The physical fitness testing norms of Royal Police Cadets

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to examine the physical fitness performance levels of police cadets and to develop standard criteria for physical fitness performance testing. This research employed a survey methodology. The sample comprised 1,002 police cadets enrolled in the academic year 2023. Data were collected from all cadets using purposive sampling. The research instrument was a set of internationally recognized physical fitness tests, which were reviewed and validated by experts in sports science (Office of the Higher Education Commission, College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University; Thavorn Kamutsri, 2015). Normative standards were constructed and categorized into five levels of physical fitness performance. The findings indicated that the physical fitness test for police cadets consisted of 13 components: Body Mass Index (BMI), sit and reach, back extension, medicine ball throw, vertical jump, hexagon agility test, 100-meter sprint, 50-meter swim, 1-minute sit-ups, pull-ups, 2-minute push-ups, 2.4-kilometer run, and plank hold. The T-score range for the established performance criteria was between T = 9.13 and T = 73.83. These scores were categorized into five levels: Excellent, Good, Moderate, Low, and Very Low. The overall physical fitness of police cadets was at a good level. However, upper body muscles—chest, shoulders, back, and arms—should be further strengthened.