Load Carriage Effects on Physiology and Performance
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Exercise and Sports Science
Institution 25-26
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
64;81
KY Senate District #
17;34
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Michael Lane
Department
Parks, Recreation, and Exercise & Sport Science
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the impact of police protective equipment (PPE) on physical performance by assessing fitness test outcomes under different loading conditions. In Kentucky, for a police officer to pass their POPS test, they are only required to perform it in plain gym clothes; however, when on duty, between their protective vests and duty belts, an officer has 20+ lbs of excess weight. Their mobility and physical performance can be significantly altered when adding this load
PURPOSE: Explore the relationship between physical performance and increased load on a subject.
METHOD: 11 moderately active college students (all male, age 19. ±1.5, weight 179.1±38.7, mean±SD) participated in this study. They were familiarized with the testing and performed the following:
Before the test, each subject's weight, body fat percentage, Total body water (TBW), Heart rate, and blood pressure were measured and recorded. PPE was then randomized between body weight (control, load 1), a ballistic vest (load 2), and a tactical vest with a duty belt (load 3). Each test consisted of two vertical jumps, max pushups, and sit-ups within a timed period, 40-yard sprints, a 300-meter dash, and a 1.5-mile run. Additionally, we include a VO2 max test to collect metabolic data on the subject.
RESULTS: After analysis, through Excel, the averages for load 1 were: vertical jump 23.14±3.1in , Push-ups 52.4±16.2, Sit-ups 35.8±8.2, stair sprints 2.32±.66 sec, 10 yd dash 1.5±.27 sec, 20 yd dash 3.0±.32 sec, 40 yd dash 5.44±.64 sec, 300 meter 59.47±6.76 sec, 1.5mi 1029.5±155.28 sec. Averages for load 2 were: vertical jump 20.28±3.7 in, push-ups 38.11±9.29, sit-ups 29±8.37, stair sprints 2.36±.44 sec, 10 yd dash 1.57±.21 sec, 20 yd dash 2.97±.42 sec, 40 yd dash 5.73±2.0 sec, 300 meter 65.40±24.60 sec, 1.5mi 1204±270.96 sec. The averages for load 3 were: vertical jump 17.46±6.99 in, push-ups 41.25±9.99, sit-ups 29.5±6.87, Stair sprints 2.43±.49 sec, 10 yd dash 1.69±.18 sec, 20 yd dash 3.14±.55 sec, 40 yd dash 6.23±.92 sec, 300 meter 71.50±30.16 sec, 1.5mi 1204.17±613.83 sec.
CONCLUSION: The tactical vest and belt had the greatest effect on subject performance, followed closely by the tactical vest and the control group, which had the best results. These results show that physical performance is affected when additional weight is added to the subject. Further research should be done to see the relationship between physical performance and additional load, and this should be considered when officers perform their POPS testing.
Load Carriage Effects on Physiology and Performance
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the impact of police protective equipment (PPE) on physical performance by assessing fitness test outcomes under different loading conditions. In Kentucky, for a police officer to pass their POPS test, they are only required to perform it in plain gym clothes; however, when on duty, between their protective vests and duty belts, an officer has 20+ lbs of excess weight. Their mobility and physical performance can be significantly altered when adding this load
PURPOSE: Explore the relationship between physical performance and increased load on a subject.
METHOD: 11 moderately active college students (all male, age 19. ±1.5, weight 179.1±38.7, mean±SD) participated in this study. They were familiarized with the testing and performed the following:
Before the test, each subject's weight, body fat percentage, Total body water (TBW), Heart rate, and blood pressure were measured and recorded. PPE was then randomized between body weight (control, load 1), a ballistic vest (load 2), and a tactical vest with a duty belt (load 3). Each test consisted of two vertical jumps, max pushups, and sit-ups within a timed period, 40-yard sprints, a 300-meter dash, and a 1.5-mile run. Additionally, we include a VO2 max test to collect metabolic data on the subject.
RESULTS: After analysis, through Excel, the averages for load 1 were: vertical jump 23.14±3.1in , Push-ups 52.4±16.2, Sit-ups 35.8±8.2, stair sprints 2.32±.66 sec, 10 yd dash 1.5±.27 sec, 20 yd dash 3.0±.32 sec, 40 yd dash 5.44±.64 sec, 300 meter 59.47±6.76 sec, 1.5mi 1029.5±155.28 sec. Averages for load 2 were: vertical jump 20.28±3.7 in, push-ups 38.11±9.29, sit-ups 29±8.37, stair sprints 2.36±.44 sec, 10 yd dash 1.57±.21 sec, 20 yd dash 2.97±.42 sec, 40 yd dash 5.73±2.0 sec, 300 meter 65.40±24.60 sec, 1.5mi 1204±270.96 sec. The averages for load 3 were: vertical jump 17.46±6.99 in, push-ups 41.25±9.99, sit-ups 29.5±6.87, Stair sprints 2.43±.49 sec, 10 yd dash 1.69±.18 sec, 20 yd dash 3.14±.55 sec, 40 yd dash 6.23±.92 sec, 300 meter 71.50±30.16 sec, 1.5mi 1204.17±613.83 sec.
CONCLUSION: The tactical vest and belt had the greatest effect on subject performance, followed closely by the tactical vest and the control group, which had the best results. These results show that physical performance is affected when additional weight is added to the subject. Further research should be done to see the relationship between physical performance and additional load, and this should be considered when officers perform their POPS testing.