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Ben has experience in officer training with the army reserve to complement his Exercise Science, Doctor of Physiotherapy, and Ph.D. degrees, enabling unique insight into the demands of tactical personnel. He is extensively involved in most aspects of the Bond University Doctor of Physiotherapy program including musculoskeletal physiotherapy and research supervision. He is part of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, conducting research with tactical personnel such as firefighters, military personnel and police.
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.
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 StyleColin 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 StyleColin 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.
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.
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 StyleRobin 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 StyleRobin 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.
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.
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 StyleSally 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 StyleSally 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.
The Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial examined efficacy and safety of a pragmatic hardstyle kettlebell training program in older adults. Insufficiently active men and women aged 59-79 years, were recruited to a 6-month repeated measures study, involving 3-months usual activity and 3-months progressive hardstyle kettlebell training. Health-related physical fitness outcomes included: grip strength [GS], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], resting heart rate [HR], stair-climb [SC], leg extensor strength [LES], hip extensor strength [HES], Sit-To-Stand [STS], vertical jump [CMVJ], five-times floor transfer [5xFT], 1RM deadlift, body composition (DXA), attendance, and adverse events. Sixteen males (68.8 ± 4.6 yrs, 176.2 ± 7.8 cm, 90.7 ± 11.0 kg, 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2) and sixteen females (68.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 163.9 ± 5.4 cm, 70.4 ± 12.7 kg, 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were recruited. Compliance to the supervised exercise program was very high (91.5%). Kettlebell training increased GS (R: MD = 7.1 kg 95% CI [4.9, 9.3], p < 0.001, L: MD = 6.3 kg 95% CI [4.1, 8.4], p < 0.001), 6MWD (41.7 m, 95% CI [17.9, 65.5], p < .001), 1RM (16.2 kg, 95% CI [2.4, 30.0], p = 0.013), 30s STS (3.3 reps, 95% CI [0.9, 5.7], p = 0.003), LES (R: MD = 61.6 N, 95% CI [4.4, 118.8], p = 0.028), HES (L: MD = 21.0 N, 95% CI [4.2, 37.8], p = 0.007), appendicular skeletal lean mass (MD = 0.65 kg, 95% CI [0.08, 1.22], p = 0.016), self-reported health change (17.1%, 95% CI [4.4, 29.8], p = 0.002) and decreased SC time (2.7 sec, 95% CI [0.2, 5.2], p = 0.025), 5xFT time (6.0 sec, 95% CI [2.2, 9.8], p < 0.001) and resting HR (7.4 bpm, 95% CI [0.7, 14.1], p = 0.032). There were four non-serious adverse events. Mean individual training load for group training sessions during the trial was 100,977 ± 9,050 kg. High-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training was well tolerated and improved grip strength and measures of health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults.
Neil J. Meigh; Justin W. L. Keogh; Ben Schram; Wayne Hing; Evelyne N. Rathbone. Effects of supervised high-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training on grip strength and health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults: The BELL pragmatic controlled trial. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleNeil J. Meigh, Justin W. L. Keogh, Ben Schram, Wayne Hing, Evelyne N. Rathbone. Effects of supervised high-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training on grip strength and health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults: The BELL pragmatic controlled trial. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNeil J. Meigh; Justin W. L. Keogh; Ben Schram; Wayne Hing; Evelyne N. Rathbone. 2021. "Effects of supervised high-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training on grip strength and health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults: The BELL pragmatic controlled trial." , no. : 1.
