Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Protection of athletes'

Psychological resilience has been described as a multidimensional, context specific concept, and has been defined in numerous ways that attempt to encapsulate the process by which individuals positively adapt following stress or significant adversity. Research within competitive sport has highlighted several components that influence this process, which include; meta-cognitions and challenge appraisals, coping strategies, personal risk and protective factors, and sociocultural influences (Brown et al., 2015; Galli & Vealey, 2008; Fletcher & Sarkar, 2012; Sarkar & Fletcher, 2014a). Significantly, resilience is described as a dynamic process that is developed through exposure to challenge within the competitive environment (Galli & Vealey, 2008); however, little is known about the nature of psychological resilience at a junior level. The understanding of how resilience is conceptualised at this level is important as this knowledge can help to foster the appropriate protective and promotive factors required to thrive in a competitive junior environment, and best equip athletes for future periods of unrest. The aims of the current research program were to investigate the nature of psychological resilience within a junior sport context, and to explore appropriate measures or methodological approaches by which to achieve this. To achieve these, eight research objectives are presented. To address these objectives, five research investigations were proposed: Study 1. This study aimed to explore the psychometric qualities of the original 25-item CD-RISC (Connor & Davidson, 2003) amongst a sample of junior athletes. Three hundred and forty seven athletes (M age=15.42, SD=1.72) completed the original CD-RISC questionnaire. Participants represented a range of individual and team sports. Internal consistency and factor structure were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analyses (EFA). CFAs did not support the original 5-factor or unitary factor structure of the 25-item CD-RISC, but did support a unidimensional shortened 10-item measure (Cambell-Sills & Stein, 2007). Subsequently, an EFA and CFA also supported a valid and reliable 2-factor sport specific version of the CD-RISC, which was favoured based on stronger conceptual and theoretical support. This study supports the contention that resilience is not consistent across all populations and context specific measures may be required e.g., sport specific. The emergent 2-factor measurement model suggests an underlying structure of resilience in sport that represents an individual's control through adversity and growth mindset. Study 2. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of resilience within junior sport, with a specific focus on sport type, gender and age differences, and the association between resilience and sensation seeking characteristics. Participants completed the modified version of the CD-RISC, which emerged in the previous study and the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS; Hoyle at al., 2002), which measures dispositional risk taking behaviours. The results suggested that male and team athletes have significantly higher resilience scores than their female and individual sport counterparts. In general, protective factors associated with resilience positively relate to sensation seeking characteristics. Specifically, feelings relating to ‘control through adversity' more broadly relate to tendencies leading to greater risk exposure. These findings may suggest that those with a greater perception of control take more calculated risks and set goals that are more challenging. This may offer the opportunity to increase personal mastery through developed interpersonal relations, emotional expression, problem solving skills and coping resources. Nevertheless, our understanding of resilience seems limited by the capacity of a psychometric questionnaire to encapsulate such a complex construct. Study 3. This study aimed to provide a review of the literature concerning resilience in athletes, with a specific focus on identifying the differing methodological approaches to examine the nature of the construct in sport. Fourteen research articles that attempted to directly measure psychological resilience with an athlete sample were identified using both quantitative (n=8) and qualitative (n=6) approaches. Quantitative research has increased conceptual understanding of resilience in sport, relating to its positive associations with similar constructs (e.g., mental toughness), and its moderation qualities. This approach permits statistical analyses to track development, however is unlikely to offer sufficient depth to understanding given the complexities surrounding both the construct of psychological resilience and the nature of an elite sporting environment. Qualitative studies have helped to develop theoretical understanding of psychological resilience amongst athletes through adopting phenomenological methodologies, however, the application of knowledge relies on user generalisability alone and does not offer an objective measure of the construct. The review proposes an exploration of novel methodological approaches that consider the positive elements of both qualitative and quantitative research, but does not consolidate their pitfalls. Study 4. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel tool to measure psychological resilience using a Q-method approach. Specifically, this study aimed to construct a Q-set, by identifying the subjective viewpoints of junior rugby league players, associated with how they would respond to stress or adversity and their perceptions of the resilience process. Twenty-nine junior rugby league players (aged 13-14) were recruited to take part in one of two focus groups designed to generate statements relating to responses to adversity. Thirty statements emerged following inductive thematic analysis, and were retained for the Q-set. There are commonalities between these statements and characteristics of theoretical models and previous research concerning psychological resilience in sport. Study 5. The purpose of this study was to use the Q-set developed in the previous study to explore the nature of psychological resilience in the context of junior Rugby League, using a novel Q-sort method. Sixty junior rugby league players (aged 13-14) completed a standard Q-sort protocol, ranking the previously developed 30-item Q-set using a fixed quasi normal distribution, with anchors of +5 (most like me) to -5 (least like me). PQ Method statistical analysis software was used to analyse the data. Principle component analysis with varimax rotation identified four distinct subgroups that explained 72% of the total variance. These groups were distinguished through patterns relating to: social support, emotional control, unpleasant emotions, personal resources, and cognitive strategies. Shared qualities across the four subgroups were also identified, and included low ratings for evasion strategies, and seeking support, whilst generally high ratings for perseverance. The results from this study showed that junior rugby league players display a range of psychological responses when experiencing adversity and four subgroups with both defining and shared characteristics emerged. This study provides preliminary evidence for the potential usefulness of a Q-method approach for understanding the process of resilience in junior sport. Q-methodology provides an alternative to previous research designs attempting to understand the nature of resilience, and offers an engaging activity to participants, encouraging analytical reflections of their experiences. In summary, the data collected within the current research program has presented an original contribution to knowledge concerning the nature of psychological resilience in junior sport.<br>The thesis has delivered the first study of its kind, by employing Q-methodology to understand psychological resilience, revealing previously untapped complexities associated with the construct. This approach offers future researchers and practitioners the depth of insight and level of objectivity associated with qualitative and quantitative measures respectively, and recommends this as a viable alternative to psychometric measures of resilience.

