This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Dr. Robin Orr
Tactical Research Unit, Bond University

Basic Info


Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Firefighters
0 Law Enforcement
0 Military
0 Police
0 SWAT

Fingerprints

Police
Law Enforcement
tactical
Military
Firefighters
soldier

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

Rob is the director of the Tactical Research Unit, a multidisciplinary, international team of researchers nested in Bond University providing research, consultancy, and education services to tactical professions around the globe. Rob’s fields of research, consultancy, and education provision spans physical conditioning, reconditioning, rehabilitation and injury prevention for military, law enforcement, and protective services across their occupational lifespan (initial trainee to specialist). Generally focusing on the tactical population, Rob is actively involved in research with the Australian and foreign defence forces, an extensive list of law enforcement departments (both national and international), and firefighters / first responders.

Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Communication
Published: 15 July 2021 in Sustainability
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Police work exposes officers to high levels of stress. Special emergency response team (SERT) service exposes personnel to additional demands. Specifically, the circadian cycles of SERT operators are subject to disruption, resulting in decreased capacity to compensate in response to changing demands. Adaptive regulation loss can be measured through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. While HRV Trends with health and performance indicators, few studies have assessed the effect of overnight shift work on HRV in specialist police. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects overnight shift work on HRV in specialist police. HRV was analysed in 11 SERT officers and a significant (p = 0.037) difference was found in pRR50 levels across the training day (percentage of R-R intervals varying by >50 ms) between those who were off-duty and those who were on duty the night prior. HRV may be a valuable metric for quantifying load holistically and can be incorporated into health and fitness monitoring and personnel allocation decision making.

ACS Style

Colin Tomes; Ben Schram; Robin Orr. Field Monitoring the Effects of Overnight Shift Work on Specialist Tactical Police Training with Heart Rate Variability Analysis. Sustainability 2021, 13, 7895 .

AMA Style

Colin Tomes, Ben Schram, Robin Orr. Field Monitoring the Effects of Overnight Shift Work on Specialist Tactical Police Training with Heart Rate Variability Analysis. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (14):7895.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Colin Tomes; Ben Schram; Robin Orr. 2021. "Field Monitoring the Effects of Overnight Shift Work on Specialist Tactical Police Training with Heart Rate Variability Analysis." Sustainability 13, no. 14: 7895.

Review
Published: 13 July 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Tactical personnel work in an occupation that involves tasks requiring a high level of cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength and endurance. The aim of this literature review was to identify and critique studies investigating the relationship between physical fitness, quantified by fitness assessment measures, and occupational task performance. Databases were searched for relevant articles which assessed a fitness measure and a measure of occupational performance. A total of 15 articles were included and were deemed to be of acceptable methodological quality (8.4/12 on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist). Included articles assessed a variety of fitness attributes and occupational tasks. Across tactical groups, there appear to be no standardized fitness tests that can determine occupational performance, with aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, strength, endurance, power, and agility all being associated with occupational task performance. A wide range of fitness assessments appears to be required to predict occupational performance within tactical personnel. Efforts should be made to base fitness assessments on occupational demands unique to both the environment and requirements of each individual tactical unit.

ACS Style

Robin Orr; Takato Sakurai; Jordan Scott; Jason Movshovich; J. Dawes; Robert Lockie; Ben Schram. The Use of Fitness Testing to Predict Occupational Performance in Tactical Personnel: A Critical Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 7480 .

AMA Style

Robin Orr, Takato Sakurai, Jordan Scott, Jason Movshovich, J. Dawes, Robert Lockie, Ben Schram. The Use of Fitness Testing to Predict Occupational Performance in Tactical Personnel: A Critical Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (14):7480.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Robin Orr; Takato Sakurai; Jordan Scott; Jason Movshovich; J. Dawes; Robert Lockie; Ben Schram. 2021. "The Use of Fitness Testing to Predict Occupational Performance in Tactical Personnel: A Critical Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 14: 7480.

Journal article
Published: 08 July 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The tasks performed by police officers are unique, varied and can be performed in unexpected situations. Initial police college training is used to prepare new police officers to conduct these tasks and is known to be a time when police trainees are at an elevated risk of injury. The aim of this study was to profile injuries occurring within a national Police Force during initial training to inform injury prevention strategies. Using a retrospective cohort design, point-of-care injury data including injury body site, nature, mechanism, and the activity being performed at the time of injury were provided. A total of 564 injuries were recorded over the 22-month period, with the mean age of recruits reporting an injury being 28.83 years ± 6.9 years. The incidence of injuries ranged across training periods, from 456.25 to 3079 injuries per 1000 person-years with an overall incidence rate of 1550.15 injuries per 1000 person-years. The shoulder was the most injured site (n = 113, 20% of injuries), with sprains and strains being the most common nature of injury (n = 287, 50.9% of injuries). Muscular stress with physical exercise was the most common mechanism of injury (n = 175, 31.0% of injuries) with the activity responsible for the largest proportion of injuries being “unknown” (n = 256, 45.4% of injuries), followed by police training (n = 215, 38.1%). Injuries appear to be typically joint related—commonly the shoulder—with police training being a primary known activity at the time of injury. Prescreening protocols may be of benefit, and efforts should be made to recruit and train physically resilient trainees. Injuries, whether they occurred pre-enlistment or during training, should be fully rehabilitated prior to the individual’s commencement as a qualified officer.