Background Understanding the mechanical demands of an exercise and its technique increases clinical confidence when assessing the benefits and risks of a prescribed exercise. This study profiles the mechanical demands of the hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults and compares peak force with kettlebell deadlifts. These data will help therapists choose the most appropriate kettlebell exercise (deadlifts or swings) and weights for progressing kettlebell training for older adults. Methods Thirty-five insufficiently physically active, community-dwelling males and females (59-79 years) were recruited. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with 8-16 kg and deadlifts with 8-24 kg and 8-32 kg for females and males, respectively. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) were obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Force-time curves (FTCs), peak force, forward force relative to vertical force, rate of force development (RFD) and swing cadence were investigated. Peak GRF was compared by exercise and by sex, with RFD reported for swings. Results For kettlebells weights up to 16 kg, paired samples T-tests show a large exercise effect (δ > 1.4) with peak force significantly higher for swings than deadlifts. Data shows: (i) significantly higher peak force during swings than deadlifts (δ = 1.77), reaching 4.5 (1.0) N.kg−1, (ii) peak force during an 8 kg swing was greater than a 32kg deadlift, (iii) no significant difference in normalised peak force between males and females performing kettlebell swings, but a moderately large effect size during deadlifts (males > females, δ = 0.69), (iv) mean RFD of 19.9 (4.7) N.s−1.kg−1 with a very weak, positive correlation with kettlebell weight (y = 14.4 + 0.32x), and trivial or non-significant effect of sex, (v) mean forward force equal to 5.5% of vertical force during swings, increasing from 3.8 (1.6) % with 8 kg to 1.7 (2.6) % with 16kg. Conclusion Where GRF is a therapeutic target, kettlebell swings with an 8 kg kettlebell could have similar effects to much heavier deadlifts (>24 kg). Compared to kettlebell deadlifts, the performance of kettlebell swings may be an easier, more convenient, and more appealing option for older adults in a primary care setting or at home. The hardstyle swing with 8 kg has the potential to produce double bodyweight in GRF and might be a suitable exercise to improve lower limb RFD and physical function in older adults. Findings from this study were used to inform the BELL Trial, a pragmatic clinical trial of kettlebell training with older adults. www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12619001177145.
Neil J. Meigh; Wayne A. Hing; Ben Schram; Justin W.L. Keogh. Mechanical demands of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults: an exploratory profile. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleNeil J. Meigh, Wayne A. Hing, Ben Schram, Justin W.L. Keogh. Mechanical demands of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults: an exploratory profile. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNeil J. Meigh; Wayne A. Hing; Ben Schram; Justin W.L. Keogh. 2021. "Mechanical demands of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults: an exploratory profile." , no. : 1.
Background The effects of hardstyle kettlebell training are frequently discussed in the strength and conditioning field, yet reference data from a proficient swing is scarce. The aim of this study was to profile the mechanical demands of a two-handed hardstyle swing performed by a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Instructor. Methods The subject is a 44-year-old male, body mass 75.6 kg, height 173.5 cm, with 6 years of regular hardstyle kettlebell training since attaining certification in 2013. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with a series of incremental weight (8-68 kg) kettlebells. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) were obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Force-time curves (FTCs), peak force, forward force relative to vertical force, rate of force development (RFD) and swing cadence were investigated. Results Data revealed the FTC of a proficient swing were highly consistent (mean SD = 47 N) and dominated by a single force peak, with a profile that remained largely unchanged with 8-24 kg kettlebells. Pearson correlation analyses revealed a very strong positive correlation in peak force with kettlebell weight (r = 0.95), which increased disproportionately from the lightest to heaviest kettlebells; peak net force increasing from 8.36 ± 0.75 N.kg-1 (0.85 x BW) to 12.82 ± 0.39 N.kg-1 (1.3x BW). There was a strong negative correlation between RFD and kettlebell weight (r = 0.82) decreasing from 39.2 N.s-1.kg-1 to 21.5 N.s-1.kg-1. There was a very strong positive correlation in forward ground reaction force with kettlebell weight (r = 0.99), expressed as a ratio of vertical ground reaction, increasing from 0.092 (9.2%) to 0.205 (20.5%). Swing cadence exceeded 40 swings per minute (SPM) at all weights. Conclusion Our findings challenge some of the popular beliefs of the hardstyle kettlebell swing. Consistent with hardstyle practice and previous kinematic analysis of expert and novice, force-time curves show a characteristic single large force peak, differentiating passive from active shoulder flexion. Ground reaction force did not increase proportionate to bell weight, with a magnitude of forward force smaller than described in practice. These results could be useful for coaches and trainers using kettlebells with the intent to improve athletic performance, and healthcare providers using the kettlebell swing for therapeutic purposes. Findings from this study were used to inform the BELL Trial, a pragmatic clinical trial of kettlebell training with older adults. www.anzctr.org.auACTRN12619001177145.