In the United States, an estimated 20% of college students have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is conceptualized as compulsive use of alcohol even when presented with adverse effects. Historically, student activities and organization-involvement (e.g., Greek life) was a hypothesized risk factor for student substance use. However, other studies suggest that joining clubs and developing a support system during college can protect against substance use disorders. Undergraduate students were recruited from a South Eastern University using a university-sponsored, online recruitment website. The sample was predominantly White (n = 150; 86.70%) and female (n = 127; 73.40%). We hypothesized those involved in honors, faith-based, academic, and service activities, as well as recipients of academic scholarships, would be less likely to misuse substances. Greek life members, athletes, and those not involved in activities were hypothesized to report increased substance use. Although our research cannot specify what individually discourages students from misusing substances due to its cross-sectional methodology, our findings support that those involved in campus activities report lower levels of alcohol and drug use. Mean drug use and alcohol use scores did not significantly differ between activity groups, nor scholarship recipients. Those involved in university athletics reported a wide variety of specific drug use three months prior to taking the survey. In turn, involvement with no activities and athletic participation were classified as risk factors for college substance use.

Why is it that some athletes are able to withstand the pressures of competitive sport and attain peak performances, whereas others succumb to the demands and under-perform? It is the study of psychological resilience that aims to address this question. To significantly advance psychologists' knowledge and understanding of this area, there exists an urgent need to develop a sport-specific measure of resilience (Fletcher & Sarkar, 2012; Galli & Vealey, 2008; Gucciardi, Jackson, Coulter, & Mallett, 2011). The purpose of this thesis, therefore, is to investigate the assessment of psychological resilience in sport performers. To this end, the thesis is split into five chapters. Chapter one reviews and critiques the various definitions, concepts, and theories of resilience, and provides an overview of the research that has specifically examined psychological resilience in sport performers. Chapter two reviews psychometric issues in resilience research and its implications for sport psychology (part one), and discusses psychological resilience in sport performers via a review of the stressors athletes encounter and the protective factors that help them withstand these demands (part two). Drawing on these reviews of resilience in sport, Chapter three (studies one-three) describes the development and validation of the Sport Resilience Scale (SRS). More specifically, Study 1 explores the content validity of a pool of items designed to reflect psychological resilience in athletes, Study 2 examines the factorial structure of the SRS using exploratory factor analysis, and Study 3 tests the factorial structure of the SRS via confirmatory factor analysis, investigates whether the components of the measurement model are invariant across different groups, and examines the relationship between the SRS and other relevant concepts. Using the SRS, and based on Fletcher and Sarkar's (2012) grounded theory of psychological resilience, Chapter four (studies 4 and 5) investigates resilience in sport performers via an examination of moderation and mediation hypotheses. Specifically, Study 4 tests whether the association between the stressors athletes encounter and athletes' positive adaptation is moderated by the protective factors that athletes possess and Study 5 tests whether the association between the stressors athletes encounter and athletes' positive adaptation is mediated by their cognitive appraisal processes. Lastly, Chapter five offers a summary, discussion, and conclusion of the thesis. Overall, the research reported in this thesis has developed the first valid and reliable measure of psychological resilience in sport performers and has provided quantitative support for Fletcher and Sarkar's (2012) theoretical model of sport resilience by illustrating the moderating role of protective factors and the mediating role of cognitive appraisal.

