The purpose of this study was to describe measures of physical fitness and musculoskeletal characteristics and to determine if any relationships existed between these measures in law enforcement officers.
Police officers were recruited from a local police department. Thirty-nine officers volunteered to participate in the study. Participants filled out the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Anthropometric measures (systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP mm Hg) and body fat percentage (BF%)) and musculoskeletal characteristics, including hamstring flexibility (90/90 test position), hip flexibility (Thomas test), and core strength (Sahrmann Core Stability Test, Levels 1-5) were measured. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to summarize the data.
Mean SBP/DBP was 136.5/84.1. Mean BF% was 28.1%. For the ODI, 15% of officers indicated no disability, 75% indicated minimal disability, 10% indicated moderate disability. Mean core stability was 1.05. There was a fair relationship between core stability and the ODI (r=0.-34). There was a fair relationship between BF% and the ODI (r=0.34). Fair to moderate relationships existed between right (R) sided gun position and left (L) lower extremity (LE) flexibility (r=0.69 (iliopsoas), r=0.45 (quadriceps) and r=0.25 (hamstrings). The majority of LEOs carried their gun on their R side (89%). There was a significant difference between L and R hamstring flexibility (p=0.00), but there was not in the iliopsoas (p=0.46) or quadriceps (p=0.62).
Poor fitness measures and risk factors for injury were noted, including prehypertension, being overweight, poor core stability, and minimal-moderate disability linked to low back pain. Higher BF% and poor core stability was associated with higher levels of disability. Increased L LE flexibility was associated with those who carried their gun on the R side. Left hamstring flexibility was significantly greater than R hamstring flexibility. These findings warrant further attention given that asymmetries existing in the LEs can be a predictor for back injury, as well as the risk factors for disease that were observed can be addressed by physical therapists. Albeit, overall physical fitness and back pain are multifactorial. Further research is needed to determine to what extent other possible factors can contribute to overall physical fitness and back pain.
These measures are of concern given the physical fitness profile needed to meet the demands of this occupation. These findings support the need for physical therapists to examine the health and fitness of LEOs in order address and prevent adverse health conditions and potential injuries.
police officers
health promotion
