BY:- FIROZ QURESHIDEPT. PSYCHIATRIC

NURSING

“SPECIAL PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST”

INTRODUCTION

Special physical abililies is the quality of being able to perform physical acts.

Tests typically test applicants on some physical requirement such as lifting strength, rope climbing, or obstacle course completion.

DEFINITION

A Physical Ability Test (PAT) is a way for an employer to more effectively match workers to the physical demands and essential functions of a job.

THE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST:

The PATs are designed to simulate specific job duties of a Peace Officer.

The tests are physically demanding and could cause injury to persons who are not physically fit or have medical conditions which limit their physical ability.

Before taking the PAT, you must undergo a risk assessment to ensure you are fit to proceed.

ADVANTAGESAND

DISADVANTAGES

TYPES

The test consist of five physically demandingperformance tests designed to evaluate overallfitness to perform specific functions of a PeaceOfficer. They are: Hand Grip strengthTrunk lift test Dynamic arm powerDynamic leg power Overall endurance

Handgrip Strength Test

The purpose of this test is to measure the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles. Handgrip strength is important for any sport in which the hands are used for catching, throwing or lifting. Also, as a general rule people with strong hands tend to be strong elsewhere, so this test is often used as a general test of strength.

PROCEDURE

The subject holds the dynamometer in the hand to be tested, with the arm at right angles and the elbow by the side of the body. The handle of the dynamometer is adjusted if required - the base should rest on first metacarpal (heel of palm), while the handle should rest on middle of four fingers. When ready the subject squeezes the dynamometer with maximum isometric effort, which is maintained for about 5 seconds. No other body movement is allowed. The subject should be strongly encouraged to give a maximum effort.

CONT…

The best result from several trials for each hand is recorded, with at least 15 seconds recovery between each effort. The values listed below (in kg and lbs) give a guide to expected scores for adults. These values are the average of the best scores of each hand.

EXAMPLE

MALES FEMALES

Rating lbs kg lbs Kg

Excellent >141 >64 >84 >38

Very good 123-141 56-64 75-84 34-38

Above average

114-122 52-55 66-74 30-33

Average 105-113 48-51 57-65 26-29

Below average

96-104 44-47 49-56 23-25

Poor 88-95 40-43 44-48 20-22

Very poor <88 <40 <44 <20

Note:-The dynamometer must be adjusted for hand size, how successfully this is done will affect the accuracy of the measurement.

Trunk Lift Test

This test measures trunk extensor strength, flexibility and endurance. It requires gym mat, measuring device , marker

PROCEDURE

The aim of the test is to lift the upper body off the floor using the muscles of the back and hold the position to allow for the measurement. The subject lies on the mat in a face down position, with toes pointed back behind the body and hands placed under the thighs. Place a marker on the floor in line with the student’s eyes (a coin or other marker), which they must maintain focus on throughout the movement (to help keep head in alignment).

Cont…

When ready, the student lifts the upper body off the floor, in a very slow and controlled manner, to a maximum height of 12 inches. The head should be maintained in a straight alignment with the spine. The position must be held long enough for a measurement to be made of the distance - from the floor to the student’s chin. Once the measurement has been made, the student returns to the starting position. Two trials are allowed, with the best score recorded.

SCORING

This test will be assessed as the distance from the floor to the student’s chin. The maximum score on this test is 12 inches, anything over this distance is recorded as 12 inches.

Note :- Do not allow students to do ballistic, bouncing movements - all movements should be performed in a slow and controlled manner. The scoring is limited to 12 inches as it is not safe

OVERALL ENDURANCE: Category I: Strength

and Muscular Endurance.

Arm Endurance - This test measures upper body dynamic strength. Candidates are required to crank an arm ergometer as fast as possible for one minute in order to assess their ability to exert muscular force repeatedly over a short period of time

Pull-Up Trainer -

The purpose of this test is to determine a candidate’s ability to exert upper body muscle force repeatedly for a short period of time. This test involves moving the body in an upward direction while laying on a slant board.

