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.

Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, and Dulla, JM. Recruit fitness standards from a large law enforcement agency: Between-class comparisons, percentile rankings, and implications for physical training. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 934–941, 2020—Law enforcement can be a physically demanding profession. Many agencies use a “one-size-fits-all” academy training approach, which may not be optimal for all recruits. There is also little information that benchmarks fitness of law enforcement recruits. The purpose of this study was to analyze between-academy class differences in fitness, as well as produce normative data for the development of strength and conditioning programs. A retrospective analysis of 908 recruits (761 men and 147 women), comprising 11 classes from one agency, was used. Fitness assessment data included push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers in 120 seconds; pull-ups; 201-m run; and 2.4-km run. A one-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc adjustment revealed that fitness varied significantly between classes. Class 11 completed less sit-ups than 6 other classes (p ≤ 0.033) and were slower in the 201-m and 2.4-km run than 5 classes (p ≤ 0.005). Class 7 completed less push-ups than 3 classes (p ≤ 0.036) and less mountain climbers and were slower in the 201-m run than 5 classes (p ≤ 0.005). Individual recruit analysis and percentile data indicated a wide spread of all assessment results and the effects upon female recruits. For example, 81% of women completed ≤2 pull-ups and were in the bottom 2 percentile bands; 72–76% of women were in the bottom 3 bands for push-ups and the 201-m run. Fitness varies from class-to-class, and female recruits will generally be less physically fit. Training staff should ideally implement individualized, ability-based programming where appropriate to train their recruits.

This study investigated the influence of fitness on academy graduation, and any between-sex differences, in law enforcement recruits. Data collected at the start of four training academies were retrospectively analyzed, including: age, height, and body mass; waist circumference; waist-to-hip ratio; grip strength; vertical jump (VJ); 75-yard pursuit run; 2-kg medicine ball throw (MBT); push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions in 60 s; and 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) shuttles. Recruits were categorized into graduated (GRAD=269) and separated (did not graduate; SEP=42) groups. SEP recruits were not split according to separation reasons, just whether they did or not. This categorization also occurred for males (GRAD=228, SEP=32) and females (GRAD=41, SEP=10). Independent samples t-tests calculated between-group differences for all recruits combined, males, and females.Correlations and stepwise linear regression calculated relationships between the data and graduation. The t-test (p≤0.016) and correlation (r=±0.137-0.296, p<0.05) data indicated SEP recruits (both sexes combined) were older, and performed poorer in every fitness test except grip strength and VJ. SEP males were older and performed poorer in all tests except grip strength (p≤0.009). SEP females scored lower in the arm ergometer (p=0.008). The regression equation for all recruits found that age, 20MSFT (aerobic fitness), MBT (upper-body power), and arm ergometer (upper-body endurance) were academy graduation predictors (r 2 =0.169, p<0.001). For the male recruits, the predictors were age, MBT, and 20MSFT (r 2 =0.182, p≤0.001); for female recruits, arm ergometer and 20MSFT (r 2 =0.213, p≤0.003). Recruits should improve multiple fitness aspects, including muscular endurance, power, and aerobic fitness, to enhance graduation potential.

This study investigated relationships that linear speed and lower-body power have on change-of-direction (COD) speed in collegiate women soccer players. Data from two Division I (n = 39) and one Division II (n = 18) schools were analyzed. Subjects were assessed in: power (vertical jump (VJ); jump height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM); linear speed (10-m sprint); and COD speed (modified T-test (MTT), 505, COD deficit). Independent samples T-tests derived significant between-group differences, with effect sizes (d) calculated. Pearson’s correlations determined relationships between COD speed, linear speed, and power, with regression equations calculated. Division I players demonstrated superior 505, COD deficit, VJ height, PAPw, and P:BM (d = 1.09–2.21). Division II players were faster in the MTT (d = 1.51). For all players, the 505 correlated with the 10-m sprint (r = 0.39–0.53) and VJ height (r = −0.65–0.66), while the COD deficit related to the 10-m sprint (r = −0.77–0.82). The regression data supported these results. Division I players were superior in the 505 and COD deficit, and expressed their power in the 180° 505 task. Division II players should enhance lower-body power and the ability to perform 180° direction changes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between pre-season testing performance and playing time within a men's Division II basketball team. Methods: Archival data from pre-season athletic performance testing for ten (n=10) male NCAA Division II basketball players was collected and analyzed to determine if there was a relationship between anthropometric data (height, weight, wingspan), physical performance tests (vertical jump height, lane agility test, 5 and 20 m sprint time, National Basketball League (NBA) line drill and 20 m multi-stage fitness test (MSFT)), and playing time in the subsequent collegiate season. Results: Pearson's product moment correlations revealed significant correlations were observed between playing time and predicted 1-RM bench press (r≥0.71) and 1-RM back squat (r≥0.74). Conclusion: These results reveal the importance of upper and lower body strength to determine playing time for Division II basketball players. Based on these results, coaches should emphasize the importance of resistance training to develop upper and lower body strength to increase playing time in Division II collegiate athletes.