Exploring associations between physical fitness tests and a law enforcement specific Physical Ability Test using principal components analysis. Issue 23 (2nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindsay, Keston G.; Lockie, Robert G.; Orr, Robin M.; Alvar, Brent A.; Kornhauser, Charlie; Holmes, Ryan J.; Dawes, J. Jay
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 39:Issue 23(2021)
• Page Start: 2642
• Page End: 2648
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02
• Subjects: Exercise testing -- tactical -- police -- occupational fitness -- dimensionality reduction; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1949135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between components of physical fitness on performance in an occupation-specific physical ability test (PAT) for state patrol officers (women, n = 19; men, n = 256) using archived data. Physical fitness was assessed by 2.4 km run time (2.4 R), body fat % (BF), 1 min sit-up (SU), 1-min push-up (PU), the vertical jump (VJ), and the sit-and-reach test (SR). Principal components analysis (PCA) of the entire sample revealed that dynamic fitness (DF), related 2.4 R, SU, PU, VJ, & BF, explained 49% of variance in performance in the PAT. Lower back and hamstring flexibility explained a further 18% of variance. Law-enforcement agencies using a standard job-specific test to screen the occupational fitness of its members may use fitness tests to make fitness recommendations. Officers should prioritize developing aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, lower-body power, and flexibility to help meet the demands of occupational performance.