Development of a Fitness Test Battery for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Operators—A Pilot Study

This investigation examined relationships between a Special Weapons and Tactics-specific fitness test (SORT) and an obstacle course (OC) used for qualification in fourteen male SWAT members from three local, regional police departments. The SORT included: squat, pushup, and lunge in 60 s; pullup hold; sled drag; and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test L1. The obstacle course included: 25 m sprint (repeated); window ascent; scale under a wall; 25 m serpentine run (repeated), body drag (20 m, repeated). Pearson coefficients examined SORT and OC relationships (p ≤ 0.05); intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) assessed agreement of SORT trials. Repeated measures ANOVA evaluated differences in SORT metrics across time. Coefficients of variation (COV) examined SORT scoring consistency. The YoYo test was related to all SORT assessments (r = −0.803–0.894), except sled drag. The remaining SORT metrics were related to ≥two tests. SORT COVs ranged from 0.77–13.26% for trials 1–2 but decreased between trials 2–3 (0.95–8.97%). The OC was associated with YoYo, lunges, squats and sled drag (r = −0.790, −0.730, −0.766, and 0.802, respectively). No differences (p > 0.05) existed across SORT trials for event scores. The SORT battery appears to be a valid and reliable testing measure to assess SWAT occupational specific fitness.

PEMANFAATAN ABU DASAR (BOTTOM ASH) DAN KAPUR SEBAGAI PENGGANTI SEBAGIAN SEMEN PADA PAVING BLOCK SESUAI DENGAN SNI 03-0691-1996

The purpose of this research is to utilize bottom ash and lime as substitute partial cement to know quality of product based on SNI 03-0691-1996 about paving block both physically and mechanically so that can reduce amount of B3 waste unused. This research used an experimental method, the population of paving block using bottom ash and lime as substitute partial of cement within 5 percentage 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% of the amount of cement used in the normal mix. This research examined the six test, namely: testing of compressive test, wear resistance, resistance to sodium sulfate, water absorption and testing measure. The result showed that the difference of quality of product which have different percentage.Percentage 25% and 30% showed B quality based on SNI 03-0691-1996. Percentage 35% showed C quality and 40% showed a D quality based on SNI 03-0691-1996. Percentage 45% showed result below quality based on SNI 03-0691-1996. The optimum paving block produced in this research is 30% which has average 20,66 MPa result on compressive test and maximum 21,86 MPa, 0,086 mm/minute maximum for wear resistance from 35% percentage and 2,25% is maximum amount for water absorption test from 30% percentage. In this research all product which used bottom ash and lime has average 0.744% resistance of sodium sulfate.

A Multimethod Investigation Into Physical Activity in Midlife Women

Background:Physical inactivity in midlife women is associated with increased intra-abdominal adipose tissue development. We describe an innovative multimethod study 1) to better understand barriers to physical activity (PA) and 2) to engage midlife women to product test physical activities and identify local community-based providers and sustainable and fun PA experiences.Methods:Formative research on PA barriers from the Chicago site Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) ancillary study of midlife women was used to develop a pilot testing measure. Feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of the PA activities were determined using the measure.Results:Desirable locations and/or instructors were identified. The first 2 groups identified, pilot tested, and then ranked activities for their ability to promote sustained PA. The 6 top-ranked were: circuit training, total body fitness, kickboxing, Zumba, Pilates, and pedometer. The final group pilot tested highly ranked PA in 2-week blocks, and ranked pedometer and Zumba in their top 3.Conclusion:Consensus was reached regarding activities that could be valuable in promoting sustained PA in midlife women. Choosing convenient sites and popular instructors further facilitates sustainability. Building relationships with key community partners is essential for sustainability. Community-based participant involvement in study design is a critical element in developing a healthy living intervention.