Title IX was enacted over 40 years ago, and although there have been marked increases in the number of girls and women participating in athletics at every level, gender equity in athletics continues to be a concern. This is especially evident at the community college level. Title IX requires equity in the areas of opportunities for participation, opportunities for financial aid, and equity in benefits and services. This study sought to ascertain perceptions of equity held by community college coaches of women’s teams. A cross-sectional design was used to survey coaches from all regions of the NJCAA who were listed in the National Directory of in regard to their perceptions of equity in opportunities for participation, opportunities for scholarships, awareness and understanding of Title IX and related compliance issues, including whistleblower protection, and their level of comfort in discussing gender equity issues with supervisors. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences in perceptions regarding gender equity in terms of opportunities for participation, opportunities for financial aid by means of athletic scholarships, benefits and services, awareness and understanding and level of comfort in discussing perceptions regarding gender equity issues or Title IX non-compliance based on gender, years’ experience coaching, sport coached and region, although effect sizes for each analysis were determined to be small. Without question, women are in a better position to recognize gender inequities in athletics on college campuses. It is essential that women are recruited and hired into leadership positions in athletic departments and into executive positions in educational administrations at community colleges. Without a voice at the decision-making levels, the pace at which community colleges move toward equity will continue to lag.

Projeto de Pós-Graduação/Dissertação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Medicina Dentária<br>Introdução: A prevenção de lesões dentárias, dos tecidos moles e ósseos durante a prática de desportos de contacto é extremamente importante. A utilização de um protetor bucal pode diminuir significativamente, em número e gravidade, as lesões orofaciais. No entanto, nem sempre estes dispositivos são utilizados pelos atletas, por diversas razões. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é determinar as maiores dificuldades encontradas com o uso dos protetores bucais, numa amostra de 80 atletas de boxe e kickboxing do Clube Fluvial Portuense. Pretende-se, também, encontrar uma associação entre as variáveis tipo de protetor e lesões, tipo de protetor e principais dificuldades no uso. Material e Métodos: utilizou-se uma amostra de 80 atletas de boxe e kickboxing do Clube Fluvial Portuense, com idades compreendidas entre os 17-52 anos. Foi-lhes pedido que respondessem a um inquérito com 12 perguntas relativas ao uso do protetor bucal, higiene oral do mesmo, história de trauma e principais dificuldades encontradas com o seu uso. Resultados: 92.5% dos inquiridos usa protetor bucal. Destes, 59.4% usa protetor bucal moldável pelo calor. 58.8% considera que o uso dos mesmo é imprescindível para a prática desportiva. A maior dificuldade apontada (48.0%) refere-se à dificuldade em respirar. O principal motivo apresentado pela maioria dos atletas, 65.0%, para a sua não utilização, assenta no incómodo/dor/adaptação. Conclusões: A importância dos protetores bucais é reconhecida pela grande maioria dos inquiridos; no entanto, verifica-se um maior sensibilização por parte dos atletas do sexo masculino. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre o tipo de protetor bucal e lesões e o tipo de protetor bucal e principais motivos para a não utilização dos mesmos. No entanto, são os atletas que usam o moldável pelo calor que apresentam maior número de lesões orofaciais, assim como os que relataram mais dificuldades com a adaptação à cavidade oral. Introduction: The prevention of dental injuries, soft tissues and bones while practicing contact sports is extremely important. The use of a mouth guard can significantly decrease in number and severity, the orofacial injuries. However, athletes, for several reasons, do not always use these devices. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the major difficulties found with the use of mouth guards in a sample of 80 boxing and kickboxing athletes from Clube Fluvial Portense. It was also intended to find an association between the variables type of protective and injuries, kind of protector and main difficulties. Materials and Methods: It was used a sample of 80 boxing and kickboxing athletes from Clube Fluvial Portuense, aged between 17-52 years. They were asked to answer a survey with 12 questions regarding the use of the mouth guard, oral hygiene of it, history of trauma and major difficulties encountered with the use of it. Results: 92.5% of respondents use mouth guard. Of these, 59.4% use bite and boil mouth guard. 58.8% consider that the use of the same is essential for the practice of the activity. The most pointed difficulty (48.0%) refers to difficulty in breathing. The main reason given by most athletes, 65.0%, for non-use, were based on the discomfort / pain / adaptation. Conclusions: the vast majority of respondents recognize the importance of mouthguards; however, there is an increased awareness on the part of male athletes. No statistically significant differences were found between the type of mouth guard and injuries and the type of mouthpiece and main reasons for not using them. However, there are athletes who use boil and bite mouth guards with highest number of orofacial injuries, as well as those who reported more difficulties adapting to the oral cavity.

