Background/Objectives: The correlation of handgrip strength (HGS) and morphological characteristics with Big Five personality traits is well documented. However, it is unclear whether these relationships also exist in highly trained and specialized populations, such as tactical athletes, and whether there are specific differences compared to the general population. This study aimed to explore the interplay of handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 205 participants. A standardized method, procedure, and equipment (Sports Medical solutions) were used to measure the isometric neuromuscular characteristics of the handgrip. Basic morphological characteristics of body height, body mass, and body mass index were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Psychological characteristics were assessed with the Mental Toughness Index and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant correlations were obtained, as well as differences between tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. The most prominent correlations were between the excitation index with Psychopathy and the Dark Triad (ρ = −0.41, −0.39) in female tactical athletes, as well as Neuroticism with body height, maximal force, and the maximum rate of force development in the male general population (ρ = 0.49, 0.43, 0.41). The obtained results also revealed gender and occupational specific patterns of researched relationships. Conclusions: Although the results of this study indicated the possibility of the existence of correlations between handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes of both genders, nevertheless, at the moment, there is not enough solid evidence for that. That is why new research is needed. An analysis of muscle contractile and time parameters as neuromuscular indicators in the HGS task proved to be a possible promising method, which brought numerous new insights about the researched relationships. For practical application in the field, we propose including Mental Toughness and the Dark Triad traits in the selection process for future police officers and national security personnel based on the obtained results.

Background. Police work belongs to the category of exceptionally responsible and psychologically , socially and physically strenuous and stressful professions. Occupational pressures can lead to a significant negative change in the level of nutrition, thus affecting body structure. Therefore, the goal of this paper was to analyze body composition in Serbian police personnel as related to their professional duties. Methods. 689 healthy male participants took part in this research, a control group of 412 civilians, and a group consisting of 277 male members of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, divided into 4 subgroups: Uniformed Police Administration (Directorate) (N = 38), Police Brigade (N = 127), Gendarmerie (N = 59) and Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (N = 53). The body composition measurements were realized by using multichannel segmental bioimpedance with InBody 720 apparatus. Results. Regarding different components of body fat, in comparison to the control group, police officers were found to have a higher value of BFM-body fat mass, VFA-visceral fat area, and BFI-body fat index, as well as a lower value of PFI-protein fat index. Conclusions. In view of the fact that body fat is a ballast component in good locomotion and a health risk factor in case of large or extreme surplus, we believe that this problem should be solved systematically through permanent evaluation, improved dietary habits and more regular and intensive physical activity.

This study aimed to explore the interplay of neuromuscular characteristics of handgrip and morphological characteristics, along with personality traits, in well-trained and elite athletes. The research involved a sample of 155 well-trained and elite athletes. A cross-sectional design was employed. A sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force was used to assess handgrip neuromuscular characteristics. Key morphological characteristics, including body height, body mass and body mass index, were measured using a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five plus Two Questionnaire. The study found numerous significant correlations, among which the positive association of positive valence and maximum force of the dominant (r=0.77) and non-dominant (r=0.82) hand in a group of female elite athletes stand out. The results revealed gender-specific patterns in the relationships examined. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated the presence of statistically significant discriminant functions for all variables assessed, both in female (Wilks’s Λ=0.44, χ²(22)=37.67) and male samples (Wilks’s Λ=0.59, χ²(20)=41.18), with 90% accuracy for females and 80% accuracy for males when discriminating between elite and well-trained athletes. The results support the need for further research in this area to enhance our understanding of the identified correlations.

Objectives: This study investigates empathy levels among the public safety personnel and their relationship with current selection indicators (morphological, neuromuscular, and psychological characteristics), highlighting the importance of the topic and its potential for further research. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 136 police and national security students. The cross-sectional design was applied. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Basic morphological characteristics were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Neuromuscular characteristics were measured using a handgrip strength test with a sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force. Psychological characteristics were assessed using the Big Five Plus Two, the Mental Toughness Index, and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant differences between female and male participants, as well as gender-specific correlation patterns, were revealed. Female participants expressed more fantasy (3.23 ± 1.05), empathic concern (3.71 ± 0.75), and personal distress (1.76 ± 0.67) than males (2.84 ± 0.84; 3.37 ± 0.71; 1.5 ± 0.53). Among them, negative correlations of psychological distress with conscientiousness (ρ = −0.66) and mental toughness (ρ = −0.59) stand out. Conclusions: This study indicates the possible existence of correlations between empathy, neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in public safety personnel of both genders, with gender-specific patterns. Results indicate opportunities for further research aimed at improving the efficiency of the existing selection system.