Abstract:A number of research studies have indicated a wide variation in the physical fitness of law enforcement recruits prior to academy training. This paper provides a literature review regarding current training practices, and the associated limitations, specific to recruits during academy.Collectively, this information indicates the need for ability-based, individualized training for recruits during academy, which is not always the model adopted for a variety of reasons. Practical applications relative to this ana… Show more
“…Circuit training is commonly used within tactical populations [19][20][21], often because of the logistics and challenges present in academy physical training [18]. If circuit training is correctly implemented, this modality can lead to improvements in strength and aerobic fitness [24,25].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Making ability-based modifications to training in law enforcement recruits can reduce the risk of overtraining and injury, which can occur when recruits work beyond their physical capacity [7,57]. Granted, training staff can encounter many challenges when attempting to implement individuated training, both from a logistical and staff perspective [18]. However, there are some modifications training staff could make to their circuit training to utilized a more ability-based focus.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The test was performed on a basketball court, with approximately 12 inch (~31 cm) high bleacher seats used for the step. Although it could have been beneficial to customize step heights to all recruits, this was not realistic within the training and testing environment for CA recruits, as a result of the logistics surround law enforcement training academies [18]. Recruits completed the step test in groups of 6-8, such that they could be paired up with a tester to measure their recovery HR.…”
Section: Ymca Step Testmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Training staff encounter many challenges when conducting their physical training sessions during academy, including space and equipment limitations, and a high recruit-to-staff ratio [18]. Accordingly, staff often use training modalities that can be completed by one group, or a limited number of groups, within a restricted space without the need for traditional gym equipment.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…While many practitioners may assume this, it is essential to specifically detail this in CA recruit populations. This is important given that culture and tradition may drive training approaches in law enforcement academies [18,30], potentially more so than the best training practices. If research can detail differences in exercise intensity experienced by CA recruits across the same training session, this would help build evidence in support of ability-based circuit training.…”
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.
“…Circuit training is commonly used within tactical populations [19][20][21], often because of the logistics and challenges present in academy physical training [18]. If circuit training is correctly implemented, this modality can lead to improvements in strength and aerobic fitness [24,25].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Making ability-based modifications to training in law enforcement recruits can reduce the risk of overtraining and injury, which can occur when recruits work beyond their physical capacity [7,57]. Granted, training staff can encounter many challenges when attempting to implement individuated training, both from a logistical and staff perspective [18]. However, there are some modifications training staff could make to their circuit training to utilized a more ability-based focus.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The test was performed on a basketball court, with approximately 12 inch (~31 cm) high bleacher seats used for the step. Although it could have been beneficial to customize step heights to all recruits, this was not realistic within the training and testing environment for CA recruits, as a result of the logistics surround law enforcement training academies [18]. Recruits completed the step test in groups of 6-8, such that they could be paired up with a tester to measure their recovery HR.…”
Section: Ymca Step Testmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Training staff encounter many challenges when conducting their physical training sessions during academy, including space and equipment limitations, and a high recruit-to-staff ratio [18]. Accordingly, staff often use training modalities that can be completed by one group, or a limited number of groups, within a restricted space without the need for traditional gym equipment.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…While many practitioners may assume this, it is essential to specifically detail this in CA recruit populations. This is important given that culture and tradition may drive training approaches in law enforcement academies [18,30], potentially more so than the best training practices. If research can detail differences in exercise intensity experienced by CA recruits across the same training session, this would help build evidence in support of ability-based circuit training.…”
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.
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess relationships between dynamic shooting accuracy and physical training behaviors in tactical police officers.Design/methodology/approachSeventy tactical police officers from various agencies completed a survey including information on general experience, firearms training and physical training. Participants completed dynamic shooting drills with pistol and a rifle.FindingsOfficer’s overall shooting performance was associated with years of experience in special operations as more accurate shooters had 6–10 years of experience. Operators in the highest shooting quartile were likely to participate in shooting competitions. Operators at the 50% ranking or above were more likely to train at the department or agency gym.Research limitations/implicationsAll subjects were males, no cause/effect relationship established, no data on caffeine and alcohol consumption or sleep behaviors. Years of experience, competition shooting, and training were all related to higher level shooting performance.Practical implicationsThe data support deliberate practice, accountability, and camaraderie contribute to high-level performance and safety for tactical law enforcement officers.Originality/valueThis research highlighted marksmanship performance and the connection between training habits and lifestyle. These findings highlight the need for training specific variables so that operators perform at a higher level and enhance their skills for dynamic shooting performance in a tactical unit.
Background
Female soldiers form an integral part of any modern defence force. Previous reports have highlighted that female soldiers report injuries at higher rates than male personnel. One possible reason for this is an actual difference in underlying injury rates, purported to be due to several factors, including levels of fitness. The aim of this review was to determine risk factors for injuries in female soldiers.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted for studies which reported on risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL and Medline through OVID. Eligible studies were rated for their methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tools and data were extracted and synthesized using a critical narrative approach.
Results
A total of 18 articles were included in this review which reported on 18 risk factors for injury. Smoking, previous injury, no history of deployment, heavy occupational tasks, lower levels of aerobic fitness and lower number of push-up repetitions appear to be risk factors for injuries in female soldiers. Age, height, body fat, high or low BMI and body mass do not appear to be consistent risk factors for injury in female soldiers and there appears to be minimal evidence for current levels of activity, sit-up ability, and other assessments of strength, power, speed, or movement being associated with injury risk. Additionally, neither flexibility nor previous levels of activity appear to be associated with injury risk in female soldiers.
Conclusion
Strategies to improve aerobic fitness and upper limb endurance, reduce smoking, and optimise rehabilitation from injuries and risk management for heavy occupational tasks need to be developed for female soldiers. Such strategies are also likely to reduce risks for male soldiers.
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