score for BMI (PGSBMI). We demonstrated bidirectional effects between BMI and all three cognitive indices, with higher BMI contributing to steeper decline in cognitive abilities in both midlife and late-life, and higher cognitive abilities contributing to less decline in BMI in late-life. The effects of BMI on change in cognitive abilities were more evident in men compared to women, and among those in the lowest tertile of the PGSBMI compared to those in the highest tertile, while the effects of cognition on BMI were similar across groups. In conclusion, these findings highlight a reciprocal relationship between BMI and cognitive abilities, indicating that the negative effects of a higher BMI persist from midlife through late-life, and that weight-loss in late-life may be driven by cognitive decline.

Are roads and traffic sources of physiological stress for the Florida scrub-jay?

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina M. Morgan ◽  
Travis E. Wilcoxen ◽  
Michelle A. Rensel ◽  
Stephan J. Schoech
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Florida Scrub ◽  
The Road ◽  
Threatened And Endangered Species ◽  
Chronic Stressor

Context Anthropogenic disturbances induce physiological and behavioural responses in numerous species. The negative effects of human disturbance are of special concern to threatened and endangered species. Aims The present study aims to compare physiological stress measures and reproductive success of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) living near roads with jays that live away from roads. Specifically, it aims to test whether roads are stressful. Methods We assessed physiological measures that can serve as indicators of ‘stress’ to determine whether a highway that bisects our study site had physiological effects on adult male Florida scrub-jays. We captured male breeders from three territory types, including scrub habitat that (1) bordered a highway with a grassy shoulder that created an ‘edge’ habitat (roadside), (2) bordered human-maintained habitat (a plowed firebreak of sand with adjacent pasture) that served as a control for the edge-effect of the road (pasture) and (3) contained only natural scrub habitat (interior). We measured baseline concentrations of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT), body mass, and a suite of longitudinal body measures to generate a body condition index in males from each territory type over three breeding seasons. Key results Roadside jays had greater body mass than did interior and pasture jays, although there were no differences in overall baseline CORT concentrations or body condition among territory classes. There was no difference in clutch initiation date or size and nestling and independent-young survival. Conclusions Our results suggest that the road through our study site has physiological effects on Florida scrub-jays; however, there is mixed evidence as to whether it acts as a chronic stressor. Implications Our findings provide evidence that roads and road-associated disturbance has neutral or potentially beneficial physiological effects of roads on Florida scrub-jays. Knowledge of these effects of roads and disturbance on jays will hopefully provide additional opportunities to improve conservation of this species.

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