ACS Style

Sally Sawyer; Ben Schram; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. Profiling the Injuries Sustained by Police Trainees Undergoing Initial Training: A Retrospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 7335 .

AMA Style

Sally Sawyer, Ben Schram, Rodney Pope, Robin Orr. Profiling the Injuries Sustained by Police Trainees Undergoing Initial Training: A Retrospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (14):7335.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sally Sawyer; Ben Schram; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. 2021. "Profiling the Injuries Sustained by Police Trainees Undergoing Initial Training: A Retrospective Cohort Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 14: 7335.

Journal article
Published: 18 June 2021 in Strength & Conditioning Journal
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Physical fitness assessments for tactical occupations (e.g., military, law enforcement, and emergency services) can include predictive tests of anaerobic power, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, muscular power, strength, agility, and/or simulated occupational tasks. Not only can these tests be used to assess the ability of someone to undertake the job role but they can be used to determine injury risk, training failure, and/or general health. This review discusses different uses for physical fitness assessments and considerations for their use in tactical populations.

ACS Style

Robin M. Orr; Robert Lockie; Gemma Milligan; Cheryl Lim; Jay Dawes. Use of Physical Fitness Assessments in Tactical Populations. Strength & Conditioning Journal 2021, Publish Ah, 1 .

AMA Style

Robin M. Orr, Robert Lockie, Gemma Milligan, Cheryl Lim, Jay Dawes. Use of Physical Fitness Assessments in Tactical Populations. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2021; Publish Ah ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Robin M. Orr; Robert Lockie; Gemma Milligan; Cheryl Lim; Jay Dawes. 2021. "Use of Physical Fitness Assessments in Tactical Populations." Strength & Conditioning Journal Publish Ah, no. : 1.

Article
Published: 13 May 2021 in Journal of Family and Economic Issues
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study explored whether Year 1 school children exposed to a 12-week classroom-based gross motor program progressed differently than Year 1 children undertaking their regular school program in motor proficiency, mathematics, and reading outcomes. Fifty-five Australian Year 1 school children (25 boys, 30 girls, mean age 6.77 ± 0.40 years) were exposed to either (i) their normal school program (Class N) or (ii) a 12-week program comprised of gross motor circuits and physically active: a) reading lessons (Class R) or b) mathematics lessons (Class M). Motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading were assessed using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (2nd Edition) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test—2nd Edition—Australian Standardised Edition, respectively. Differences in outcomes between classes following the 12-week program were assessed. Mean change scores for the mathematics composite were significantly greater for participants in Class R (9.61 ± 5.62, p = .001) and Class M (7.57 ± 5.79, p = .019) than for participants in Class N (0.76 ± 8.00). Mean change scores for reading (11.54 ± 7.51, p = .017) and total motor composites (6.12 ± 5.07, p = .034) were also significantly greater for participants in Class M than Class N (4.47 ± 3.50 and 0.82 ± 4.38 respectively). A 12-week classroom-based gross motor program may be beneficial for motor skill development and learning in Year 1 school children. This pilot evaluation may usefully inform future experimental studies to further investigate whether classroom-based motor skill programs have a beneficial effect on motor proficiency and academic outcomes in children in the early years of primary school.

ACS Style

Kirstin Macdonald; Nikki Milne; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. Evaluation of a 12-Week Classroom-Based Gross Motor Program Designed to Enhance Motor Proficiency, Mathematics and Reading Outcomes of Year 1 School Children: A Pilot Study. Journal of Family and Economic Issues 2021, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Kirstin Macdonald, Nikki Milne, Rodney Pope, Robin Orr. Evaluation of a 12-Week Classroom-Based Gross Motor Program Designed to Enhance Motor Proficiency, Mathematics and Reading Outcomes of Year 1 School Children: A Pilot Study. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. 2021; ():1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirstin Macdonald; Nikki Milne; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. 2021. "Evaluation of a 12-Week Classroom-Based Gross Motor Program Designed to Enhance Motor Proficiency, Mathematics and Reading Outcomes of Year 1 School Children: A Pilot Study." Journal of Family and Economic Issues , no. : 1-12.

