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FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT PROFILES OF POLICE OFFICERS FROM A RURAL U.S. BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Abstract

Quincy Johnson1, Cody L. Diehl1, Robin M. Orr2, Robert G. Lockie3, Micheal D. Casteel4, Bert H. Jacobson1 FACSM, Doug B. Smith1, J. JayDawes1 1Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA 2Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD, AUS 3California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA4Stillwater Police Department, Stillwater, OK, USA

Police officers may be required to perform dynamic movements such as running, jumping, and lunging as part of their duties. Early identification of poor movement patterns in this population may mitigate injury risks associated with these dynamic movements. PURPOSE: To profile movement patterns in a police force and identify specific movement patterns associated with injury risk. METHODS: Thirty-eight (n=38; age = 39.4±7.9 years; Height=180.3±8.1cm; Weight=101.3±20.2 kg; Body mass index =30.5 ± 5.1 kg·m-2) full-time police officers volunteered to participate in this study. Participant movement ability was assessed using a screening tool which incorporated seven movement patterns: overhead squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, active-straight leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability. Each movement is scored from ‘0’ to ‘3’ for a total of 21 points. A score of ‘0’ was given if there was pain during the movement or corresponding clearing test. A score of ‘1’indicated in ability to complete the movement, ‘2’completed the movement with compensation, and ‘3’completed the movement correctly. Frequency and descriptive analysis were used for each of the dependent variables (i.e., each movement). Previous research has suggested that a total score of <14 points may indicate an increased risk for sustaining an injury, so this benchmark was noted. RESULTS: Overall, 89.7% (n=38) of officers scored below 14 points on their assessment. Greater than 85% (n=33) of participants were unable to perform movement patterns, performed them with compensation, or had pain throughout the movement for six out of the seven movement assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Specific movement patterns that may contribute to an increased injury risk within this police population include functional mobility of the hips, knees, ankles, and shoulder. Specific mobility and strength and conditioning programs may reduce injury risk by improving movement quality.

Additional Files
Johnson Table 1.docx (188 kB)
Table 1

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