BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
This study investigated whether wearing a full police uniform affects performance on the Dutch National Police Physical Competence Test (PCT). Results showed that wearing the uniform significantly slowed completion time, increased perceived exertion (RPE), and elevated cumulative physiological load. While physiological intensity did not differ significantly, performance declines were seen across all rounds and most sub-tasks. The uniform’s additional weight, reduced mobility, and potential thermal effects likely contributed. Incorporating the uniform into physical testing increases test fidelity and better reflects job-specific fitness demands.
Purpose of the Study
The study aimed to:
- Determine how wearing a police uniform affects performance on the Dutch National Police PCT.
- Evaluate changes in test time, physiological intensity, cumulative physiological load, and perceived exertion.
- Examine whether incorporating duty gear enhances the representativeness and job-specific validity of the PCT.
Subjects
- 27 active-duty police officers (21 men, 6 women)
- Mean age: 38.27 ± 8.92 years
- Participants were tested as part of their annual fitness evaluation.
- All were medically cleared and provided informed consent.
- Ethical approval was granted by the university Scientific and Ethical Review Board (VCWE-2017–037).
Research Method
Design
- Counterbalanced within-subjects design
- Each officer completed the PCT twice on the same day:
- Once in sportswear (t-shirt, shorts, athletic shoes)
- Once in full uniform (approx. 9.4 kg added load: safety vest, reinforced pants, armored shoes, belt with pepper spray, handcuffs, and bluegun)
- Rest period: minimum 30 minutes, average 2 hours between conditions
The Physical Competence Test (PCT)
- Five rounds simulating police tasks:
- Vaulting, running (226.5 m total), pushing/pulling a 200 kg handcart, moving Swedish benches, medicine ball transfers, etc.
- Designed to reflect key job tasks: pursuit, physical control, evacuation
- Based on the Canadian PARE test, standardized and validated for the Dutch force
Measurements
- Time (overall, per round, per sub-part, and running between tasks): recorded and analyzed via video (GoPro + WinAnalyze software)
- Perceived exertion (RPE): Borg 6–20 scale, rated immediately after each trial
- Physiological measures:
- Captured via Zephyr BioHarness (chest strap)
- Physiological intensity: %HRmax converted to 0–10 scale
- Cumulative physiological load: Sum of physiological intensity values over test duration
Key Findings
| Variable | Sportswear | Uniform | Difference | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Time (s) | 181.18 | 195.23 | +14.05 | p < .001 |
| RPE | 12.33 | 14.44 | +2.11 | p < .001 |
| Avg. Intensity (0–10) | 8.65 | 8.70 | Not significant | p = .815 |
| Cumulative Load (score) | 26.28 | 28.83 | +2.55 | p < .001 |
Time Slower in Uniform by Task:
- Vaulting box: +0.40 s
- Swedish benches: +0.09 s
- Handcart pull: +0.21 s
- Vaulting box (lengthwise): +0.73 s
- Medicine balls: +1.42 s
- Handcart push: no significant difference
Performance Degradation Pattern:
- Time loss occurred across all rounds, with greater losses in later rounds.
- Officers were ~8% slower in both running between sub-parts and executing sub-parts while wearing the uniform.
Analysis of Results
- Performance Slowed Across All Measures:
Officers were significantly slower on the PCT when wearing the uniform. The time penalties were evident both in movement between obstacles and in task execution. - RPE Increased Despite Pacing Strategy:
Participants self-regulated effort by pacing—particularly after Round 1—but still reported higher perceived exertion in uniform. This suggests that the additional gear elevated physiological strain despite adjustments in pace. - Physiological Load Increased While Intensity Held Constant:
The average physiological intensity did not differ significantly. However, cumulative load increased with the uniform, likely due to longer duration under load. - Sub-task Effects Were Uniform:
No interactions were found between clothing condition and round for sub-tasks—indicating that uniform effects were consistent from beginning to end. - Potential Mechanisms:
- Reduced mobility due to the uniform and duty belt affected movement quality (e.g., vaulting).
- Added weight and bulk likely increased energy demands.
- Possible thermal strain from the safety vest may have contributed to discomfort and pacing.
Conclusion
Wearing a police uniform significantly impairs PCT performance by increasing completion time, perceived exertion, and physiological load. These effects support incorporating duty gear into physical testing to better reflect job-specific fitness demands. The results suggest that PCT performance in uniform is a more accurate representation of operational readiness.
Implications
- Testing Fidelity: Adding duty gear improves realism and validity of fitness testing.
- Training Considerations: Officers may benefit from training in full uniform to adapt to mobility and thermal challenges.
- Policy Recommendations: Agencies should consider updating fitness test protocols and standards to include uniformed trials.
- Future Research Needed:
- Injury risk associated with uniformed testing
- Time standard adjustments
- Effects across age, gender, and fitness levels
Bibliography
Koedijk, M., Stuurman, H.F., Renden, P.G., Hutter, R.I., Strating, M., & Oudejans, R.R.D. (2020). The physical competence test of the Dutch National Police: The effects of wearing a police uniform on test performance. Police Practice and Research, 21(3), 264–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/15614263.2019.1658583