Review
Published: 11 April 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Soldiers are often required to carry heavy loads that can exceed 45 kg. The physiological costs and biomechanical responses to these loads, whilst varying with the contexts in which they are carried, have led to soldier injuries. These injuries can range from musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/ligamentous injuries and stress fractures) to neurological injuries (e.g., paresthesias), and impact on both the soldier and the army in which they serve. Following treatment to facilitate initial recovery from injuries, soldiers must be progressively reconditioned for load carriage. Optimal conditioning and reconditioning practices include load carriage sessions with a frequency of one session every 10–14 days in conjunction with a program of both resistance and aerobic training. Speed of march and grade and type of terrain covered are factors that can be adjusted to manipulate load carriage intensity, limiting the need to adjust load weight alone. Factors external to the load carriage program, such as other military duties, can also impart physical loading and must be considered as part of any load carriage conditioning/reconditioning program.

ACS Style

Robin Orr; Rodney Pope; Thiago Lopes; Dieter Leyk; Sam Blacker; Beatriz Bustillo-Aguirre; Joseph Knapik. Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4010 .

AMA Style

Robin Orr, Rodney Pope, Thiago Lopes, Dieter Leyk, Sam Blacker, Beatriz Bustillo-Aguirre, Joseph Knapik. Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (8):4010.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Robin Orr; Rodney Pope; Thiago Lopes; Dieter Leyk; Sam Blacker; Beatriz Bustillo-Aguirre; Joseph Knapik. 2021. "Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 8: 4010.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Providing physical activity opportunities to children throughout the school day may be beneficial for children’s health and learning. Existing practices regarding the frequency, type and context of physical activity opportunities being provided to children in the early years of primary school remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to observe Year 1 children’s physical activity and its contexts during school class time and identify opportunities to incorporate additional activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 Year 1 children (20 boys, 14 girls; mean age = 6.36 ± 0.34 years) from one primary school in Queensland, Australia. A modified version of the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children—Elementary School was used to assess children’s physical activity and its contexts during class time. Observational data were collected over a four-week period. The frequencies (and percentages) of intervals of children’s activity observed in sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous intensities during different instructional and social contexts and physical settings were recorded and calculated. Pearson’s chi-square test of association was conducted to evaluate whether social context (group composition) was related to incidental physical activity. A total of 5305 observation intervals (i.e., 5 s observation interval followed by a 25 s recording interval) were available for analysis (~44 h of observation). Year 1 children were sedentary for the majority (86%) of observed intervals during school class time. Children spent limited time performing light (12% of intervals) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (2% of intervals). Organised physical activity observed during class time included physical education/school sport (5.9% of intervals) and classroom-based physical activity (2.8% of intervals). When children completed activities in small groups, they were significantly more likely to engage in incidental physical activity than when they completed activities as a whole class (χ2 = 94.73 p < 0.001). Incorporating movement into academic lessons or during transitions between lessons and classrooms may encourage children to be more active. Incidental physical activity may also be promoted through small group activities. Schools should ideally be encouraged and supported to employ a whole-of-school approach to physical activity promotion, which includes identifying and implementing opportunities for children to be active during class time.

ACS Style

Kirstin Macdonald; Nikki Milne; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. Directly Observed Physical Activity of Year 1 Children during School Class Time: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 3676 .

AMA Style

Kirstin Macdonald, Nikki Milne, Rodney Pope, Robin Orr. Directly Observed Physical Activity of Year 1 Children during School Class Time: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (7):3676.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirstin Macdonald; Nikki Milne; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. 2021. "Directly Observed Physical Activity of Year 1 Children during School Class Time: A Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 7: 3676.

Earlycite article
Published: 08 March 2021 in International Journal of Emergency Services
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Purpose The aims of this study were to evaluate fitness levels in a cohort of police trainees and compare these results to other police trainees and the general population. Design/methodology/approach Retrospective data for 274 male and 152 female police trainees were supplied. Measures included height, body mass and physical appraisal test (PAT; 2.4 km run, vertical jump, push-ups and grip strength) results, assessed twice, prior to commencement of training, separated by several months. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze non-parametric initial and final PAT scores and Mann–Whiney U tests were used to determine variance between groups. Findings Male trainees were significantly quicker in the run (−12%, p < 0.001), completed more push-ups (+74%, p < 0.001) with greater grip strength (+52% left and +50% right, p < 0.001) when compared to female trainees. Following the second PAT assessment, the significant differences between male and female trainees remained (p < 0.001). Only female trainee 2.4 km run times improved significantly between initial and final PAT (−4%, p = 0.002). Originality/value When compared to the general population from which they were drawn and to other law enforcement trainees, the police trainees in this study were quicker, more powerful and stronger. While there was no loss of fitness between initial and final PAT performance, a conditioning program, spanning the periods between initial and final PAT may be of benefit to increase fitness prior to training commencement especially for female trainees who were generally less fit than, yet must complete the same training as, male trainees.

ACS Style

Robin Marc Orr; Elisa Canetti; Jason Movshovich; Robert Lockie; Jay Dawes; Ben Schram. Profiling the New Zealand police physical appraisal test. International Journal of Emergency Services 2021, 10, 266 -275.

