Dr Danny Maupin

Campbell, P, Maupin, D, Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Simas, V, Canetti, E, Schram, B, and Orr, R. The development of normative fitness data and analyzing the relationships between 20MSFT and 2.4-km run performance in Australian police recruits. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1951-1958, 2024-Aerobic fitness testing plays a significant role in the academy training of law enforcement recruits. There is a lack of normative data for law enforcement recruits and substantial interchangeability for choice of field-based aerobic tests. Therefore, this study aimed to develop normative percentile rankings for the 20-m multistage fitness tests (20MSFT) and 2.4-km run specific to law enforcement recruits; and to analyze the relationship between the 2 tests by linear regression. Data from 5 cohorts of law enforcement recruits completing 20MSFT (n = 1,536) and 2.4-km run (n = 1,499) testing during basic training at an Australian Police Academy were retrospectively analyzed. Percentile ranks were calculated (20th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 80th, and 99th) based on the number of shuttles completed and time (seconds) to complete the 2.4-km run. Results were split by sex and age (i.e.,

Loewen, B, Melton, B, Maupin, D, and Ryan, G. Comparing acute responses between single session circuit training and fireground suppression tasks. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1667-1678, 2023-The purpose of this study was to compare the cardio-metabolic and perceived demands of task-specific circuit training to fireground suppression tasks (FST). Twenty-three career, structural firefighters performed three separate testing days (i.e., FST, CT, and CTW). FST consisted of performing seven common occupational tasks in full gear (& SIM;22.5kg). The weighted (CTW: 18.9kg vest) and unweighted (CT) circuit utilized seven exercises designed to mimic the FST's. Measurements included relative heart rate (%HRmax), post-training blood lactate (Lapost), change in countermovement jump height (CMJ), change in dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength (DHG and NDHG), total training time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and job-specific rating of relevance. A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni post-hoc, was performed for each variable, excluding RPE and rating of relevance. Friedman's ANOVA was used to assess differences in RPE and rating of relevance, with Wilcoxen Signed Rank tests follow-up. Significant mean differences were found in %HRmax between CT and FST (& SIM;8.6%, p < 0.01, d = 1.12) and CTW and FST (& SIM;5.3%, p < 0.01, d = 0.75), CMJ between CT and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.35) and CTW and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.09), NDHG between CTW and FST (p = 0.01, d = 0.79), training time between CT and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.00) and CTW and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.81), and rating of relevance between CT and FST (PSdep = 0.67). In conclusion, CT and CTW were able to elicit similar metabolic and perceived demands as FST, while producing a lower cardiovascular response. Therefore, while circuit training may be a beneficial training tool for firefighters, it cannot replicate FST.

Survey response times (RTs) have hitherto untapped potential to allow researchers to gain more detailed insights into the cognitive performance of participants in online panel studies. We examined if RTs recorded from a brief online survey could serve as a digital biomarker for processing speed. Data from 9,893 adults enrolled in the nationally representative Understanding America Study were used in the analyses. Hypotheses included that people's average survey RTs would have a large correlation with an established processing speed test, small to moderate correlations with other cognitive tests, and associations with functional impairment. We also hypothesized that survey RTs would have sensitivity to various participant characteristics comparable to the established processing speed test's sensitivity (e.g., similar standardized means by gender). Overall, results support the validity and reliability of people's average RTs to survey items as a digital biomarker for processing speed. The correlation between survey RTs (reverse scored) and the formal processing speed test was 0.61 (p