Neil J. Meigh; Wayne A. Hing; Ben J. Schram; Justin W.L. Keogh. Mechanical demands of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing performed by an RKC-certified Instructor. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleNeil J. Meigh, Wayne A. Hing, Ben J. Schram, Justin W.L. Keogh. Mechanical demands of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing performed by an RKC-certified Instructor. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNeil J. Meigh; Wayne A. Hing; Ben J. Schram; Justin W.L. Keogh. 2021. "Mechanical demands of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing performed by an RKC-certified Instructor." , no. : 1.
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.
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 StyleRobin 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 StyleRobin 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.
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.
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 StyleColin 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 StyleColin 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.
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.
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 StyleJessica 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 StyleJessica 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.
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.
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 StyleDanny 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 StyleDanny 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.
Specialist police tactical teams, like special operations military personnel, are tasked with dangerous, high risk missions which are beyond the scope of general police. Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these teams are physiologically and psychologically demanding. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of a five-day selection course to aid in candidate preparation and course planning. Measures included body mass, grip strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, and a vertical jump assessment. Eleven candidates finished the selection course with significant decreases in body mass (−2.05 kg, p = 0.006 (95% CI = 3.65–0.45)), grip strength in the right (−14.48 kg, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 21.32–7.64)) and left (−14.27 kg, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 21.89–6.66)) hands and in sit-and-reach flexibility (−6.64 cm, p < 0.001 (95% CI = 9.94–3.33)). No significant decreases in power output or peak jump velocity of 669.77 W (95% CI = 1942.92–603.39) and 0.28 m/s (95% CI = 0.69–0.14) were found and a non-significant, overall increase in vertical jump height of 6.09 cm (95% CI = −6.08 to 18.79) was seen. Decreases in body mass, grip strength and lower limb flexibility are evident in a grueling five-day selection course. Individuals planning on attending these courses should plan for these negative effects and build redundancy into their performance to minimize the effects of fatigue, decrease injury risk and maximize chances of completion.
Ben Schram; Jeremy Robinson; Robin Orr. The Physical Fitness Effects of a Week-Long Specialist Tactical Police Selection Course. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6782 .
AMA StyleBen Schram, Jeremy Robinson, Robin Orr. The Physical Fitness Effects of a Week-Long Specialist Tactical Police Selection Course. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (18):6782.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBen Schram; Jeremy Robinson; Robin Orr. 2020. "The Physical Fitness Effects of a Week-Long Specialist Tactical Police Selection Course." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 18: 6782.
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 analyse the changes in 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 analyse 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 populations. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue 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.
Danny J. Maupin; Ben Schram; Elisa F.D. Canetti; Jay Dawes; Robert G. Lockie; Robin Orr. Developing the Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits during Academy Training. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleDanny J. Maupin, Ben Schram, Elisa F.D. Canetti, Jay Dawes, Robert G. Lockie, Robin Orr. Developing the Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits during Academy Training. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanny J. Maupin; Ben Schram; Elisa F.D. Canetti; Jay Dawes; Robert G. Lockie; Robin Orr. 2020. "Developing the Fitness of Law Enforcement Recruits during Academy Training." , no. : 1.
Amy Wiley; Aaron Joseph; Robin Orr; Ben Schram; Charles L. Kornhauser; Ryan J. Holmes; J. Jay Dawes. The Impact of External Loads Carried by Police Officers on Vertical Jump Performance. 2020, 13, 1179 -1189.