AMA Style

Robin Marc Orr, Elisa Canetti, Jason Movshovich, Robert Lockie, Jay Dawes, Ben Schram. Profiling the New Zealand police physical appraisal test. International Journal of Emergency Services. 2021; 10 (2):266-275.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Robin Marc Orr; Elisa Canetti; Jason Movshovich; Robert Lockie; Jay Dawes; Ben Schram. 2021. "Profiling the New Zealand police physical appraisal test." International Journal of Emergency Services 10, no. 2: 266-275.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2021 in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Čvorović, A, Kukić, F, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, Jeknić, V, and Stojković, M. Impact of a 12-week postgraduate training course on the body composition and physical abilities of police trainees. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 826–832, 2021—The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week physical training program on police trainees at the Abu Dhabi Police College. Anthropometric and fitness testing data for 325 healthy trainees, enrolled in an academic course for qualification as a police officer, were analyzed. The trainees were tested 3 times, during the initial (week 1), midpoint (week 7), and final testing (week 13) phases of the training program. The tested variables included anthropometry (body mass [BM]), body composition (body mass index [BMI]; waist circumference [WC]; waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), upper-body muscular endurance (1-minute push-up [PU]), trunk muscular endurance (1-minute sit-up [SU]), and aerobic endurance (2.4-km run [RUN]). A 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni adjustment was performed to investigate the changes in anthropometry and fitness across the 3 testing periods with percentages of change calculated at each testing stage. Alpha levels were set at 0.05 a priori. Statistically significant differences (range of p values from p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) were found in all tested variables (BM, BMI, WC, WHtR, PU, SU, and RUN) and between all testing stages (initial, midpoint, and final). A progressive physical training program that incorporates mesocycles and midpoint evaluations can have a positive impact on the fitness of trainees even when undergoing a busy academy program.

ACS Style

Aleksandar Čvorović; Filip Kukić; Robin M. Orr; J. Jay Dawes; Velimir Jeknić; Miloš Stojković. Impact of a 12-Week Postgraduate Training Course on the Body Composition and Physical Abilities of Police Trainees. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2021, 35, 826 -832.

AMA Style

Aleksandar Čvorović, Filip Kukić, Robin M. Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Velimir Jeknić, Miloš Stojković. Impact of a 12-Week Postgraduate Training Course on the Body Composition and Physical Abilities of Police Trainees. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2021; 35 (3):826-832.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aleksandar Čvorović; Filip Kukić; Robin M. Orr; J. Jay Dawes; Velimir Jeknić; Miloš Stojković. 2021. "Impact of a 12-Week Postgraduate Training Course on the Body Composition and Physical Abilities of Police Trainees." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 35, no. 3: 826-832.

Journal article
Published: 26 January 2021 in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Background Tactical populations, such as military, firefighter and law enforcement populations, are known to suffer a relatively high number of musculoskeletal injuries, with the lower extremity of notable concern. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the profile of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries within a state police agency. Methods Injury data were collected by an Australian state police force over a 7-year period (2009–2016) and records not meeting the definition for lower extremity musculoskeletal injury were excluded. Statistical analyses were descriptive, with frequencies, means and standard deviations calculated where applicable. Chi-square analysis was performed to compare injury profiles by gender. Ethics approval was granted by Bond University Human Research Ethics Committee (Research Protocol 15360). Results Of the initial 65,579 incident records, 12,452 (19%) related to lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries. The knee was the most commonly injured site (31.4%) with sprains/strains (42.3%) the most common nature of injury and arresting offenders (24.2%) the most common activity at time of injury. Slips/trips/falls (37.8%) was found to be the most common cause of injury. Variations were found between genders, most notably within the injury activity (p < .001). 27.1% of male officers were injured when arresting offenders compared to 16.5% for female officers. Walking/running contributed to 17.9% of female officer incidents compared to 9.3% for male officers. The mean number of hours worked prior to injury occurrence was 6.00 ± 3.56 h with significantly more injuries occurring in the middle third of the shift (4.34–8.67 h, p < 0.001). Conclusions While the proportion of injuries that affected the lower extremity was lower for police, the leading sites of injuries (knees and ankles) were similar to those of military and fire and rescue populations. Variations between genders suggest there may need to be differences in return-to-work rehabilitation.

