Relationships between the 1.5-mile Run and Multi-stage Fitness Test in Deputy Sheriff Recruits Post-Academy Training

The most popular method for measuring aerobic fitness within US law enforcement agencies (LEA) is the 1.5 mile run (1.5 MI run). A limitation of the 1.5 MI run is that it relies on the recruits’ internal pacing. In contrast, the 20m multi-stage fitness test (MSFT) is more popular globally in tests of LEA recruits and officers, and is externally paced which does not allow the individual to perform at a pace they are comfortable with. Academy training is used to prepare recruits for the rigors of duty and to enhance physical fitness. If training approaches are successful during academy, aerobic fitness as measured by the 1.5 MI run and the MSFT should be relatively similar, in that recruits should be aerobically fit and have the high-intensity running capacity to perform well in both tests. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the 1.5 MI run and the MSFT of deputy sheriff recruits at the end of academy. Retrospective analysis on 5 academy classes from one LEA was conducted (227 males, 34 females). The 1.5 MI run and MSFT were conducted in the last few weeks of the recruits’ 22-week academy. Time was recorded for the 1.5 MI run while total shuttles were recorded for the MSFT; estimated maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) was calculated from both tests. Estimated VO2max from the aforementioned tests was compared with paired samples t-tests. Pearson’s correlations and linear regression scatter plots calculated relationships between the 1.5 MI run and MSFT. Each sex was analyzed separately, with p<0.05 set for all analyses. The VO2max calculated from the 1.5 MI run were significantly greater than those for the MSFT for both males (47.04 vs. 40.88 ml/kg/min), and females (43.16 vs. 37.02 ml/kg/min). The VO2max of the 1.5 MI run significantly correlated with the MSFT for males (r = -0.49) but not females (r = -0.31). The r2 values from the regression equations for males (0.24), and females (0.10) were both low. The results suggest that recruits performed relatively better in the 1.5 MI run compared to the MSFT. The physical training program tended to emphasize calisthenics, interval running circuits that lacked evidence-based work: rest ratios, and distance running; this could have impacted these results. Given the weak relationships between the tests, especially for females, this would suggest recruits still have limitations in high-intensity, externally paced running. Since the job demands of a deputy sheriff are externally paced by nature, this outcome is not ideal. Academy training programs should explore the use of evidence-based high-intensity running programs.