Questionnaires are ever present in survey research. In this study, we examined whether an indirect indicator of general cognitive ability could be developed based on response patterns in questionnaires. We drew on two established phenomena characterizing connections between cognitive ability and people’s performance on basic cognitive tasks, and examined whether they apply to questionnaires responses. (1) The worst performance rule (WPR) states that people’s worst performance on multiple sequential tasks is more indicative of their cognitive ability than their average or best performance. (2) The task complexity hypothesis (TCH) suggests that relationships between cognitive ability and performance increase with task complexity. We conceptualized items of a questionnaire as a series of cognitively demanding tasks. A graded response model was used to estimate respondents’ performance for each item based on the difference between the observed and model-predicted response (“response error” scores). Analyzing data from 102 items (21 questionnaires) collected from a large-scale nationally representative sample of people aged 50+ years, we found robust associations of cognitive ability with a person’s largest but not with their smallest response error scores (supporting the WPR), and stronger associations of cognitive ability with response errors for more complex than for less complex questions (supporting the TCH). Results replicated across two independent samples and six assessment waves. A latent variable of response errors estimated for the most complex items correlated .50 with a latent cognitive ability factor, suggesting that response patterns can be utilized to extract a rough indicator of general cognitive ability in survey research.

Introduction Cognitive assessments are useful in ascertaining dementia but may be influenced by patient characteristics. India's distinct culture and demographics warrant investigation into population‐specific cutoffs. Methods Data were utilized from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India‐Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (n = 2528). Dementia ascertainment was conducted by an online panel. A machine learning (ML) model was trained on these classifications, with explainable artificial intelligence to assess feature importance and inform cutoffs that were assessed across demographic groups. Results The Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) and Hindi Mini‐Mental State Examination (HMSE) were identified as the most impactful assessments with optimal cutoffs of 3.8 and 25, respectively. Discussion An ML assessment of clinician dementia ratings identified IQCODE and HMSE to be the most impactful assessments. Optimal cutoffs of 3.8 and 25 were identified and performed excellently in the overall sample, though did decrease in specific, more difficult‐to‐diagnose subgroups. Highlights Pioneers use of explainable artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of dementia. Creates assessment cutoffs specific to the nation of India. Highlights differences in cutoffs across nations.

Aerobic fitness is linked with academy graduation, employment, and the long-term health of law enforcement officers and is often used as a training outcome. However, different tests can be used, and aerobic improvements may differ according to the test used. The aim of this study was to determine whether recruits improved to a greater extent in 1 aerobic test compared with the other. Retrospective data from 5 law enforcement recruit cohorts (males = 741; females = 353) who underwent 18 weeks of academy training were analyzed. Initial 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) and 2.4-km run assessments were completed during weeks 4 and 5 of training, with final testing completed during weeks 16 and 17, respectively. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (p < 0.05) with a Bonferroni post hoc analysis determined changes in aerobic fitness in the 20MSFT and 2.4-km run between male and female recruits. A mean difference of 9.27 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 14.8-10.9; d = 0.63; p < 0.001) shuttle increase in 20MSFT performance and 20.1 (95% CI 16.0-24.2; d = 0.49; p < 0.001) second improvement in 2.4-km run time were demonstrated when averaged across sex, yielding a larger performance improvement for the 20MSFT compared with the 2.4-km run. Conversely, there was a smaller magnitude of change in aerobic fitness between male recruits and female recruits for the 20MSFT (d = 0.47) compared with the 2.4-km run (d = 0.50). The findings indicate that current academy training results in improvements to aerobic fitness and to a greater magnitude in the 20MSFT compared with the 2.4-km run. These results may affect policy considerations for law enforcement agencies regarding aerobic test selection.

The monitoring and optimizing training load is a concept designed to decrease risk of injury while improving physical fitness and performance. This area has grown significantly in popularity, especially in the sporting world. However, these principles can be applied to other populations, such as tactical personnel who likewise are at increased risk of injury and engage in physically demanding occupational tasks that require sufficient fitness. Although monitoring the training load in tactical personnel may be effective, the critical differences between athletic and tactical populations necessitate occupationally specific load monitoring programs. This article aims to identify these barriers and suggests potential solutions for practitioners and researchers.

