Muscle Over Mass: The Secret to Police Recruit Success

Recent studies conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) suggest that age may not be the main factor affecting the physical abilities of police recruits. The findings indicate that elements like body makeup have more influence on physical capability compared to one's chronological age.

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A research project conducted by Master's student Vanessa Sutton explored the relationship between body composition and musculoskeletal traits with the performance outcomes of incoming police officers. The study focuses on... published in the Journal of Functional Anatomy and Movement Studies .

Law enforcement agencies establish a baseline level of fitness required for applicants, encompassing both physical and mental criteria that candidates must satisfy before being eligible for recruitment into the policing profession.

In Western Australia, the requirements for entering the physical testing process ask candidates to show they have at least basic physical preparedness needed for the 28-week academy training course. The assessments involve the beep-test, which measures cardiovascular endurance, along with various evaluations of speed, strength, explosive power, and muscle strength.

Nevertheless, even if they meet physical and medical standards, police candidates may suffer injuries that prevent them from continuing their training or force them to exit the recruitment program. Sutton mentioned that the rate of injuries resulting in lost worktime is reported to be as high as one in five trainees throughout the training period.

She stated, 'We conducted this study to gain deeper insight into how body composition and other skeletal factors, such as bone density, influence performance.'

Body mass index is not a reliable measure of physical ability. Rather, it is preferable to consider specific indicators of body composition, including muscle mass, percent body fat, and skeletal structure. The study found that trainees who had greater muscle mass demonstrated improved performance during physical training.

Sutton mentioned that the study might open up possibilities for more individualized methods in police officer training, strategies that take into account physical makeup as a crucial element in minimizing injuries and enhancing preparedness.

"By discovering methods to assist new trainees in gradually adjusting to physical training prior to their official commencement, we can provide more effective support as they develop essential strength and stamina. Instead of using a uniform strategy, the emphasis can move towards tailoring preparation according to each person’s specific physical condition, resulting in improved performance right from the beginning," she stated.

In the end, joining the police department should be possible regardless of one's age or physical condition, as the life experiences that every prospective officer contributes are extremely valuable.

The principal of the WA Police Force Academy, Superintendent Rulan Carr, stated that the organization is pleased to work alongside ECU to promote data-driven methods in officer training.

Our collaboration with ECU highlights our strong dedication to achieving top-tier training standards. Through incorporating data-driven knowledge into our recruitment development initiatives, we are effectively lowering the likelihood of injuries while improving mission preparedness and helping each trainee achieve their maximum capability.

More information: Vanessa R. Sutton and colleagues, Body Composition and Musculoskeletal Traits Related to Police Trainee Performance: A Cross-Sectional Investigation, Journal of Functional Anatomy and Movement Studies (2025). DOI: 10.3390/jfmk10020132

Supplied by Edith Cowan University

This narrative first appeared on Medical Xpress .