An examination of some physical fitness and somatotype characteristics of Turkish national police

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine physical fitness and somatotype characteristics of Turkish National Police. A total of 351 male police from a Turkish General Directorate of Security participated in this study voluntarily ( :21.49±1.06 yrs). Subjects’ height, body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and somatotype characteristics were determined. Body fat percentage was determined by Jackson & Pollock  formula and somatotype properties were determined according to Heath-Carter system. The sit and reach test was used for the determination of flexibility, the visual reaction test was used for determination of reaction time, the counter movement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) tests were used for the determination of anaerobic performance,10-30 meter transition (speed) times were used for the determination of sprint performance and 1-mile run test was used for determination of determined of maximal oxygen consumption capacity (VO_2max). Results indicated subjects have normal body mass index (22.11 ± 2.05), low body fat percentage (8.51 ± 2.87) and ectomorphy-mesomorphy properties (2.67-4.59-2.96). Results of flexibility, visual reaction values was 30.45±5.9 cm, 420.47±43.87. Anaerobic performance; the anaerobic power of CMJ, relative CMJ, SJ and relative SJ values of subjects were 948.49±121.27 watt, 13.40±.90 watt/kg, 899.99±117.83 watt and 12.71±.89watt/kg respectively while the 10m, 30m and VO_2max values was 1.75±.07, 4.35±.18 second and 52.4±2.0 respectively. As a conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that Turkish National Police have good physical fitness and somatotype characteristics.