A Retrospective and Comparative Analysis of the Physical Fitness of Custody Assistant Classes Prior to Academy Training
Journal Title: Sports and Exercise Medicine – Open Journal - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
Background Within a law enforcement agency (LEA), custody assistants (CAs) are responsible for upholding proper safety and security inside correctional facilities. However, unlike other law enforcement positions, CAs may not be subjected to fitness testing prior to matriculation. If there are differences in fitness between recruits across different classes, this could influence training adaptations following academy. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical fitness of CAs across three different academy classes. Methods A retrospective examination of performance data was conducted on 108 CAs from three classes (Class 1: males=29, females=11; Class 2: males=22, females=16; Class 3: males=18, females=12). The fitness tests encompassed: number of push-ups and sit-ups in 60 seconds; 201-meter (m) and 2.4-kilometer (km) run times; and estimated maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) derived from the 2.4-km run. To compare males and females from the classes (the sexes were analyzed separately), a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was utilized (p<0.05). Effect sizes (d) were also calculated. Results Class 2 males executed significantly more sit-ups than those from Class 3. There were moderate effects for the greater number of push-ups completed by Class 2 compared to Class 3, and the faster 201-m run for Class 3 compared to Class 2 (d=0.60-1.00). There were no significant between-class differences for the females, but moderate effects for the greater sit-ups and estimated VO2max for Class 1 compared to Class 3 (d=0.64-0.76). Conclusion Even without physical testing prior to academy, the CA classes from this LEA seemed to be relatively similar in fitness. However, physical training instructors should acknowledge that there may be select variances between certain classes (e.g. abdominal strength measured by sit-ups; anaerobic endurance measured by the 201-m run). Instructors should utilize appropriate assessments to characterize fitness of their recruits, and where possible, tailor training accordingly.
Authors and Affiliations
Robert G. Lockie
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP510299
- DOI 10.17140/SEMOJ-4-159
- Views 135
- Downloads 0
The Effects of Concurrent Training on Female Soccer Players
Background Due to the high metabolic and physical demands in soccer, an optimal strength and conditioning program is essential. The benefits of resistance training and high-intensity interval training in young athletes h...
Heart Rate Intensity in Female Footballers and its Effect on Playing Position based on External Workload
Introduction Female football is the world’s fastest developing sport, and due to the rise in magnitude, female football, of all levels, must embrace scientific applications allowing an increase in performance through tra...
Mitochondrial Antioxidant Enzymes and Endurance Exercise-induced Cardioprotection against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of myocardial injuries induced by prolonged cessation of blood flow (ischemia) to cardiac myocytes due to atherosclerosis. For several decades, many clinical trials...
Effects of a Periodized Training Program and a Traditional Military Training Program on Functional Movement and Y-Balance Tests in ROTC Cadets
Background: Functional movement screening (FMS) and Y-balance test (YBT) are assessment procedures used to examine the ‘quality’ of movement patterns and identify individuals that might have specific limitations or asymm...
Effects of Different Types of Active Recoveries after Supramaximal Exercise on Exercise-Induced Stress and Subsequent Anaerobic Power Testing
Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of active recovery (AR) after supramaximal exercise in six-healthy adult male university students who habitually exercised. Methods: Prior to this test, the participants un...