Rapid technological advancements and societal shifts have reshaped older adults’ daily lives. Emerging evidence suggests that Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADL)—complex tasks beyond basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental ADL (IADL)—may signal cognitive impairment earlier than traditional measures. This scoping review aims to identify AADL that could serve as early indicators of cognitive impairment. Scoping review. This review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guideline. We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO for relevant studies published between 2013 and 2023. From 16,185 initially identified articles, 45 studies conducted across 11 countries were included after thorough screening and eligibility assessment. These studies examined eight domains of AADL (e.g., digital technology use, social engagement, cultural activities, naturalistic driving), across cognitive impairment stages from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. Findings highlighted that frequent engagement in certain leisure, social, and intellectually stimulating activities (e.g., reading, playing board games, volunteering) was consistently associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Digital behavioural indicators (e.g., computer usage patterns, naturalistic driving metrics, survey response times) showed promising predictive potential for early cognitive impairment identification, with several studies reporting good predictive accuracy (e.g., AUC > 0.80). AADL indicators hold promise for early detection and potential prevention of cognitive impairment among older adults. Future research should explore the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical integration of AADL assessments into routine geriatric care and public health practice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Antibiotic resistance increasingly threatens the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. While misuse of antibiotics is a known driver, environmental factors also play a critical role. A balanced One Health approach—including the environmental sector—is necessary to understand the emergence and spread of resistance. Methods: We systematically searched English-language literature (1990–2021) in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science, plus grey literature. Titles, abstracts, and keywords were screened, followed by full-text reviews using a structured codebook and dual-reviewer assessments. Results: Of 13,667 records screened, 738 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on freshwater and terrestrial environments, particularly associated with wastewater or manure sources. Evidence of research has predominantly focused on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp., with a concentration on ARGs conferring resistance to sulphonamides (sul1–3), tetracyclines (tet), and beta-lactams. Additionally, the People’s Republic of China has produced a third of the studies—twice that of the next country, the United States—and research was largely domestic, with closely linked author networks. Conclusion: Significant evidence gaps persist in understanding antibiotic resistance in non-built environments, particularly in marine, atmospheric, and non-agricultural set65 tings. Stressors such as climate change and microplastics remain notably under-explored. There is also an urgent need for more research in low-income regions, which face higher risks of antibiotic resistance, to support the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions.

Background Employment insecurity is a socioeconomic factor influencing mental health, yet the empirical evidence supporting this claim has important limitations. The fluctuations in employment insecurity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic offered a distinctive opportunity to delve deeper into this issue. By viewing employment as a dynamic process, this study explores the within-person relationship between shifts in employment status and corresponding changes in mental health. Methods 24 waves of data between April 2020 and March 2021 from the Understanding America Study (N=3824) were analysed using a within-person multilevel model. Employment security was modelled as a dynamic process involving transitions between secure employment, underemployment and unemployment with or without benefits. Mental health was measured by questionnaires on core symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results Downward transitions in employment security, from secure employment to underemployment or unemployment without benefits, were associated with worse mental health. Persisting in unemployment without benefits was also associated with poorer mental health, and regaining job security did not immediately improve it. Timely provision of unemployment benefits mitigated the adverse mental health impacts. Significant cross-level moderation effects were observed for prepandemic mental health status, Hispanic ethnicity and education level. Conclusion Downward transitions in employment security compromise mental health, and certain segments of the population experience worse consequences. Regaining job security is not associated with immediate improvement in mental health. Timely provision of unemployment benefits, providing support for both unemployment and underemployment and targeting vulnerable groups are vital for alleviating adverse mental health impacts from losing job security.

