Rodney Pope | Charles Sturt University (original) (raw)

Papers by Rodney Pope

Early Childhood Education Journal, May 13, 2021

This study explored whether Year 1 school children exposed to a 12-week classroom-based gross mot... more This study explored whether Year 1 school children exposed to a 12-week classroom-based gross motor program progressed differently than Year 1 children undertaking their regular school program in motor proficiency, mathematics, and reading outcomes. Fifty-five Australian Year 1 school children (25 boys, 30 girls, mean age 6.77 ± 0.40 years) were exposed to either (i) their normal school program (Class N) or (ii) a 12-week program comprised of gross motor circuits and physically active: a) reading lessons (Class R) or b) mathematics lessons (Class M). Motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading were assessed using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (2nd Edition) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test—2nd Edition—Australian Standardised Edition, respectively. Differences in outcomes between classes following the 12-week program were assessed. Mean change scores for the mathematics composite were significantly greater for participants in Class R (9.61 ± 5.62, p = .001) and Class M (7.57 ± 5.79, p = .019) than for participants in Class N (0.76 ± 8.00). Mean change scores for reading (11.54 ± 7.51, p = .017) and total motor composites (6.12 ± 5.07, p = .034) were also significantly greater for participants in Class M than Class N (4.47 ± 3.50 and 0.82 ± 4.38 respectively). A 12-week classroom-based gross motor program may be beneficial for motor skill development and learning in Year 1 school children. This pilot evaluation may usefully inform future experimental studies to further investigate whether classroom-based motor skill programs have a beneficial effect on motor proficiency and academic outcomes in children in the early years of primary school.

PubMed, 2020

Lower levels of fitness are associated with an increased risk of injury in police recruits. The a... more Lower levels of fitness are associated with an increased risk of injury in police recruits. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between initial aerobic performance assessments and injury risk during police recruit training. Retrospective data from 219 police recruits undergoing training program at a state police training academy, including 20-m Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT) and 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT) scores and injury data, were collected. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between levels of fitness (MSFT rs = - 0.292, p < 0.001: 30-15 IFT rs=-0.315, p < 0.001) and rates of injury. Furthermore, a Pearson's correlation showed a strong correlation between MSFT and the 30-15 IFT scores (r = 0.877, p < 0.001). Police recruits with lower fitness were at a higher risk of injury than those with higher fitness over the duration of a recruit training program. These findings indicate that aerobic performance assessments may be used by law enforcement agencies to estimate the relative risks of injury among cadets.

The Australian journal of physiotherapy, 2002

PubMed, 2020

Deputy Sheriffs need to exhibit job-specific fitness throughout their occupational lifespan. This... more Deputy Sheriffs need to exhibit job-specific fitness throughout their occupational lifespan. This study evaluated job-specific fitness changes measured by the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) in deputy sheriffs from training academy to patrol school (refresher program completed before first patrol assignment). WSTB data for 34 deputy sheriffs (28 males, 6 females) was retrospectively analyzed. The WSTB included five tests: a 99-yard obstacle course (99OC); a 165-pound body drag (BD); 6-foot chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climbs; and a 500-yard run (500R). WSTB task times measured at the end of academy and start of patrol school were compared by paired samples t-tests, percentage change, and effect sizes (all deputy sheriffs combined and by sex). When data for all deputy sheriffs was combined, there were significant time increases for the WSTB tasks at patrol school (p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.45-1.67), except for the BD (p < 0.001; d = 0.80). Male deputy sheriffs exhibited the same changes (p ≤ 0.042, d = 0.40-2.37), with very large CLF and SW decrements (34-83%). Females experienced a significant decline in the 99OC (p = 0.013; d = 0.79), and non-significant declines in all other tasks (p ≤ 0.324; d = 0.50-0.96). Apart from the BD for male deputy sheriffs, job-specific fitness measured by the WSTB declined when deputy sheriffs went on their first patrol assignment. The ability to perform obstacle clearance (CLF, SW) and foot pursuit tasks (99OC, 500R) was particularly reduced. Intervention strategies to aid job-specific fitness maintenance is recommended for deputy sheriffs.

PubMed, 2018

To successfully complete specialist police selection, officers must be physically fit. The aim of... more To successfully complete specialist police selection, officers must be physically fit. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between performance on selected anthropometric and fitness tests and successful selection into a specialist police unit. Thirty-two male police officers (mean age = 29.48±4.99 years) participated in a Barrier Fitness Assessment (BFA), followed by a Specialist Selection Course (SSC). The BFA spanned two consecutive days of testing (pull-ups, push-ups, seven-stage sit-ups, a timed loaded pack march, a Multi-Stage Fitness Test, an agility run, a lift and carry task and a 300m swim assessment). The SSC occurred 4 weeks later and consisted of 8 days of intense police training. Officers who successfully completed the SSC were graded based on their performance and this determined their ultimate selection. Data were categorized into four participant groups: Group 1 - Did not complete the BFA; Group 2 - Completed the BFA but not the SSC; Group 3 - Completed the SSC and were not selected; and Group 4 - Completed the SSC and were selected. A Spearman's rank order correlation analysis was conducted to assess the strengths of the relationships between selection stage achieved and scores on each of the predictor variables, with significance set at 0.05. Height (p=0.011), body weight (p=0.011), pull-ups (p=0.021) and push-ups (p=0.016), seven-stage sit-up scores (p=0.042) and lift and carry speed (p=0.010) were significantly and positively correlated with level of selection success. Results suggest that candidates wishing to attempt selection into specialist police units would benefit from being tall and training to optimize musculoskeletal strength and muscular endurance.

