The Physical Fitness Characteristics That Relate To Work Sample Test Battery Performance In Deputy Sheriff Recruits

INTRODUCTION
Law enforcement recruits are generally required to complete state-mandated physical tests prior to academy graduation. These tests, completed as part of a work sample test battery (WSTB), relate to job tasks (e.g., suspect pursuit, civilian rescue, obstacle clearance). Certain agencies will also have their recruits complete general fitness testing. The aim of the study was to determine relationships between fitness measured by an agency-specific test battery referred to as the PT500, and a state specific
WSTB in deputy sheriff recruits.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis on four academy classes (219 males, 34 females) from one agency was conducted. The PT500 and WSTB were completed in the last weeks of a 22-week academy training program. The PT500 comprised: number of push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers in 120 s; maximal number of pull-ups; 220-yard and 1.5-mile run times. The WSTB comprised five tests completed for time: agility run (AR) around a 99-yard obstacle course; body drag (BD) with a 165-pound dummy; climb over a six-foot chain link fence (CL) and six-foot solid wall (SW); and 500-yard run (500R). Data were combined for the sexes. Pearson’s correlations calculated relationships
between the PT500 and WSTB (p ≤ 0.05). Stepwise regression determined whether the PT500 predicted WSTB performance.
RESULTS
Greater pull-up repetitions related to faster WSTB performance (r =-0.15 to 0.54). Except for the BD, greater sit-up repetitions (r = -0.23 to -0.36) and faster 1.5-mile run times (r = 0.23 to 0.62) related to faster WSTB performance. Greater push-up repetitions related to faster SW and 500R (r = -0.23 to -0.25). AR was predicted by pull-ups, push-ups, and 1.5-mile run time (r2 = 0.27). CL was predicted by pull-ups and push-ups (r2 = 0.33). 500R was predicted by pull-ups and 1.5 mile run time (r2 = 0.45).
BD and SW were predicted by pull-ups (r2 = 0.02 to 0.33).
CONCLUSIONS
Recruits that completed more pull-ups performed better in the WSTB. The ability to do pull-ups may indicate the upper-body and absolute strength required in law enforcement. This should have application in not only the WSTB, but also job-specific tasks. Push-ups and the 1.5-mile run also correlated with and predicted WSTB tasks. To perform better in the WSTB and job-specific tasks, deputy sheriff recruits should develop upper-body strength and aerobic fitness.