Reliability of on-duty task simulation test for police officers

Reliability of ODT-S test

Abstract

On-duty task simulation (ODT-S) circuits or tests assess the physical ability to handle highly demanding situations arising from police officer activity. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the on-duty task performance circuit for police officers. In this cross-sectional test-retest study design, a total of thirty (n = 30) Portuguese male police officers (age 25.7 ± 2.7 years) completed the ODT-S test in two moments (test; retest, R). The ODT-S test simulates (i) a chase/movement to the place of occurrence (1^st stage) and (ii) the resolution of the incident (2^nd stage). At each moment, the time taken to complete the tasks (T_{1st_stage}; T_{2nd_stage}; T_{1st_stage} + T_2nd__stage = T_Total), heart rate (HR_baseline; HR_{1st_stage;} HR_{2nd_stage}) and blood lactate (La_baseline, La_{1st_stage}, La_{2nd_stage} and La_{Post_5min.}) were recorded. Results showed (i) significant improvements in ODT-S retest performance (T_{2nd_stage}R, -13.5 s; T_TotalR, -15.1 s) and efficiency (La_{2nd_stage}, -2.9 mmol/l; La_{Post_5min}, -2.1 mmol/l); (ii) high reliability in the total time (T_Total, α = 0.903) and heart rate at the end of 2^nd stage (HR_{2nd_stage}, α = 0.903), and (iii) that total time test-retest (T_Total–T_TotalR) coefficient stands out (whose adjusted model explains 73% of the observed variation). In conclusion, the ODT-S test is a reliable instrument. It can be a valuable tool for recruitment, training courses and adjusting training programs (to maintain or improve physical ability) during a professional career.