AMA StyleAmy Wiley, Aaron Joseph, Robin Orr, Ben Schram, Charles L. Kornhauser, Ryan J. Holmes, J. Jay Dawes. The Impact of External Loads Carried by Police Officers on Vertical Jump Performance. . 2020; 13 (6):1179-1189.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAmy Wiley; Aaron Joseph; Robin Orr; Ben Schram; Charles L. Kornhauser; Ryan J. Holmes; J. Jay Dawes. 2020. "The Impact of External Loads Carried by Police Officers on Vertical Jump Performance." 13, no. 6: 1179-1189.
Robin Orr; Danielle Ferguson; Ben Schram; J Jay Dawes; Robert Lockie; Rodney Pope. The Relationship between Aerobic Test Performance and Injuries in Police Recruits. 2020, 13, 1052 -1062.
AMA StyleRobin Orr, Danielle Ferguson, Ben Schram, J Jay Dawes, Robert Lockie, Rodney Pope. The Relationship between Aerobic Test Performance and Injuries in Police Recruits. . 2020; 13 (4):1052-1062.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRobin Orr; Danielle Ferguson; Ben Schram; J Jay Dawes; Robert Lockie; Rodney Pope. 2020. "The Relationship between Aerobic Test Performance and Injuries in Police Recruits." 13, no. 4: 1052-1062.
In the conduct of their daily duties, law enforcement officers (LEO) are often required to perform dynamic, physically demanding tasks with little or no notice, sometimes at maximal levels of exertion. Given these requirements, training for prospective LEOs must be rigorous enough to ensure that when trainees graduate, they are competent in their response to crisis and resilient enough to maintain this for the span of their career. Therefore, based on previously reported effectiveness of fitness testing in predicting injury risk in predominantly military settings, the aim of this study was to investigate relationships between a physical ability test (PAT) and risk of injury during police recruit training. Retrospective PAT results and trainee injury records were obtained from a national police department and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to investigate fitness differences between trainees who were, or were not, injured. Significant results were tested for effect size using Cliff’s delta (CD). Significant differences in mean performance between groups existed for the following PAT components: pushups (injured mean 32.94 ± 8.66 reps, uninjured mean 35.67 ± 9.04 reps, p = 0.01 CD + 0.11) and right-hand grip strength (injured mean 49.61 ± 12.51 kg, uninjured mean 52.12 ± 11.17 kg, p = 0.042 CD + 0.22) for all injuries; vertical jump height (injured mean 51.75 ± 7.54 cm, uninjured mean 55.06 ± 8.19 cm, p = 0.032 CD + 0.41) for lower limb injuries, and all measures of grip strength for trunk injury. The results of this study suggest that a significant relationship between some PAT fitness components and injury risk exists during police recruit training.
Colin Tomes; Ben Schram; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. What is the impact of fitness on injury risk during police academy training? A retrospective cohort study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 2020, 12, 1 -8.
AMA StyleColin Tomes, Ben Schram, Rodney Pope, Robin Orr. What is the impact of fitness on injury risk during police academy training? A retrospective cohort study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2020; 12 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleColin Tomes; Ben Schram; Rodney Pope; Robin Orr. 2020. "What is the impact of fitness on injury risk during police academy training? A retrospective cohort study." BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 12, no. 1: 1-8.
Tyler L. Danielson; Robin Orr; Robert Lockie; Kiyoshi Goad; Ben Schram; Charlie Kornhauser; Ryan Holmes; Bert Jacobson; Jay Dawes. Differences In Fitness Between Law Enforcement Cadets And Officers: A Retrospective Study Of Two Agencies. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2020, 52, 376 -376.