Сучасні стадіони повинні відповідати суворим вимогам, що пред'являються до безпеки під час спортивних змагань. Головна вимога, яка має бути виконана, – створення об'єкта, безпечного для всіх, хто ним користується, будь-то глядачі, учасники матчу, офіційні особи, представники ЗМІ, обслуговуючий персонал.<br>Modern stadiums must match the strict requirements for safety during sports competitions. The main requirement that must be met is the creation of an object that is safe for all participants, be it spectators, match participants, officials, media representatives, service personnel.

碩士<br>逢甲大學<br>財經法律研究所<br>102<br>Abstract The purpose of copyright legislative is to protect the spiritual aspect of culture creation and the creative expression of human wisdom. As part of cultural heritage belongs to all mankind, The copyright has significant impact on progress and development of human culture, as well as influence on the human spiritual life abundantly. Copyright protection is necessary, because the protection of economic interests can encourages the willingness of creation, while promoting social well-being. Sports stars, have a pivotal position in culture aspect in modern society, no one can live without the professional sports show. Sports stars not only play the game but also represent a product. All the advertising is created by the modern athlete out of the business. The process of shaping the star, is draw on the professional sports and televised promotion. Just like the former days theater, TV shows, or movies, the modern professional sports’players also provide exciting entertainment to the audience by their outstanding performance.The difference of technology development and inter-cultural change between movie star and sport star are no longer so obvious.However, under the current legal provisions, the protections for the rights of authors or performers for professional athletes are far less than other profession players whom actually nearly do the same works and provide the same enthusiastic feelings to audiences, but cannot get the same rights to be protected. Neighboring rights protection is due to the performances claim that their obtain protection are not the same value with their economic interests and cultural interests they make. And its creations of performances only can being discovered and admit by the slowly process of striving, which can be considers as the same situation athlete. Therefore, this article copyright and neighboring rights legislation meaning and legal definition as a spindle, explore nature with professional sports events or not. And make the better way for professional sports to development, and the promotion of development of human culture.

Female participation in high-contact sports has increased dramatically in the past two decades, raising concern regarding injury to the female breast and the need for protective equipment. While the use of chest/breast protectors by women is advocated, little is known of their efficacy and effect on athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chest/breast protector use on measures of performance and comfort, and to determine the mechanical response of the protectors to applied impacts. The four chest/breast protectors selected for study included rigid polyethylene and flexible closed-cell foam styles. To evaluate physiological and comfort differences among the control (no protector) condition and the protectors, female subjects completed a submaximal treadmill running protocol, during which metabolic, skin temperature and perceived comfort data were collected. To evaluate effects on general agility, subjects completed a timed agility test. To assess cushioning properties, the vertical acceleration-time and force-displacement histories of a projectile during surface contact with each protector were analyzed using a drop test method. Analysis of variance methods were used to compare metabolic, temperature, comfort, agility, and energy absorption variables. Graphic presentations accompanied by qualitative interpretation of data across the time history of the impacts were used to describe cushioning properties of the protectors. The chest/breast protectors in this study did not significantly increase oxygen consumption for submaximal treadmill running. Some but not all protectors produced significantly higher skin temperatures than the no-protector condition. Greater temperatures and temperature differentials between the skin and exterior equipment surface were associated with multiple plastic/fabric layers and closed-cell foam construction. No protectors produced significantly higher ratings of thermal sensation or perceived skin wettedness than the control condition. Two protectors were assessed as similar to the control condition on general comfort sensation while two were deemed to be significantly less comfortable. There was no decrease in general agility associated with protector wear. The closed cell foam protector generally showed better shock attenuation characteristics, while the rigid protectors generally demonstrated superior shock absorption. Relationships with regard to cushioning properties changed in response to systematic variation of missile mass and drop height.<br>Graduation date: 1992

