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Tactical Strength and Conditioning

(58) IMPACT OF AN 11-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM ON AEROBIC, ANAEROBIC, AND LOWER BODY POWER PERFORMANCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT CADETS

Thursday, July 11, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: Exhibit Hall
Abstract Details:

Background: Law enforcement requires adequate fitness levels to optimize occupational readiness. Law enforcement academies are responsible for developing a foundation of physical readiness by targeting relevant biomotor abilities, such as anaerobic and aerobic endurance as well as lower body power. However, there is limited research evaluating the effectiveness of academy physical training (PT) programs to improve these outcomes.

Purpose: Assess the efficacy of a law enforcement PT program on anaerobic, aerobic, and lower body power performance in cadets.

Methods: 58 cadets (43 males, 15 females; Age: 26.2 ± 6.4 yr; Height: 175.0 ± 10.2 cm; Body mass: 90.3 ± 24.5 kg) completed an 11-week training academy with entry and exit assessments comprised of the 30:15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT), timed 500 m row, and standing long jump as measures of aerobic, anaerobic, and lower body power performance, respectively. The PT program was designed by a certified strength and conditioning practitioner. Specifically, cadets completed 5 sessions per week comprised of circuit resistance training, mobility exercises, plyometrics, and interval running. Paired samples t-tests, effect size (Cohen’s d), and relative change scores ((% change = posttest - pretest / pretest) x 100) were used to compare pre vs. post-academy changes in performance outcomes. Significance was set to p < 0.05.

Results: The PT program improved 30-15 IFT (t (57) = -11.96, p < 0.001; d = -1.57; MD: 1.04 ± 0.66 stage, 5.3% increase), 500 m row performance (t (57) = 6.81, p < 0.001; d = 0.89; MD: -8.6 s, 6.4% decrease), and standing long jump (t (57) = 2.74, p < 0.01; d = 0.36; MD: 0.62 m, 4.5% increase).

Conclusions: These data indicate that an 11-week PT program elicited desirable aerobic, anaerobic, and lower body power fitness responses among law enforcement cadets. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Law enforcement training academies are encouraged to employ certified strength and conditioning practitioners to design and implement appropriate PT programs to enhance cadet readiness.

Acknowledgements: None