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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(4): 730-738, 2018. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) often use fitness tests to assess recruits and incumbents. One fitness test that is gaining popularity is the 20-meter multistage fitness test (20m-MSFT). However, the potential length of this assessment, in addition to the repeated direction changes, means this test may not be appropriate for all officers (e.g. older officers, or those with physical impairments). The 300-m run is shorter, features no direction changes, and could provide an indication of fitness. The study purpose was to investigate the relationship between the 20m-MSFT and 300–m run. Retrospective analysis of data from a convenience sample of 15 incumbents from one LEA were used. Incumbents completed the 20m-MSFT and 300-m run one week apart. Pearson’s correlations (p≤0.05) calculated the relationships between the descriptive data of the incumbents, 20m-MSFT shuttle score and 300-m run time. Linear regression plots were also constructed to determine the predictive relationship between the two assessments. The results indicated a large negative relationship (r=-0.61) between number of shuttles completed on the 20m-MSFT and the 300-m run time. However, there was a low predictive relationship shown by the regression between the 20m-MSFT and 300-m run (R2=0.3728). Although the 300-m run and the 20m-MSFT both provide some measure of general fitness and high-intensity running performance, each assessment generally provides a measure of different physiological qualities. Nonetheless, given the significant correlation between the assessments, the 300-m run could still be a useful assessment for those officers for whom the 20m-MSFT is inappropriate, such as officers with physical limitations.

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