ACS Style

Kate Lyons; Mick Stierli; Ben Hinton; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. Profiling lower extremity injuries sustained in a state police population: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2021, 22, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Kate Lyons, Mick Stierli, Ben Hinton, Rodney Pope, Robin Orr. Profiling lower extremity injuries sustained in a state police population: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2021; 22 (1):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kate Lyons; Mick Stierli; Ben Hinton; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. 2021. "Profiling lower extremity injuries sustained in a state police population: a retrospective cohort study." BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 22, no. 1: 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 10 December 2020 in Safety
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Police officers perform a variety of physical tasks that can range from deskwork to chasing down fleeing suspects on foot. If not sufficiently prepared these tasks can lead to an increased risk of injury or task failure. The aim of this study was to profile the routine dispatch tasks performed by the Australian law enforcement officers of a state police force by frequency and duration. Participants for this study (n = 53: male n = 43, age = 33.5 ± 7.7 years, years of service = 7.2 ± 6.4 years: Female n = 10; age = 31.6 ± 9.1 years, years of service = 7.1 ± 6.1 years) were drawn from ten different police stations. Data reporting the tasks attended, their priorities, and their durations were gathered from a computer-aided dispatch system. Data from 77 shifts (3.8 ± 4.0 tasks/shift) captured 292 tasks attended (29.2 ± 17.5 task per station). ‘Check bona fides’ (checking an individual’s identification; 27%) was the most frequently occurring task followed by attending a domestic incident (14%). The longest task was attending an accident (mean = 43.50 ± 78.85 min, range 2–249 min). The results of this study suggest that police tasks are highly varied in terms of type and duration and these may differ between regions. An understanding of the dispatch tasks police officers are required to attend can inform injury mitigation and return-to-work rehabilitation practices.

ACS Style

Robin Orr; Benjamin Hinton; Andrew Wilson; Rodney Pope; Jay Dawes. Investigating the Routine Dispatch Tasks Performed by Police Officers. Safety 2020, 6, 54 .

AMA Style

Robin Orr, Benjamin Hinton, Andrew Wilson, Rodney Pope, Jay Dawes. Investigating the Routine Dispatch Tasks Performed by Police Officers. Safety. 2020; 6 (4):54.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Robin Orr; Benjamin Hinton; Andrew Wilson; Rodney Pope; Jay Dawes. 2020. "Investigating the Routine Dispatch Tasks Performed by Police Officers." Safety 6, no. 4: 54.

Journal article
Published: 16 November 2020 in BMC Medical Education
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Background and purpose The impact of stress and burnout in students is an emerging topic. When students perceive that they are unable to cope with stressors, there is increased potential for burnout. To maximise students’ higher educational institution outcomes, students must be able to effectively cope with stressful demands. Research suggests physiotherapy students, in particular, suffer from a high risk of stress and burnout, however limited research exists on postgraduate, pre-registration, physiotherapy students. The purpose of this study was to determine perceived stress, burnout and associated coping strategies across three timepoints in the first year of a postgraduate, pre-registration physiotherapy program. Methods A qualitative and quantitative survey design was utilised at one Australian Higher Education Institution. The 51-item self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographics, the Coping Self Efficacy (CSE) Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey for Students (MBI-GS (S)), and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was administered at three timepoints (T) in the program: T1 at the start of semester 1, T2 before the first placement in semester 2 and T3 after 10-weeks of placement. Data were analysed using descriptive, statistical and thematical analysis. Subjects All first year Doctor of Physiotherapy students. Results A response rate of 62% (n = 38) was achieved. There were no differences in stress and burnout scores between sexes, nor differences in stress and burnout over time. Highest median CSE scores were seen at T1, with highest median MBI-GS (S) cynicism scores at T2, exhaustion (EX) at T1 and T2, and professional efficacy at T1 and T2. The greatest mean CSE changes were seen from T1-T2 and T1–3, and PE greatest changes from T2-T3 and T1-T3. No strong correlation was found between stress and burnout. Curriculum coursework was a frequently reported stressor, along with clinical placement and transition periods. Coping strategies utilized by students were both positive and maladaptive. Positive strategies included sporting activities, baking, listening to music, and social connections, whereas maladaptive strategies included alcohol consumption, excessive eating, and gaming. Conclusion Student consistently identified periods of stress and burnout, with curriculum coursework in particular being a trigger. Findings acknowledge the need for further investigation on sources of perceived stress, burnout, and coping mechanisms to optimise student welfare and enhance Higher Education Institution outcomes.

ACS Style

Tess Brooke; Makaela Brown; Robin Orr; Suzanne Gough. Stress and burnout: exploring postgraduate physiotherapy students’ experiences and coping strategies. BMC Medical Education 2020, 20, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Tess Brooke, Makaela Brown, Robin Orr, Suzanne Gough. Stress and burnout: exploring postgraduate physiotherapy students’ experiences and coping strategies. BMC Medical Education. 2020; 20 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tess Brooke; Makaela Brown; Robin Orr; Suzanne Gough. 2020. "Stress and burnout: exploring postgraduate physiotherapy students’ experiences and coping strategies." BMC Medical Education 20, no. 1: 1-11.

