Fitness Measures As Predictors Of Performance On A Law Enforcement Occupational Physical Ability Test: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists describing how fitness influences performance in law enforcement officers (LEOs). LEOs have limited time available for physical training, necessitating a time efficient way to evaluate fitness. PURPOSE: This study evaluated a novel occupationally-relevant physical ability test (PAT) for LEOs, as well as identified fitness predictors of PAT completion time. METHODS: Career LEOs (n = 46) rotated through a series of fitness tests designed to mimic job tasks, including: (1) a modified Illinois Agility Test (IATT) with a cognitive task and plank time (PT); (2) summed grip strength test (GST), followed by a 500-meter row and range shooting; and (3) a submaximal PAT (e.g., climbing stairs, navigating hurdles, dummy drag), including an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and countermovement jump (CMJ). Descriptive statistics were calculated as means SD. Correlations were used to identify relationships between PAT time and each fitness variable (i.e., IATT, PT, GST, IMTP, CMJ). A multiple linear regression was conducted to determine predictors of PAT time. An alpha value of 0.05 determined statistical significance. RESULTS: The group mean for each fitness variable is as follows: PAT time (140.45 33.29 sec), PT (80.81 44.56 sec), GST (93.03 29.90 kg), IATT (23.69 5.91 sec), CMJ (15.86 5.53 in), IMTP (297.45 101.82 lbs). PT, GST, CMJ, and IMTP, all demonstrated trivial-to-small, nonsignificant relationships with PAT, whereas IATT exhibited a moderate correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001). The regression identified IATT and PT as the strongest predictors of PAT time. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of agility and trunk endurance among LEOs, suggesting that both should be targeted to improve job-specific performance. Additionally, IATT and PT may be utilized as formative evaluations when targeting PAT performance. Despite limited relationships with PAT time, the testing battery allowed a time efficient way to measure several biomotor abilities among this population. Further research is needed to explore other fitness variables and their potential impact on law enforcement occupational tasks.