Because fitness test results are part of performance evaluations, smaller service members have an advantage in terms of attaining promotions, despite evidence that suggests that greater body size, strength, power, and load carrying capacity is correlated with tactical performance.
This TSAC Report column summarizes physical training outcomes for firefighters and practical guidance on program design and results. Visit NSCA online to read more on firefighter fitness and tactical performance in the fire service.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyEmergency ProceduresBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or DiseaseProfessional Development
A common theme in tactical fitness is to train for the demands of the position. This begs the questions: what are the actual occupational physical fitness requirements of the position of a California patrol law enforcement officer and how might these inform programming for this population?
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and Evaluation
Fitness testing uses a battery of protocols recognized by the scientific community as both reliable and valid, and it measures important fitness constructs such as aerobic endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, agility, flexibility, and balance.
The purpose of this article is to present normative data that has been previously collected for the 75PR, use the data to create informed training practices, and support the need for further research of this particular topic in law enforcement.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and Evaluation
April 25, 2022by Dr Michael Waller, PhD, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, FNSCA, Dustin Dunnick, PhD, CSCS, Andrew Shim, EdD, CSCS,*D, Tim Piper, EdD, CSCS,*D, and Robert Townsend, MS, CSCS,*D
This article is a personal perspective of creating and providing a fitness assessment and resistance training program from scratch to a large law enforcement organization.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and Evaluation
The purpose of this article is to discuss the health and occupational implications of firefighters not currently meeting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) aerobic capacity recommendations.
This article discusses the variability in physical testing outcomes for law enforcement recruits based on the ambient temperatures and relative humidity present on test day.
The purpose of this article was to conduct a process evaluation of a six-week recruit strength and conditioning programming for rural structural firefighter recruits.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and Evaluation