Public health
Published: 09 November 2020 in Frontiers in Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Objectives: Heart Rate Variability has gained substantial interest in both clinical and athletic settings as a measurement tool for quantifying autonomic nervous system activity and psychophysiological stress. However, its uses in tactical work settings, such as military, police, and firefighting environments, remain controversial. Given the physical, mental, and emotional stress public safety personnel face both operationally and in training, heart rate variability measurement may be key in promoting their health, safety and operational effectiveness. Methods: This study identified, critically appraised, and summarized primary studies investigating relationships between heart rate variability and outcomes of interest to tactical personnel. Key literature databases were searched, and quality assessment checklists were applied to analyze retained literature. The results of the screening and assessment processes, along with key data extracted from each study were summarized and tabulated. Research gaps were also identified to facilitate improvements to how tactical personnel and health or performance providers may best utilize heart rate variability to monitor or promote personnel health and performance, and thereby facilitate public safety. Results: Twenty studies were included and were all of generally high quality. Cohort size, length of follow-up, measurement objectives, data acquisition, and data analysis all varied considerably across studies, precluding meta-analysis. However, study results correlating heart rate variability and relevant outcomes indicated that overall, heart rate variability is an effective indicator of key fitness and performance elements in the tactical work setting. Conclusions: Heart rate variability can be an effective health and performance tool in tactical work environments. However, measurement methods must be carefully selected and applied. Further research is required to understand causal relationships. Specifically, larger cohort inclusion and the isolation and study of specific variables unique to public safety work and training may improve the effectiveness of heart rate variability measurement to provide meaningful information to end users and providers.

ACS Style

Colin Tomes; Ben Schram; Robin Orr. Relationships Between Heart Rate Variability, Occupational Performance, and Fitness for Tactical Personnel: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Public Health 2020, 8, 1 .

AMA Style

Colin Tomes, Ben Schram, Robin Orr. Relationships Between Heart Rate Variability, Occupational Performance, and Fitness for Tactical Personnel: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Public Health. 2020; 8 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Colin Tomes; Ben Schram; Robin Orr. 2020. "Relationships Between Heart Rate Variability, Occupational Performance, and Fitness for Tactical Personnel: A Systematic Review." Frontiers in Public Health 8, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 05 November 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

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 (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.

ACS Style

Matthew Moreno; Karly Rodas; Ashley Bloodgood; J. Dawes; Joseph Dulla; Robin Orr; Robert Lockie. The Influence of Aerobic Fitness on Heart Rate Responses of Custody Assistant Recruits during Circuit Training Sessions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8177 .

AMA Style

Matthew Moreno, Karly Rodas, Ashley Bloodgood, J. Dawes, Joseph Dulla, Robin Orr, Robert Lockie. The Influence of Aerobic Fitness on Heart Rate Responses of Custody Assistant Recruits during Circuit Training Sessions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):8177.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matthew Moreno; Karly Rodas; Ashley Bloodgood; J. Dawes; Joseph Dulla; Robin Orr; Robert Lockie. 2020. "The Influence of Aerobic Fitness on Heart Rate Responses of Custody Assistant Recruits during Circuit Training Sessions." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 8177.

Journal article
Published: 02 November 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Specialist tactical response police are required to frequently perform physically demanding tasks at high-risk capability levels, emphasizing the need for optimal physical fitness in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between select measures of physical fitness and performance on an occupational-specific physical assessment (OSPA). A retrospective analysis on 18 male specialist police candidates (age = 32.1 ± 5.04 yrs; height = 183.72 ± 5.79 cm; body mass = 89.44 ± 8.56 kg; body mass index (BMI) = 26.45 ± 1.58 kg/m2) was conducted. Data were comprised of anthropometric measures, assorted fitness measures and OSPA performance scores. A stepwise linear regression determined the influence of measured fitness parameters on OSPA performance. A regression featuring both the 1 RM military shoulder press and grip strength of the non-dominant hand was the most significant predictor of performance (adjusted r2 = 0.565, p = 0.001). A separate model, exclusively using the 1 RM military shoulder press additionally predicted OSPA performance (adjusted r2 = 0.240, p = 0.023). These results emphasize the importance of optimal upper-limb muscular strength and its impact on key occupational tasks in specialist police candidates.

ACS Style

Jessica Strader; Ben Schram; Shane Irving; Jeremy Robinson; Robin Orr. Special Weapons and Tactics Occupational-Specific Physical Assessments and Fitness Measures. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8070 .

AMA Style

Jessica Strader, Ben Schram, Shane Irving, Jeremy Robinson, Robin Orr. Special Weapons and Tactics Occupational-Specific Physical Assessments and Fitness Measures. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):8070.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jessica Strader; Ben Schram; Shane Irving; Jeremy Robinson; Robin Orr. 2020. "Special Weapons and Tactics Occupational-Specific Physical Assessments and Fitness Measures." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 8070.