碩士<br>臺北市立大學<br>運動器材科技研究所<br>103<br>Effects of wearing body protector on protector adjustment and scoring technique in world-class Karate Kumite athletes Tsai, Yi-Hsin Advisor: Liu, Chiang Abstract Since 2011, World Karate Federation has ruled all kumite contestants must wear body protector equipment in any kumite competitions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of top 5 competitions of Karate World Championships for all weight classes wearing body protector on their adjusting times of karate-gi and body protectors, fighting styles, scoring position, scoring times and duration of match in total of the 20th competition (not wearing body protector equipment in 2010, hereafter referred to as “non-wearing”) and 21st one (wearing body protector equipment used, hereafter referred to as “wearing”). The subjects of this study mainly were the top 5 male and female contestants of the World Karate Championships, the highest level of competition for Karate, held every two years and analyzed contestants’ adjusting times of karate-gi and body protectors, fighting styles, scoring position, scoring times by utilizing video image analysis afterwards. The study results were as follows: 1. Adjusting times of karate-gi and body protectors: (1) Men contestants : the average number of contestants’ adjusting karate-gi and body protectors was one times every 6.20 seconds in the 21st competition (“wearing”) which was more frequently than the number of one times every 11.27 seconds in the 20th one (“non-wearing”). (2) Female contestants : the average number of contestants’ adjusting karate-gi and body protectors was one times every 6.67 seconds in the 21st competition (“wearing”) which was more frequently than the number of one times every 11.53 seconds in the 20th one (“non-wearing”). 2. Fighting styles changes: transfer Chudan Uchi in the 20th competition (“non-wearing”) to Jodan Uchi in the 21st one (“wearing”); the use of sweep techniques such as de Ashi-barai, Ko Uchi Gari, Kani Waza etc. were increase. 3. Duration of match: the 21st competition (“wearing”) time was longer than the time of the 20th one (“non-wearing”) due to the interference of adjusting karate-gi and body protectors. The conclusion of this study was that top 5 competitions of Karate World Championships for all weight classes increased the adjusting times of karate-gi and body protectors, chiefly changed the fighting styles into Jodan Uchi, was different scoring position and scoring times, and enhanced the period of mach. Keywords : karate, kumite, body protector, attack movements, scoring technique.

碩士<br>國立體育大學<br>競技與教練科學研究所<br>103<br>The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference in Elite Taekwondo players on how they perform in different electronic protector scoring system(PSS) according to their attacking movement patterns. Analysis of movements will be conducted with athletes from London Olympic Games male category 1 and 2 and female category 1.2.3.4 will be conducted form Inchon Asian Games. The use of video recording system will be played and analyzed with the top four best players, in order to describe the movement attack to identify the scoring percentage relationship of the scoring point gathered in the match. The statistics and frequency percentage of the recording of the resulting data will be put in MS-EXCEL computer program software. The conclusion of the analysis are as follow 1. Daedo and electronic protector system and KP&P, main scoring technique is the rear leg round house kick, the second major kick for scoring the Daedo body protector is the front leg side kick(pushing kick), for KP&P it would be front leg round house kick, 3rd major kick for Daedo would be front leg round house kick while for KP&P it would be front leg side kick(pushing kick), the less likely for the two protector in scoring is the 360 degree round house kick and 360 degree back kick. 2. Electronic protective gear of Daedo and KP&P electronic protector systems are more suitable for the use of offensive skill. This correlates with the WTF Rules, in favour with the engagement of attack in the competition. 3. In a offensive teachnique in Daedo it is easier to score point with rear leg round house kick, front leg side kick(pushing kick) front leg round house kick. For KP&P body protector it is with rear leg round house kick, front leg round house kick, front leg side kick(pushing kick). With defensive attack in Daedo body protector it is more likely to score point withear leg round house kick, front leg round house kick, front leg side kick(pushing kick).KP&P defensive technique it is easier to score points with front leg round house kick, rear leg round house kick, front leg side kick(pushing kick). Keyword：Taekwondo、electronic scoring system、attack pattern、 attack movment

