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Development of a Fitness Test Battery for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Operators—A Pilot Study

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  • Megan Sax van der Weyden

    (Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Christopher D. Black

    (Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Daniel Larson

    (Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Brian Rollberg

    (Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Jason A. Campbell

    (Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

Abstract

This investigation examined relationships between a Special Weapons and Tactics-specific fitness test (SORT) and an obstacle course (OC) used for qualification in fourteen male SWAT members from three local, regional police departments. The SORT included: squat, pushup, and lunge in 60 s; pullup hold; sled drag; and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test L1. The obstacle course included: 25 m sprint (repeated); window ascent; scale under a wall; 25 m serpentine run (repeated), body drag (20 m, repeated). Pearson coefficients examined SORT and OC relationships ( p ≤ 0.05); intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,1 ) assessed agreement of SORT trials. Repeated measures ANOVA evaluated differences in SORT metrics across time. Coefficients of variation (COV) examined SORT scoring consistency. The YoYo test was related to all SORT assessments (r = −0.803–0.894), except sled drag. The remaining SORT metrics were related to ≥two tests. SORT COVs ranged from 0.77–13.26% for trials 1–2 but decreased between trials 2–3 (0.95–8.97%). The OC was associated with YoYo, lunges, squats and sled drag ( r = −0.790, −0.730, −0.766, and 0.802, respectively). No differences ( p > 0.05) existed across SORT trials for event scores. The SORT battery appears to be a valid and reliable testing measure to assess SWAT occupational specific fitness.

Suggested Citation

  • Megan Sax van der Weyden & Christopher D. Black & Daniel Larson & Brian Rollberg & Jason A. Campbell, 2021. "Development of a Fitness Test Battery for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Operators—A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7992-:d:603750
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Clark, Joanna G. & Jackson, Mary S. & Schaefer, Peggy M. & Sharpe, E. Gail, 2000. "Training SWAT teams: implications for improving tactical units," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 407-413.
    2. Jessica Strader & Ben Schram & Shane Irving & Jeremy Robinson & Robin Orr, 2020. "Special Weapons and Tactics Occupational-Specific Physical Assessments and Fitness Measures," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Robert G. Lockie & J. Jay Dawes & Katherine Balfany & Ciara E. Gonzales & Maria M. Beitzel & Joseph M. Dulla & Robin M. Orr, 2018. "Physical Fitness Characteristics That Relate to Work Sample Test Battery Performance in Law Enforcement Recruits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-12, November.
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