Journal article
Published: 02 November 2020 in BMC Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Background Law enforcement personnel have been recognized as having a high risk for several lifestyle-related health conditions which, in combination with the nature of their work (sedentary roles interspersed with intermittent high-intensity activity, shift work, and a high stress-load), can have a negative impact on their health. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary habits and factors or barriers influencing these habits within a cohort of law enforcement personnel in the United States of America. Method Cross-sectional data were obtained via validated paper-based surveys being the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants, Short Version. Results A total of 159 participants (median age = 27 [range 19–60] years; 74% males) participated. Barriers to healthy eating included being busy and irregular working hours. Overall, 91% (n = 143) placed high importance on consuming nutritious food and 80% (n = 126) on food high in vitamins and minerals. A further 80% (n = 127) emphasized high protein content and 41% (n = 62) followed a high protein diet. Barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyle (60%, n = 94), and irregular working hours (41%, n = 64). Overall, 80% (n = 127) were very willing to make changes in eating habits to be healthier. Conclusion Law enforcement officers know what they should eat and report convenience and health the most important factors guiding their food choices. Knowing this, officers find challenges putting good dietary practices into practice due to factors like a busy lifestyle and irregular work hours. Reportedly “very willing” to make changes in their eating habits to be healthier, future interventions should focus on how to effect changes to their eating habits as opposed to focussing on what to eat.

ACS Style

Kristen MacKenzie-Shalders; Charlene Matthews; Joe Dulla; Robin Orr. Law enforcement personnel are willing to change, but report influencing beliefs and barriers to optimised dietary intake. BMC Public Health 2020, 20, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Kristen MacKenzie-Shalders, Charlene Matthews, Joe Dulla, Robin Orr. Law enforcement personnel are willing to change, but report influencing beliefs and barriers to optimised dietary intake. BMC Public Health. 2020; 20 (1):1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kristen MacKenzie-Shalders; Charlene Matthews; Joe Dulla; Robin Orr. 2020. "Law enforcement personnel are willing to change, but report influencing beliefs and barriers to optimised dietary intake." BMC Public Health 20, no. 1: 1-9.

Journal article
Published: 15 October 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

A challenge for law enforcement agencies is the many positions that need filling. Agencies may modify their applicant test battery (ATB; multilevelled testing including fitness, background checks, psychological evaluations) to increase the hiring pool of potential recruits by augmenting the utility of testing. This study determined fitness differences of law enforcement recruits hired under two different ATB protocols. Retrospective analysis was conducted on seven academy classes (442 males, 84 females) hired under an older ATB, and one class (45 males, 13 females) hired under a newer ATB. Recruits completed the following before academy: 60 s push-ups and sit-ups (muscular endurance); vertical jump (lower-body power); medicine ball throw (upper-body power); 75 yard pursuit run (75PR; change-of-direction speed); and 20 m multistage fitness test (20MSFT; aerobic fitness). Independent sample t-tests (p ≤ 0.001) and effect sizes (d) evaluated between-group fitness differences for recruits hired under the different ATB protocols (combined sexes, males, and females). There were no significant differences between the ATB groups. However, newer ATB female recruits completed 13% fewer 20MSFT shuttles than the older ATB group, which, although not significant (p = 0.007), did have a moderate effect (d = 0.62). Females hired under the newer ATB had lower aerobic fitness, which could impact physical training performance and graduation.

ACS Style

Robert G. Lockie; J. Jay Dawes; Matthew R. Moreno; Megan B. McGuire; Tomas J. Ruvalcaba; Ashley M. Bloodgood; Joseph M. Dulla; Robin M. Orr. We Need You: Influence of Hiring Demand and Modified Applicant Testing on the Physical Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7512 .

AMA Style

Robert G. Lockie, J. Jay Dawes, Matthew R. Moreno, Megan B. McGuire, Tomas J. Ruvalcaba, Ashley M. Bloodgood, Joseph M. Dulla, Robin M. Orr. We Need You: Influence of Hiring Demand and Modified Applicant Testing on the Physical Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (20):7512.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Robert G. Lockie; J. Jay Dawes; Matthew R. Moreno; Megan B. McGuire; Tomas J. Ruvalcaba; Ashley M. Bloodgood; Joseph M. Dulla; Robin M. Orr. 2020. "We Need You: Influence of Hiring Demand and Modified Applicant Testing on the Physical Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 20: 7512.

Journal article
Published: 29 September 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Reads 0
Downloads 0

There is limited research examining the physical tasks that Brazilian special policemen groups can perform in the line of duty. The aims of this study were to (a) identify the occupational tasks of specialist police personnel serving in the Rapid Response Group (GRR) and Tactical Operations Command (COT), and to profile the frequency, difficulty, and importance of these tasks, and (b) to explore the current physical training these special operations police units (SOPUs) officers undertake to maintain their operational fitness. Univariate analysis for numerical variables (mean and standard deviation (SD)), as well as the absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables were performed. Two Brazilian SOPUs performed a questionnaire with demographic, performance, and physical training sections. A total of 78 respondents (24 of the GRR and 54 of the COT) completed the survey. “Standing and/or sitting with complete equipment for long periods in different climatic conditions”, and “lifting/pushing/pulling heavier objects” were the most frequent and difficult occupational tasks of both SOPUs, respectively. “Shooting a long weapon” and “breaking a door” were the most important for GRR and COT, respectively. All officers undertook regular physical training (~9 h/week), in an unstructured manner, without supervision, and planning of physical training is carried out autonomously (COT) or a mixture of autonomously and directed (GRR), with the main objectives of developing aerobic endurance and muscle strength. It is important that SOPUs teams train their members’ physical capabilities to perform the tasks identified in this study, as well as follow a structured, supervised, and planned physical training program.

