IMPACT OF AN ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM ON AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT CADETS

Authors

Margaret A. Lewis, University of KentuckyFollow
Sarah N. Lanham, University of KentuckyFollow
Jamal L. Thruston, University of KentuckyFollow
Jackson B. Miller, University of KentuckyFollow
Susannah L. Reiner, University of KentuckyFollow
Abigayle R. Spong, University of KentuckyFollow
Emily L. Langford, University of MontevalloFollow
Mark R. Mason, University of KentuckyFollow
Mark G. Abel, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

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. However, there is limited research evaluating the effectiveness of academy physical training (PT) programs to improve these outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a law enforcement PT program on anaerobic and aerobic endurance 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 the 30:15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT) and timed 500 m row as measures of aerobic and anaerobic capacity, respectively, prior to and at the completion of an 11-week training academy. The PT program was designed by a certified strength and conditioning practitioner. Specifically, cadets completed 5 sessions per week composed 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 significantly improved 30-15 IFT (t (57) = -11.96, p < 0.001; d = -1.57; MD: 1.04 ± 0.66 s, 5.3% increase) and 500 m row performance (t (57) = 6.81, p < 0.001; d = 0.89; MD: -8.6 s, 6.4% decrease). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that an 11-week PT program elicited desirable aerobic and anaerobic fitness responses among law enforcement cadets. Law enforcement training academies are encouraged to employ certified strength and conditioning practitioners to design and implement appropriate PT programs to enhance cadet readiness.

Recommended Citation

Lewis, Margaret A.; Lanham, Sarah N.; Thruston, Jamal L.; Miller, Jackson B.; Reiner, Susannah L.; Spong, Abigayle R.; Langford, Emily L.; Mason, Mark R.; and Abel, Mark G. (2024) "IMPACT OF AN ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM ON AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT CADETS," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 16: Iss. 3, Article 57.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol16/iss3/57