Physiological responses during performance of the 15-metre Multistage Shuttle Run Test (15mMSFT), with reference to the Police Fitness Standards

Abstract

The objective of this review is to provide a broad outline of the research surrounding the validity and reliability of the 15-metre multi-stage fitness test (MSFT) for measuring the aerobic fitness of police officers. Maintenance of optimal cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the emergency services is vital for health maintenance, injury prevention, and physical preparation for on-duty tasks. Police officers in England and Wales are required to attend annual fitness testing with minimal standards in place for entry into police safety training (PST). The current minimal standard is level 5:4, an estimated V̇O2max of 35ml·kg-1 ·min-1 , with the requirements increasing for specialist roles. This is assessed using the 15-metre MSFT previously developed and validated against laboratory obtained measures. Previous validation studies have compared the physiological responses between the 15-metre MSFT and training protocols for varying police roles. For example, Brewer, Buckle & Castle (2013) validated the level 5:4 standard by assessing the heart rate responses between the PST and level 5:4 of the 15-metre MSFT. Despite greater peak heart rate responses reported in the 15-metre MSFT (Peak heart rate: 175±13 b·min-1 vs. 152±12 b·min-1 ), the standard was maintained with concerns the aerobic fitness of police officers would be suboptimal for the role and below that of the general population. Using a similar methodology, the minimal entry requirements for 13 additional roles were developed and validated. However to date, the validity and reliability of the 15-metre MSFT has not been assessed using direct measures of gas analysis, previously relying on indirect measures to assess demands.