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é estudar o impacto metabólico agudo no uso do equipamento de proteção individual (VTOP) no desempenho de elementos policiais de elite. MÉTODO: 42 elementos do Corpo de Intervenção da PSP (39.4 ± 1.3 anos, Altura = 178 ± 0.01 cm, Peso = 80.3 ± 1.3 kg, IMC = 26.2 ± 0.3 kg/m2 , % Massa Gorda = 15.4 ± 0.5) realizaram uma bateria de testes à Aptidão Física com vista a mensurar a capacidade cardiovascular, a agilidade, a força e potência dos membros superiores, inferiores e core, e flexibilidade dos membros superiores e inferiores. A amostra realizou o Circuito de Aptidão Física para a Função Policial On-Duty Task (ODT) em dois momentos distintos, estando num 1.º momento equipados com Equipamento de Educação Física (EEF) e num 2.º momento com o Equipamento de Proteção Individual (EPI) VTOP. Foram controladas as seguintes variáveis: Tempo (s), Frequência Cardíaca (FC, bpms) Lactato (LAC, mmol/L); Força de Preensão Manual (FPM, kg); Countermovement Jump (CMJ, cm); Perceção Subjetiva do Esforço (PSE). Comparou-se o desempenho do circuito com EEF e EPI, o Tempo do Circuito foi correlacionado com os testes físicos e identificamos os fatores preditivos de sucesso no ODT. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a polícia de Elite apresenta um nível de Atividade Física Vigorosa (87.9 %), um bom nível de Aptidão Física, e uma boa composição corporal (10 a 20 % MG, 82% da amostra) mesmo em comparação com o panorama policial internacional. Verificou-se ainda, uma forte correlação negativa entre as variáveis de aptidão física e o tempo do circuito, ou seja, quanto maior é o nível de aptidão física, menor é o tempo na realização do circuito ODT. O uso de EPI resulta em perdas de desempenho em cerca 25% (p < 0.01). Aplicando a regressão linear múltipla alcançou-se a equação, Desempenho no Circuito ODT com VTOP = 185.87 – (2969 * Nº Barras) + (15.777 * Teste T) – (1.732 * FPM_D) expondo que o número máximo de repetições de flexões de braços na trave, o desempenho no teste de agilidade (Teste T) e nos valores da FPM da mão direita, explicam a variação de performance até 46.2%. CONCLUSÕES: Concluiu-se que a utilização de EPI causa perdas significativas no rendimento dos operacionais da Polícia de Elite, afectando-os no seu trabalho policial.<br>OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to study the acute metabolic impact of wearing personal protective equipment (VTOP) on the performance of elite police officers. METHODS: 42 police officers (39.4 ± 1.3 years old, Height = 178 ± 0.01 cm, Weight = 80.3 ± 1.3 kg, BMI = 26.2 ± 0.3 kg/m2, % Fat Mass = 15.4 ± 0.5) performed a battery of Physical Fitness tests in order to measure cardiovascular capacity, agility, upper, lower limb and core strength and power, and upper and lower limb flexibility. The sample performed the On-Duty Task (ODT) Police Physical Fitness Circuit in two different moments, being in a 1st moment equipped with Physical Education Equipment (PE) and in a 2nd moment with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) VTOP. The following variables were controlled: Time (s), Heart Rate (HR, bpms) Lactate (LAC, mmol/L); Handgrip Power (FPM, kg); Countermovement Jump (CMJ, cm); Subjective Effort Perception (PSE). Circuit performance was compared with EEF and EPI, Circuit Time was correlated with physical tests and we identified the predictive factors of success in ODT. RESULTS: It was observed that Elite police have a Vigorous Physical Activity level (87.9 %), a good Fitness level, and a good body composition (10 to 20 % MG, 82% of the sample) even in comparison with the international police panorama. There was also a strong negative correlation between the fitness variables and the circuit time, i.e. the higher the fitness level, the shorter the time in performing the ODT circuit. The use of PPE results in performance losses by about 25% (p < 0.01). Applying multiple linear regression we reached the equation, Performance in ODT Circuit with VTOP = 185.87 – (2969 * No. Bars) + (15.777 * T Test) - (1.732 * FPM_D) showing that the maximum number of repetitions of push-ups on the beam, the performance in the agility test (T Test) and the right hand FPM values explain the performance variation up to 46.2%. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the use of PPE causes significant losses in the performance of Elite Police operatives, affecting them in their police work.