Background The underdiagnosis of cognitive impairment hinders timely intervention of dementia. Health professionals working in the community play a critical role in the early detection of cognitive impairment, yet still face several challenges such as a lack of suitable tools, necessary training, and potential stigmatization. Objective This study explored a novel application integrating psychometric methods with data science techniques to model subtle inconsistencies in questionnaire response data for early identification of cognitive impairment in community environments. Methods This study analyzed questionnaire response data from participants aged 50 years and older in the Health and Retirement Study (waves 8-9, n=12,942). Predictors included low-quality response indices generated using the graded response model from four brief questionnaires (optimism, hopelessness, purpose in life, and life satisfaction) assessing aspects of overall well-being, a focus of health professionals in communities. The primary and supplemental predicted outcomes were current cognitive impairment derived from a validated criterion and dementia or mortality in the next ten years. Seven predictive models were trained, and the performance of these models was evaluated and compared. Results The multilayer perceptron exhibited the best performance in predicting current cognitive impairment. In the selected four questionnaires, the area under curve values for identifying current cognitive impairment ranged from 0.63 to 0.66 and was improved to 0.71 to 0.74 when combining the low-quality response indices with age and gender for prediction. We set the threshold for assessing cognitive impairment risk in the tool based on the ratio of underdiagnosis costs to overdiagnosis costs, and a ratio of 4 was used as the default choice. Furthermore, the tool outperformed the efficiency of age or health-based screening strategies for identifying individuals at high risk for cognitive impairment, particularly in the 50- to 59-year and 60- to 69-year age groups. The tool is available on a portal website for the public to access freely. Conclusions We developed a novel prediction tool that integrates psychometric methods with data science to facilitate “passive or backend” cognitive impairment assessments in community settings, aiming to promote early cognitive impairment detection. This tool simplifies the cognitive impairment assessment process, making it more adaptable and reducing burdens. Our approach also presents a new perspective for using questionnaire data: leveraging, rather than dismissing, low-quality data.

Specialist police perform high-risk tasks and are required to have, and maintain, a high level of fitness. The aims of this study were to profile the strength of a specialist police unit and to investigate whether this profile remained constant over an 18-month period. Retrospective data for 47 special operations police officers (mean initial weight = 88.84 ± 8.25 kg) were provided. Officers were tested five times over 18 months for 1 repetition maximum: bench press, squat, deadlift, and pull-up. All officers continued to participate in their typical physical conditioning programs. Repeated-measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni post-hoc adjustments or Friedman tests with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare strength values across all five time points (TPs). Alpha levels were set at 0.05. All strength values increased significantly over the 18-month period. Over the five TPs, absolute squat increased the most (+ 9%: initial mean = 125.79 ± 24.53 kg), followed by absolute bench press (+ 8%: initial mean = 109.67 ± 19.80 kg), absolute deadlift (+ 7%: initial mean = 151.64 ± 26.31 kg) and absolute pull-up (+ 4%: initial mean = 121.43 ± 14.91 kg). Relatively, the highest increase was found with the squat (+ 8%: initial mean = 1.42 ± 0.25%), followed by the bench press (+ 7%: initial mean = 1.24 ± 0.20%), deadlift (+ 6%: initial mean = 1.71 ± 0.25%) then pull-up (+ 4%: initial mean = 1.37 ± 0.15%). The period between TP3 and TP4 yielded the fewest significant increases compared with other TP differences with only absolute bench press (+ 1.7%), absolute squat (+ 1.1%) and relative bench press (+ 1.6%) changing significantly (p 

Law enforcement academies, designed to prepare recruits for their prospective career, represent periods of high physical and mental stress, potentially contributing to recruits' injuries. Managing stress via monitoring training loads may mitigate injuries while ensuring adequate preparation. However, it is vital to first understand an academy's typical training load. The aim of this study was to profile the typical training load of law enforcement recruits over the course of 22 weeks. Data were prospectively collected using global positioning system (GPS) units placed on recruits during a portion of the academy training, while a desktop analysis was retrospectively applied to six other classes. A Bland-Altman plot was conducted to assess the agreement between the two methods. A linear mixed model was conducted to analyse the difference in distances covered per week, while other variables were presented graphically. Adequate agreement between the desktop analysis and GPS units was observed. Significant differences ( -value < 0.01) in distance covered (9.64 to 11.65 km) exist between weeks during early academy stages, which coincide with increases (~6 h) in physical training. Significant decreases in distances were experienced during the last five weeks of academy training. Most acute:chronic workload ratios stayed between the proposed 0.8 to 1.3 optimal range. Results from this study indicate that large increases in training occur early in the academy, potentially influencing injuries. Utilizing a desktop analysis is a pragmatic and reliable approach for instructors to measure load.

