The purpose of this investigation was to determine the physiological and perceptual demands associated with defensive tactics (DEFTAC) training among state patrol officers of different BMI (body mass index) categories. Twenty-four male state patrol officers (n = 24, age 36.00 + 7.86 yrs) voluntarily agreed to participate in data collection during a DEFTAC gauntlet. Anthropometric information (height (HT) 182.19 + 7.43 cm and weight (WT) 96.31 + 17.45 kg), body mass index (BMI), peak and average heart rates, duty weight, BLa, and RPE, were recorded. Officers were then divided into two-groups (Healthy BMI (BMI ≤ 25), n = 12, Overweight (BMI ≥ 25), n = 12). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted to determine the effect of BMI on the outcome variables. Furthermore, a Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was also conducted to determine if significant relationships between RPE, BLa, and HR existed between groups. Significant mean score differences between healthy and overweight officers were found in measures of age [t(22) 4.12, p< 0.01, R2 = .44], and weight of duty gear [t(21) 3.96, p<0.01, R2 = .33]. When used as a covariate, age also predicted average HR% [ F(1, 21) = 6.19, p < .05, partial η2 = .24]. Significant relationships were found in the healthy group between RPE and DEFTAC time, DEFTAC time and score, as well as score and post BLa. Significant relationships for the overweight group between peak (HR) percentage and post BLa, peak (HR) percentage and RPE, DEFTAC time and duty weight, and between weight and DEFTAC time. The results of this study suggest that overweight officers may have lower DEFTAC scores when compared to their healthy counterparts. Based on the results, it seems reasonable to compare physiological variables from this population to those from combative sports as well as for officers to achieve and maintain a healthy BMI value in order to improve individual DEFTAC performance.

BACKGROUND:The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Army Special Operation Forces (ARSOF) Operators who participate in the Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning program perform significantly better on a simulated stress shoot scenario than ARSOF Operators who do not participate in the program.METHODS:Deidentified archival data from 64 male ARSOF Operators (mean ± standard deviation: age, 31.1 ± 4.96 years; SOF experience, 3.44 ± 4.10 years) who participated in the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat stress shoot were assessed to determine if differences in performance existed between program users (n = 25) and nonusers (n = 39). A series of bootstrapped analyses of variance in conjunction with effect-size calculations was conducted to determine if significant mean score differences existed between users and nonusers on raw and total course completion times, high-value target acquisition (positive identification time), and penalties accrued.RESULTS:Small to medium effect sizes were observed between users and nonusers in raw time, penalties, and total time. Although there were no significant differences between users and nonusers, there was less variation in raw time and total time in users compared with nonusers.CONCLUSION:Our findings becomes a question of practical versus statistical significance, because less performance variability while under physical and psychological duress could be life saving for ARSOF Operators.

Abstract Dawes, JJ, Lindsay, K, Bero J, Elder C, Kornhauser C, and Holmes, R. Physical fitness characteristics of high vs. low performers on an occupationally specific physical agility test for patrol officers. J Strength Cond Res 31(10): 2808–2815, 2017—Law enforcement agencies frequently use physical ability tests (PATs) as a method of evaluating occupational performance. These tests are designed to replicate essential occupational tasks frequently performed by officers in the field. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships exist between the selected physical fitness tests and PAT performance and to determine which of these tests best differentiates between high and low PAT performers. Full-time highway patrol officers (n = 495) submitted self-reported anthropometric data (mean age = 39.6 + 7.7 years) along with fitness assessments taken from their organization's yearly fitness tests. All subjects completed a series of field-based fitness tests, as well as an occupationally specific PAT. Results of the study indicated that the selected tests accounted for almost 69% of the total variance on PAT performance. Overall, the 20-m meter multistage fitness test, 1-minute sit-up performance, and vertical jump height best predicted PAT performance. Furthermore, it was revealed that high performers were significantly more fit in all measures of dynamic fitness when compared with lower performers. No significant differences were discovered in static strength between groups. Strength and conditioning specialists should focus on developing aerobic capacity, trunk muscular endurance, and whole-body anaerobic power to improve PAT and occupational performance.

