(35) AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION OF BILATERAL MOVEMENT PATTERNS WITHIN LAW ENFORCEMENT RECRUITS

Abstract Details:

Introduction: During training recruits undergo extensive physical training to prepare them for job demands. Injuries resulting from job requirements is a concern. Annual injury incident rates have been reported as high as 2500 per 1000 personnel for law enforcement officers, with operational training alone accounting for 64% of recorded injuries. Given the frequency of injury, understanding risk factors is important. Previous work has demonstrated that asymmetry in movement is associated with increased injury risk. Therefore, investigating movement patterns of recruits is necessary. This preliminary data is a part of a larger investigation to determine movement patterns and risk of potential injuries.

Purpose: To analyze asymmetries in movement patterns of law enforcement recruits at the start of a training program.

Methods: 121 law enforcement recruits (108 males, 13 females, ht 1.79±.07 m, 1.63±.08 m, wt 87.92±15.27 kg, 64.68±11.78 kg, age 27.97±6.86 yrs, 24.08±2.75 yrs, respectively; mean±SD) were assessed during training command entrance physical test, beginning with body composition using bioelectric impedance analysis. Recruits then completed an upper body strength test of bench press. This test was part of the training command test but was not included in this study. Recruits were tested for overhead squat (OHS) movement quality using NASM standards. Recruits were also tested for rotary stability (RST) using the FMS exercise instructions where they were asked to demonstrate ipsilateral shoulder flexion and hip extension before touching elbow to knee and returning to the ipsilateral position (scored 3). Recruits who were unable attempted contralateral shoulder flexion and hip extension with a diagonal touch (scored 2); those who were unable to perform a diagonal repetition were scored 1. Data was analyzed for the presence of bilateral asymmetries during the two movement patterns. Movement assessments were completed by three researchers with either the CSCS or BOC, Inc. credential.

Results: Body fat percentage for males and females was 15.91±5.71% and 23.4±7.95%, respectively. Nearly one-quarter of recruits (n=28) presented with an asymmetry in either the OHS or RST. Average total faults in OHS was 3.45±1.60, with 7.44% of recruits (n=9) presenting with an asymmetrical weight shift. RST final score was a 2 for 86.78% of recruits and a 1 for 13.22% of recruits. No recruits scored a final score of 3, however 11 recruits (9.09%) achieved a raw score of 3 on either the right or left side. Within the RST, 17.36% (n=21) of recruits demonstrated an asymmetry between sides. There was not a statistically significant correlation between asymmetry in OHS and RST (r(119) = - .047, p = .611). There was no relationship between total faults and RST total score or asymmetry.

Conclusions: Approximately one quarter of law enforcement recruits demonstrated an asymmetry between left and right sides in either the overhead squat or rotary stability movement patterns. A higher percentage of recruits presented with an asymmetry in RST (17.36%) compared to the OHS (7.44%). The difference is likely explained by the additional demand of stability in the transverse plane in RST (sagittal and transverse planes) compared to the OHS (sagittal plane only). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Tactical strength and conditioning instructors should address movement quality during recruit training across multiple planes of movement and through various movement patterns.

Acknowledgements: None