Discussion: The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between training load variables and injury risk in a law enforcement recruit population. Recruits in this population typically engage in a ‘one size fits no-one’ training program that is centred around body weight exercises and long-distance running. [...]including more physical training around muscular strength and power could improve fitness components that are vital to law enforcement while decreasing the distance run and potentially mitigating injury risk.

Law enforcement officers routinely face unpredictable scenarios that may threaten the public, their colleagues, or themselves. In such situations, officers may be required to use firearms, with shooting accuracy becoming crucial. This literature review aimed to identify, synthesize, and report on research investigating factors that affect marksmanship in law enforcement personnel. A systematic search of seven databases was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach. From an initial 5396 identified studies, 23 met the eligibility criteria. The key findings from these papers were: (1) physical exertion does not appear to decrease shooting performance, especially at close range (

The 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) is commonly used by law enforcement agencies to measure aerobic fitness and to estimate maximal aerobic consumption (o(2)maxo(2)max). These measures are an important occupational variable with aerobic fitness levels linked to employment status, occupational performance, and long-term health in law enforcement officers. There are a multitude of predictive equations used to provide an estimate of o(2)maxo(2)max, with the extent of variability in the estimated o(2)maxo(2)max currently unknown in this population. This has consequences for comparisons between, and across, differing agencies, and in capabilities of deriving normative data. The aim of this investigation was to compare the variability in estimated Vo(2)max scores derived from different 20MSFT predictive equations. The 20-m multistage fitness test data from 1,094 law enforcement recruits (male n = 741, 25.2 +/- 6.3 years; female: n = 353, 25.6 +/- 5.6 years) from a single agency were retrospectively analyzed. The 20MSFT scores were transformed into estimated o(2)max scores using 6 different predictive equations. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results demonstrated significantly different Vo(2)max scores between each predictive equation (p < 0.001; d = 0.25-1.53) and between male and female recruits (p < 0.001, r = 0.55). All estimated Vo(2)max equations showed small to very strong correlations with each other (p < 0.001; r = 0.32-0.99). The findings indicate considerable dispersion of Vo(2)max scores when using differing equations, suggesting raw 20MSFT variables (e.g., shuttles or distance completed) should be preferred to measure and apply results from aerobic fitness tests if standardized approaches are not developed within law enforcement.

The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the impact of footwear on worker physical task performance and injury risk. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews protocol and registered in the Open Science Framework. Key search terms were entered into five academic databases. Following a dedicated screening process and critical appraisal, data from the final articles informing this review were extracted, tabulated, and synthesised. Of 19,614 identified articles, 50 articles informed this review. Representing 16 countries, the most common populations investigated were military and firefighter populations, but a wide range of general occupations (e.g., shipping, mining, hairdressing, and healthcare workers) were represented. Footwear types included work safety boots/shoes (e.g., industrial, gumboots, steel capped, etc.), military and firefighter boots, sports shoes (trainers, tennis, basketball, etc.) and various other types (e.g., sandals, etc.). Occupational footwear was found to impact gait and angular velocities, joint ranges of motion, posture and balance, physiological measures (like aerobic capacity, heart rates, temperatures, etc.), muscle activity, and selected occupational tasks. Occupational footwear associated with injuries included boots, conventional running shoes, shoes with inserts, harder/stiffer outsoles or thin soles, and shoes with low comfort scores-although the findings were mixed. Occupational footwear was also linked to potentially causing injuries directly (e.g., musculoskeletal injuries) as well as leading to mechanisms associated with causing injuries (like tripping and slipping).

