Changes in Police Cadets’ Physical Activity and Strength Abilities During COVID-19 Restrictions

Abstract

The COVID-19 situation changed police cadets’ training process and prohibited their access to gyms during virus restrictions. The Estonian Academy of Security Services (EASS) 161 police cadets’ strength tests results in January 2021 with self-evaluated physical activity (PA) levels were examined. 1st course students’ strength tests (front lat pulldowns (PD) with 75% of body weight (BW), bench press (BP) with 50% of BW and leg press (LP) with 200% of BW) average repetitions were in the lowest level at the beginning of studies in September 2020 (male cadets: PD=14 (St. D 7.6); BP=20 (St. D 6.6); LP=18 (St. D 8.5), female cadets: PD=3 (St. D 3.4), BP= 6 (St. D 6.7), LP=13 (St. D 7.7)) in comparison with 2nd and 3rd course cadets in 2020 and the same sample in 2021. Average results increased in all 1st course strength tests by January 2021 while some older courses results, especially among male cadets, had declined. Altogether from 2 questionnaires, (47 and 50 participants) 48-70% of police cadets reported decreases in PA during COVID-19 restriction periods, 44-46% experienced the negative influence of restrictions on their mental health or stress level. The decline in self-esteem from reduced strength capabilities was higher than it was according to physical tests results. 61% of cadets improved their strength tests scores despite fewer opportunities to exercise. Regular PA is necessary to improve physical and mental health, thus the knowledge on how influential the restrictions were on police cadets’ preparation and their strength abilities can be used in future recommendations. Abbreviations are listed at the end of article.