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(3): 327-335, 2016. Muscular power is a key component of functional performance (FP) and fall risk reduction. The present study investigated the effect that power training with medicine balls had on body composition and FP in middle-age females. 10 women were divided into a control group (n=4, age=59.8+3.6) and an intervention group (n=6, age=59.5+3.6) in this 6-week study. The intervention group completed a medicine ball training program two times a week. Body composition and FP tests were administered prepost. Data was analyzed using a series of Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and Cohen’s d test for effect size. The 6-week training program increased functional performance. The intervention group exhibited increases in the Up and Go test (p<.05) (Cohen’s d=1.76), as well as maximum (p<.05) (Cohen’s d=-1.52) and average (p<.05) (Cohen’s d=-1.32) distance thrown on the seated medicine ball throw. Middle-aged females can experience significant improvements in functional abilities after 6 weeks of participation in a medicine ball training program that includes both resistance and power training.

RODEO ATHLETES COMPETING IN THE GOAT TYING EVENT SUBJECT THEMSELVES TO HIGH LEVELS OF PHYSICAL STRESS DURING PRACTICE AND COMPETITION. THESE ATHLETES MUST DISMOUNT FROM THEIR HORSE AT HIGH SPEEDS DURING THE EVENT, SUBJECTING THEMSELVES TO A HIGH RISK OF INJURY. DESPITE AN OBVIOUS NEED FOR PREVENTATIVE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING, RODEO ATHLETES OFTEN DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAMS. DESIGNING STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMS THAT USE THE EQUIPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE TO ATHLETES WHILE TRAVELING MAY REDUCE INJURIES. A NONLINEAR STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM IS PROPOSED FOR COLLEGIATE GOAT TYERS WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO TRADITIONAL WORKOUT EQUIPMENT.

INDIVIDUALS BELONGING TO MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS ARE REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY IN TECHNICAL ROCK RESCUE, WILDERNESS SEARCH, AND SNOW/ICE OPERATIONS TO SAVE LIVES FROM INCIDENTS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY. IN MOST CASES, A HIGH LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY PERFORM THESE TASKS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO PROVIDE THE READER WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THE ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS, AS WELL AS THE FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE NEEDS FOR THIS GROUP OF OCCUPATIONAL ATHLETES.

Emergency Action Plans (EAP) provide detailed instructions for handling emergency situations including natural disasters, major injuries and illnesses within recreational academic programs. The purpose of this project was to determine if accredited university recreation programs utilize an EAP for recreation courses and secondarily what components of an EAP are included and the process for development and implementation. Twenty-four surveys were returned (25% return rate) from a national sample of 95 accredited recreation education programs. Seventy-five percent of (n=18) programs indicated that they did not require any type of emergency management training for their recreation faculty. None of the programs had all recommended elements of an EAP and 62.5% (n=15) reportedly do not have an EAP in place for the recreation education department/program. Recreation organizations should encourage academic institutions to value emergency management certifications for their faculty and advocate the emphasis and implementation of EAPs in academic recreation programs.

Historically, behavior change theories have been used as a framework to develop health educations programs and interventions. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an ongoing health promotion program using the Social Cognitive Theory as a framework in altering children's health related behaviors. METHODS: Subjects included second- and third-grade students enrolled in the LEAP (Lifetime of Education and Play) program at a K-5 elementary school in Southeast Missouri. LEAP was seven weeks in length and covered the following topics: (1) Food Guide Pyramid, (2) food portions, (3) the hunger scale, (4) heart fitness, (5) muscle fitness, (6) healthy bones, and (7) diabetes. Each session was held once a week for an hour and a half and consisted of both an educational component and a physical activity component. The following SCT constructs were included in the curriculum: behavioral capability, reinforcement, self-efficacy, and observational learning. Students were evaluated pre- and post-LEAP by use of a food frequency questionnaire, with Pearson correlation coefficients calculated for; habitual physical activity questionnaire; and a nutrition and physical activity related knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes questionnaire. RESULTS: There were two sets of variables to have a significant correlation (pre-positive self-efficacy and pre-child diet score [r=-.707], pre-child diet score and pre-parent diet score[r =.731]), there was no change in nutrition and physical activity related behaviors or self-efficacy. There was, however, a significant improvement in knowledge score. Even though this program has been in place for five years, the program outcomes had not been evaluated. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the importance of evaluating health promotion programs to assure successful outcomes, appropriate use of resources, and to assist in continuous program improvement.