Background Injuries within law enforcement are a significant issue as they increase organisational costs and workforce strain. As one of the biggest risk factors of future injury is previous injury, minimising injuries suffered during academy has multiple beneficial and long-term effects, including a healthier and fitter police force. The purpose of this study was to profile the injuries sustained at a law enforcement academy to inform future injury mitigation strategies. Methods Injury data were provided retrospectively (from May 2012 to September 2019) from the official insurance records of a law enforcement academy and included nature, location, and activity performed at time of injury. A total of 4340 (3288 males, 938 females, 114 sex not stated) recruits participated in academy training during this period. Inclusion criteria for the data were (a) injury record related to a recruit, and (b) the recruit was injured during academy training., with injury defined as tissue damage caused by acute or repetitive trauma, inclusive of musculoskeletal, neural, and/or integumentary systems but excluding general medical conditions such as cardiac (e.g. heart attacks) or respiratory (asthma) that was subsequently reported for worker's compensation. Injury incidence rates and proportions were calculated and a Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted between injury rates over successive classes. Results An injury incidence rate of 368.63 injuries per 1000 recruits per year was calculated in this population, with a moderate correlation coefficient (r(s) = 0.60) of increasing injury rates over chronologically occurring classes. Females also had higher injury rates than male recruits, even across various fitness levels. Trauma to joints and ligaments (49.30%) was the most common injury, and the knee the most common location (23.17%) of injury. Physical training (56.10%) was the most common activity being performed at the time of injury. Conclusions This research demonstrates a large number of lower limb, musculoskeletal injuries that often occur during physical training. Further research is needed to assess suitable injury mitigation programs.

Law enforcement is an intermittently physically demanding job, interspersed with long periods of sedentary activity. To prepare for the physical demands of the job, law enforcement agencies enlist recruits into academies with a focus on physical training. Often, academies focus on aerobic-based exercise despite anaerobic fitness being strongly correlated to occupational tasks. The objective of this article is to analyze the changes in the fitness of police recruits during academy training. Initial and final fitness test results, encompassing muscular power, strength, endurance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness, were measured to analyze changes in fitness. Dependent t-tests showed significant increases (p < 0.05) across all fitness tests, with a trend towards larger increases in aerobic and muscle-endurance-based tests. Recruits from this academy tended to have higher fitness results compared to other academies and were either average or below average compared to age-matched standards in the general population. Physical training should persist for recruits beyond the academy to continue to develop fitness throughout their career. Academies should add a focus on muscular strength and power training as these measures relate to occupational tasks, which may better prepare recruits for demands they will be expected to face in the field.

Elite tactical units complete a variety of demanding tasks and a high level of fitness is required by this population to perform their occupational tasks optimally. The aim of this critical review was to identify and synthesize key findings of studies that have investigated the fitness profiles of elite tactical units. Included studies were critically appraised, using the Downs and Black checklist, and a level of evidence was determined. Relevant data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized. Fourteen studies were included for review and ranged in percentage quality scores from 46% to 66% with a mean of 57.5%. Moderate interrater agreement (κ = 0.496) existed between raters. A variety of fitness measures were used across various domains of fitness. The most common measures were in the areas of anthropometric measures, strength, power, and aerobic capacity. However, there was high variety in the measures and their protocols. Though fitness appears to be a critical part of research and practice in tactical populations, currently there is no standardized measure or result for this population. Further research in fitness profiling should be completed using standardized outcome measures which cover the spectrum of the fitness demands for this population.

Purpose: Low injury rates have previously been correlated with sporting team success, highlighting the importance of injury prevention programs. Recent methods, such as acute: chronic workload ratios (ACWR) have been developed in an attempt to predict and manage injury risk; however, the relation between these methods and injury risk is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the key findings of studies that have investigated the relationship between ACWR and injury risk. Methods: Included studies were critically appraised using the Downs and Black checklist, and a level of evidence was determined. Relevant data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included for review and ranged in percentage quality scores from 48.2% to 64.3%. Almost perfect interrater agreement (kappa = 0.885) existed between raters. This review found a high variability between studies with different variables studied (total distance versus high speed running), as well as differences between ratios analyzed (1.50-1.80 versus >= 1.50), and reference groups (a reference group of 0.80-1.20 versus