ACS Style

Eduardo Marins; Ossian Barbosa; Eduardo Machado; Robin Orr; Jay Dawes; Fabrício Del Vecchio. Profile of Self-Reported Physical Tasks and Physical Training in Brazilian Special Operations Units: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7135 .

AMA Style

Eduardo Marins, Ossian Barbosa, Eduardo Machado, Robin Orr, Jay Dawes, Fabrício Del Vecchio. Profile of Self-Reported Physical Tasks and Physical Training in Brazilian Special Operations Units: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (19):7135.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eduardo Marins; Ossian Barbosa; Eduardo Machado; Robin Orr; Jay Dawes; Fabrício Del Vecchio. 2020. "Profile of Self-Reported Physical Tasks and Physical Training in Brazilian Special Operations Units: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 19: 7135.

Journal article
Published: 25 September 2020 in Sustainability
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Law enforcement is an intermittently physically demanding job, interspersed with long periods of sedentary activity. To prepare for the physical demands of the job, law enforcement agencies enlist recruits into academies with a focus on physical training. Often, academies focus on aerobic-based exercise despite anaerobic fitness being strongly correlated to occupational tasks. The objective of this article is to analyze the changes in the fitness of police recruits during academy training. Initial and final fitness test results, encompassing muscular power, strength, endurance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, were measured to analyze changes in fitness. Dependent t-tests showed significant increases (p < 0.05) across all fitness tests, with a trend towards larger increases in aerobic and muscle-endurance-based tests. Recruits from this academy tended to have higher fitness results compared to other academies and were either average or below average compared to age-matched standards in the general population. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue to develop fitness throughout their career. Academies should add a focus on muscular strength and power training as these measures relate to occupational tasks, which may better prepare recruits for demands they will be expected to face in the field.

ACS Style

Danny Maupin; Ben Schram; Elisa Canetti; Jay Dawes; Robert Lockie; Robin Orr. Developing the Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits during Academy Training. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7944 .

AMA Style

Danny Maupin, Ben Schram, Elisa Canetti, Jay Dawes, Robert Lockie, Robin Orr. Developing the Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits during Academy Training. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (19):7944.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Danny Maupin; Ben Schram; Elisa Canetti; Jay Dawes; Robert Lockie; Robin Orr. 2020. "Developing the Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits during Academy Training." Sustainability 12, no. 19: 7944.

Review
Published: 24 September 2020 in Sustainability
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Limited evidence exists about non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) interventions among tactical personnel (police officers, firefighters, or army forces). The aim was to identify and systematically review the findings of randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating conservative interventions for the treatment NSLBP in tactical personnel. A search of seven databases for randomized controlled trials RCTs were conducted. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias (PEDro scale). Five RCTs (n = 387 military subjects; median PEDro score = 7/10) were included. The trials were highly heterogeneous, differing in pain and disability outcome measures, duration of NSLBP symptoms (acute, nonacute, nonchronic, and chronic), types of intervention (exercise, manual therapy, and physical therapy), types of control groups, and intervention durations (4–12 weeks). Two studies reported that strengthening exercise interventions were not effective for reducing pain or disability in military personnel with chronic or nonacute NSLBP. Manual therapy treatment was more effective than usual activities in current pain and pain typical symptoms in soldiers with acute NSLBP after four weeks. A multidimensional intervention reduced disability in military personnel with non-chronic NSLBP after four weeks. Strong evidence does not exist for the efficacy of any conservative interventions in the reduction of pain and disability in tactical populations with NSLBP.

ACS Style

Eduardo Marins; Eduardo Caputo; Marcelo Da Silva; Jay Dawes; Robin Orr; Cristine Lima Alberton. Conservative Interventions for Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Tactical Populations: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7922 .

AMA Style

Eduardo Marins, Eduardo Caputo, Marcelo Da Silva, Jay Dawes, Robin Orr, Cristine Lima Alberton. Conservative Interventions for Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Tactical Populations: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (19):7922.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eduardo Marins; Eduardo Caputo; Marcelo Da Silva; Jay Dawes; Robin Orr; Cristine Lima Alberton. 2020. "Conservative Interventions for Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Tactical Populations: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials." Sustainability 12, no. 19: 7922.