AMA StyleTyler L. Danielson, Robin Orr, Robert Lockie, Kiyoshi Goad, Ben Schram, Charlie Kornhauser, Ryan Holmes, Bert Jacobson, Jay Dawes. Differences In Fitness Between Law Enforcement Cadets And Officers: A Retrospective Study Of Two Agencies. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2020; 52 (7S):376-376.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTyler L. Danielson; Robin Orr; Robert Lockie; Kiyoshi Goad; Ben Schram; Charlie Kornhauser; Ryan Holmes; Bert Jacobson; Jay Dawes. 2020. "Differences In Fitness Between Law Enforcement Cadets And Officers: A Retrospective Study Of Two Agencies." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 52, no. 7S: 376-376.
Purpose To determine the relationship between metabolic fitness test scores and performance in police occupational tasks. Methods Retrospective data from 106 law enforcement officers who completed two metabolic fitness assessments [anaerobic: a 20-m (10-m and 20-m splits) sprint, aerobic: 20 m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (20 m-MSFT)] and three routine occupational tasks [1.22 m Fence jump (FJ), 8.5 m Victim Drag (VD with 102.3 kg) and “Get-up” (GU)] were collected. A Person’s correlation coefficient and a standard multiple regression were used to assess the relationship between and predictive ability of, respectively, the fitness tests scores and performance on occupational tasks. Results There was a significant positive correlation between the 10-m sprint scores and FJ (r = 0.524, P < 0.001), VD (r = 0.528, P < 0.001) and GU (r = 0.486, P < 0.001). Similarly, the 20-m sprint scores were significantly and moderately correlated with FJ (r = 0.573, P < 0.001), VD (r = 0.603, P < 0.001) and GU (r = 0.533, P < 0.001). These anaerobic tests’ scores predicted approximately 40% of the performance in the occupational tasks analysed. The MSFT fitness assessment had a small, albeit significant negative correlation with the three tasks: FJ (r = − 0.360, P < 0.001), VD (r = − 0.266, P = 0.012) and GU (r = − 0.375, P < 0.001). Conclusion High levels of metabolic fitness correlated with faster performance in police officer occupational tasks, particularly ones of an anaerobic nature (i.e. the maximal sprint tests). In addition to typical aerobic fitness conditioning, anaerobic fitness conditioning could be vital for optimal performance in physically demanding tasks required of police officer.
Elisa F. D. Canetti; J. Jay Dawes; Phoebe H. Drysdale; Robert Lockie; Charlie Kornhauser; Ryan Holmes; Ben Schram; Robin Orr. Relationship Between Metabolic Fitness and Performance in Police Occupational Tasks. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise 2020, 3, 179 -185.
AMA StyleElisa F. D. Canetti, J. Jay Dawes, Phoebe H. Drysdale, Robert Lockie, Charlie Kornhauser, Ryan Holmes, Ben Schram, Robin Orr. Relationship Between Metabolic Fitness and Performance in Police Occupational Tasks. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise. 2020; 3 (2):179-185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElisa F. D. Canetti; J. Jay Dawes; Phoebe H. Drysdale; Robert Lockie; Charlie Kornhauser; Ryan Holmes; Ben Schram; Robin Orr. 2020. "Relationship Between Metabolic Fitness and Performance in Police Occupational Tasks." Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise 3, no. 2: 179-185.
Sports participation in the military is important for physical fitness and building morale and camaraderie. However, injuries caused by sports are detrimental to military capability. The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of injury from sports participation in Australian Regular Army personnel. Injury data spanning a two-year period were obtained from the Department of Defence Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation, and Reporting (WHSCAR) database. Data were extracted for the top five sporting activities causing injuries. The most common body sites, natures, and mechanisms of injuries across these five sports were then determined. Sports participation accounted for 11% (n = 1092) of reported injuries (n = 9828). Soccer presented with the greatest number of injuries (23.3%), followed by rugby union/league (22.9%), touch football (18.6%), Australian rules football (12.0%), and basketball/netball (11.9%). The ankle, knee, and shoulder were the most injured body sites (21.9%; 17.2%; 11.6% respectively) across these five sports, with soft tissue injury, dislocation, and fractures being the most common natures of injury (55.1%; 12.7%; 11.9% respectively). The most common mechanisms of injuries were contact with objects (35.1%) and falls (27.4%). The current injury rates, locations, and mechanisms are similar to historical rates suggesting little impact by injury mitigation strategies.