Firefighter clothing is known to restrict movement and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate differences between clothing variations and firefighter mobility. Data were collected from eight firefighters using a randomized counterbalanced, repeated measures, design. Three different clothing variants (V1-V3) in addition to current station wear (S) were trialed. Combinations of S and V1 (SV1) and V2 (SV2) were also trialed. Outcome measures included: standing reach height; the Functional Movement Screen [FMS]; vertical jump; a visual analogue scale [VAS] for the FMS, vertical jump, step ups and crawl; and a mannequin sketch to mark areas of discomfort. V3 was preferred over S in all tasks and performed better both objectively (FMS and vertical jump) and subjectively (VAS scores). While V1 was typically associated with poorer performance, the impacts of V1 and V2 when compared to each other and S varied depending on the tasks performed. This variation was greater when V1 or V2 were worn with S (SV1 and SV2). Areas of discomfort across all variations was the knees, followed by the thighs. Clothing that has the least impact on, or improves, mobility (especially around the lower limbs) may help reduce firefighter injury and limit subjective discomfort.

Fitness is essential to specialist police forces, who have higher occupational demands than general police, and vital to performance and mission success. However, little research has been done profiling the metabolic fitness of these units and how they compare to other populations. The objective of this study was to profile the aerobic fitness of a specialist police unit. Body weight was measured to account for any impact on metabolic fitness, while VO2 max was estimated via number of shuttles completed on the 20 m Progressive Shuttle Run Test (PSRT) (n=47) on two dates one calendar year apart. There were no significant (p=.116) differences (mean difference 0.40±1.70 kg) in body weight between the initial measures (mean=88.84±8.25 kg) and the final measure (mean=89.24±8.77 kg) 13 months later. PSRT results increased significantly (p

Tactical populations often participate in demanding physical training and perform strenuous workplace tasks, increasing injury risk. Mitigating injury risk is vital for maintaining trained personnel and should be a focus for tactical populations. One such method, tracking training load, has not been studied in-depth in tactical populations, despite documented effectiveness in elite sport. Most injuries to tactical personnel are overuse in nature and therefore may be prevented by optimizing training load. Although the methods used in elite sport may not be directly transferrable to tactical environments, they may be used to inform injury mitigation strategies in tactical populations.

This paper examined the magnitude of differences in performance across domains of cognitive functioning between participants who attrited from studies and those who did not, using data from longitudinal ageing studies where multiple cognitive tests were administered. Individual participant data meta-analysis. Data are from 10 epidemiological longitudinal studies on ageing (total n=209 518) from several Western countries (UK, USA, Mexico, etc). Each study had multiple waves of data (range of 2-17 waves), with multiple cognitive tests administered at each wave (range of 4-17 tests). Only waves with cognitive tests and information on participant dropout at the immediate next wave for adults aged 50 years or older were used in the meta-analysis. For each pair of consecutive study waves, we compared the difference in cognitive scores (Cohen's d) between participants who dropped out at the next study wave and those who remained. Note that our operationalisation of dropout was inclusive of all causes (eg, mortality). The proportion of participant dropout at each wave was also computed. The average proportion of dropouts between consecutive study waves was 0.26 (0.18 to 0.34). People who attrited were found to have significantly lower levels of cognitive functioning in all domains (at the wave 2-3 years before attrition) compared with those who did not attrit, with small-to-medium effect sizes (overall d=0.37 (0.30 to 0.43)). Older adults who attrited from longitudinal ageing studies had lower cognitive functioning (assessed at the timepoint before attrition) across all domains as compared with individuals who remained. Cognitive functioning differences may contribute to selection bias in longitudinal ageing studies, impeding accurate conclusions in developmental research. In addition, examining the functional capabilities of attriters may be valuable for determining whether attriters experience functional limitations requiring healthcare attention.