Arm Lift – This test measures

upper body static strength. Candidates are required to exert maximum strength in an upward direction to determine the maximum force generated by using their arm muscles.

Leg Endurance – This test measures

lower body dynamic strength. Candidates are required to pedal a stationary bicycle as rapidly as possible for one minute in order to assess their ability to exert muscular force repeatedly over a short period of time.

Sit-Ups – This test measures

the strength of the abdominal muscles (trunk strength). Candidates are required to perform as many sit-ups as possible in one minute.

CONT..

The push up:-It begins in the up position with the hands placed on the matt where they are comfortable for the candidate. The toes and hands remain on the floor. The body and head are aligned and straight, and the body is raised until the arms are fully extended then returns to the starting position. The candidate has to repeat 18 push ups

Category II

Arm-Hand Steadiness This test measures the ability to maintain

static arm-hand steadiness. Candidates are required to hold a replica of an actual standard-issue firearm as steadily as possible while pointing it through the opening of a small target ring without the firearm making contact with the edges of the ring.

Category III: Stamina - Aerobic Fitness

Step Test – This is a test of aerobic fitness designed to

evaluate heart rate recovery and its associated maximal oxygen consumption. Candidates are required to step up and down on either a 15 inch (for men) or 13 inch (for women) high step platform for a period of five (5) consecutive minutes to the beat of a metronome. After a 30-second rest (recovery) period, the candidates' heart rates are then recorded via a pulse-meter.

Physical Test Administration and Scoring

For each physical test an Academy staff member will give instruction on the proper method and technique for safely and correctly performing that particular physical task. Written instructions and illustrations are also provided and should be encouraged all candidates to carefully read them so that they can perform to the best of their capability. The staff will then record the scores and candidate will be notified the results of the Physical Ability Examination. In order to be considered "qualified," candidates must pass each of the three component categories

DYNAMIC ARM TEST:

The purpose of this test is to measure the anaerobic power of the arms in order to determines the candidate ability to carry a stretcher containing a person weighing 185pounds 200meter with the assistance of one other person and an additional 200meter with the assistance of three other people. You need adequate strength in your abdominal and lower back muscles to pass these tests. Using your arms you must be able to pedal a stationary bicycle 45 revolutions in one minute with a very challenging amount of resistance.

DYNAMIC LEG TEST:

The purpose of this test is to measure anaerobic power of legs in order to predict the candidate ability to sprint 100 yards in 19 seconds or less. You must pedal a stationary bicycle 70 revolutions in one minute with a very challenging amount of resistance in order to pass the test.

OTHER INDIVIDUAL TESTS:

THE VERTICAL JUMP:It is performed on a test matt. The candidate

stands on the mat placing his/her feet on the foot imprints, the belt is put around waist. The tape in pulled through a clip in the belt until taut to adjust for height of the athlete. The measuring tape at the mat feeder is always set at 0cm/in. The candidate bends his/hr knees and jumps straight upward. The length of the tape pulled through the feeder indicates the height of the jump. The candidate gets three tries at this event the candidate must jump 16 inches to pass the event.

THE THREE HUNDRED METER SPRINT:

It is performed in running shoes and proper clothing. This candidate must run without any help. On the command ‘Go’ the clock will start. The mark distance is approximately ¾ of a lap on a standard high school track. The candidate must complete the run in 77 seconds to pass the event.

THE MILE AND ONE HALF RUN:

It is performed in running shoes and proper clothing. The candidate may complete this exercise by running or mixing a combination of running with walking but complete without any physical help in 15minutes, 20seconds to pass the event

USES

to monitor fitness levelto see if you are improvingcompare your scores to other people of

similar age and ability.to identify health problems.To ensure that an applicant meets minimum

standards of health to cope with the physical demands of the job

To determine physical status of job applicantsTo reduce incidence of work related injuries