Robin Orr; Ben Schram; Rodney Pope. Sports Injuries in the Australian Regular Army. Safety 2020, 6, 23 .
AMA StyleRobin Orr, Ben Schram, Rodney Pope. Sports Injuries in the Australian Regular Army. Safety. 2020; 6 (2):23.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRobin Orr; Ben Schram; Rodney Pope. 2020. "Sports Injuries in the Australian Regular Army." Safety 6, no. 2: 23.
This systematic review and meta-analysis identified and critically reviewed the findings of recent studies (last 15 years) examining relationships between specific physically demanding occupations or occupational tasks and development of lower limb osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty-eight studies with 266,227 cases of lower limb OA were included. Occupational tasks contributing to OA included farming, floor laying, and brick laying. Activities significantly contributing to the risk of knee OA were lifting heavy loads (>10 kg/week) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.29–1.79), squatting/kneeling (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.15–2.49), standing (>2 h/daily) (OR = 1.22 95%CI 1.02–1.46) and walking (OR = 1.40 95%CI 1.14–1.73). Lifting contributed significantly to the risk of hip OA (OR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.16–1.57). The effects of occupational exposures appear to be magnified by previous injury and BMI >25 kg/m2. Since specific occupational activities increase OA risk, ergonomist should encourage the use of existing tools, or oversee the design of new tools that may decrease exposure to such activities.
Elisa F.D. Canetti; Ben Schram; Robin M. Orr; Joseph Knapik; Rodney Pope. Risk factors for development of lower limb osteoarthritis in physically demanding occupations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied Ergonomics 2020, 86, 103097 .
AMA StyleElisa F.D. Canetti, Ben Schram, Robin M. Orr, Joseph Knapik, Rodney Pope. Risk factors for development of lower limb osteoarthritis in physically demanding occupations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied Ergonomics. 2020; 86 ():103097.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElisa F.D. Canetti; Ben Schram; Robin M. Orr; Joseph Knapik; Rodney Pope. 2020. "Risk factors for development of lower limb osteoarthritis in physically demanding occupations: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Applied Ergonomics 86, no. : 103097.
Background Police officer use of Individual Light Armour Vests (ILAVs) is increasing due to potential occupational hazards that include blunt trauma, stabbing and light calibre bullets. It is unclear how addition of this extra load will affect the officer's mobility or postural control. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various ILAVs on the mobility and postural control of police officers when compared to wearing their normal station wear. Methods A prospective, within-subjects, repeated measures study was conducted in which officers wore one of three different ILAV variants or normal station wear (N) and acted as their own controls. Officer mobility was assessed via the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and postural sway (including total sway, average sway velocity, medial-lateral velocity, anterior-posterior velocity and total excursion area) via force plate. Results Significant differences were found between ILAV or N conditions in various components of the FMS, including (R) Straight Leg Raise, (L) Shoulder Mobility and both (R) and (L) quad rotary stability. No significant differences were found in any of the balance measures between these conditions. Conclusion It appears ILAVs can significantly affect police officer mobility and therefore may contribute to injury risk and decreased ability to complete occupational tasks, though this should be weighed against protective benefits. ILAVs should therefore be carefully selected to minimise injury risk without detracting from occupational performance.
Ben Schram; Robin Orr; Ben Hinton; Geoff Norris; Rodney Pope. The effects of body armour on mobility and postural control of police officers. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2020, 24, 190 -194.
AMA StyleBen Schram, Robin Orr, Ben Hinton, Geoff Norris, Rodney Pope. The effects of body armour on mobility and postural control of police officers. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2020; 24 (3):190-194.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBen Schram; Robin Orr; Ben Hinton; Geoff Norris; Rodney Pope. 2020. "The effects of body armour on mobility and postural control of police officers." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 24, no. 3: 190-194.