Women's Health, 2023

Background: Despite increasing numbers of women serving in defence forces worldwide, little is cu... more Background: Despite increasing numbers of women serving in defence forces worldwide, little is currently known about how servicewomen manage their pelvic health in the traditionally male environment of the military. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of pelvic health issues on Australian Defence Force servicewomen and their experiences of managing their pelvic health in occupational settings. Design: A qualitative hermeneutic design. Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted on six currently serving female members of the Australian Defence Force located Australia-wide. A semi-structured interview guide, based on the study objectives, was used to guide the audio-recorded interviews. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Nine themes were identified. The first six themes explored the experiences of servicewomen in maintaining their pelvic health, including suppressing the urge to go, adjusting hydration depending on toilet access, managing menstruation, regaining ‘full’ fitness postpartum, awareness and prevention of pelvic health conditions, and inhibiting conversations about women’s health. The last three themes explored how servicewomen coped with pelvic health conditions, including self-managing symptoms, diagnosing and treating pelvic conditions, and support for servicewomen’s pelvic health. Conclusion: This study suggests workplace culture, low levels of insight into pelvic health norms, and limited healthcare strategies within the Australian Defence Force to support female pelvic health have contributed to servicewomen self-managing pelvic health issues using approaches that may have had significant impacts on their health and well-being.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Nov 1, 2017

Early Childhood Education Journal, May 13, 2021

This study explored whether Year 1 school children exposed to a 12-week classroom-based gross mot... more This study explored whether Year 1 school children exposed to a 12-week classroom-based gross motor program progressed differently than Year 1 children undertaking their regular school program in motor proficiency, mathematics, and reading outcomes. Fifty-five Australian Year 1 school children (25 boys, 30 girls, mean age 6.77 ± 0.40 years) were exposed to either (i) their normal school program (Class N) or (ii) a 12-week program comprised of gross motor circuits and physically active: a) reading lessons (Class R) or b) mathematics lessons (Class M). Motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading were assessed using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (2nd Edition) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test—2nd Edition—Australian Standardised Edition, respectively. Differences in outcomes between classes following the 12-week program were assessed. Mean change scores for the mathematics composite were significantly greater for participants in Class R (9.61 ± 5.62, p = .001) and Class M (7.57 ± 5.79, p = .019) than for participants in Class N (0.76 ± 8.00). Mean change scores for reading (11.54 ± 7.51, p = .017) and total motor composites (6.12 ± 5.07, p = .034) were also significantly greater for participants in Class M than Class N (4.47 ± 3.50 and 0.82 ± 4.38 respectively). A 12-week classroom-based gross motor program may be beneficial for motor skill development and learning in Year 1 school children. This pilot evaluation may usefully inform future experimental studies to further investigate whether classroom-based motor skill programs have a beneficial effect on motor proficiency and academic outcomes in children in the early years of primary school.

PubMed, 2020

Lower levels of fitness are associated with an increased risk of injury in police recruits. The a... more Lower levels of fitness are associated with an increased risk of injury in police recruits. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between initial aerobic performance assessments and injury risk during police recruit training. Retrospective data from 219 police recruits undergoing training program at a state police training academy, including 20-m Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT) and 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT) scores and injury data, were collected. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between levels of fitness (MSFT rs = - 0.292, p < 0.001: 30-15 IFT rs=-0.315, p < 0.001) and rates of injury. Furthermore, a Pearson's correlation showed a strong correlation between MSFT and the 30-15 IFT scores (r = 0.877, p < 0.001). Police recruits with lower fitness were at a higher risk of injury than those with higher fitness over the duration of a recruit training program. These findings indicate that aerobic performance assessments may be used by law enforcement agencies to estimate the relative risks of injury among cadets.

The Australian journal of physiotherapy, 2002

PubMed, 2020

Deputy Sheriffs need to exhibit job-specific fitness throughout their occupational lifespan. This... more Deputy Sheriffs need to exhibit job-specific fitness throughout their occupational lifespan. This study evaluated job-specific fitness changes measured by the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) in deputy sheriffs from training academy to patrol school (refresher program completed before first patrol assignment). WSTB data for 34 deputy sheriffs (28 males, 6 females) was retrospectively analyzed. The WSTB included five tests: a 99-yard obstacle course (99OC); a 165-pound body drag (BD); 6-foot chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climbs; and a 500-yard run (500R). WSTB task times measured at the end of academy and start of patrol school were compared by paired samples t-tests, percentage change, and effect sizes (all deputy sheriffs combined and by sex). When data for all deputy sheriffs was combined, there were significant time increases for the WSTB tasks at patrol school (p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.45-1.67), except for the BD (p < 0.001; d = 0.80). Male deputy sheriffs exhibited the same changes (p ≤ 0.042, d = 0.40-2.37), with very large CLF and SW decrements (34-83%). Females experienced a significant decline in the 99OC (p = 0.013; d = 0.79), and non-significant declines in all other tasks (p ≤ 0.324; d = 0.50-0.96). Apart from the BD for male deputy sheriffs, job-specific fitness measured by the WSTB declined when deputy sheriffs went on their first patrol assignment. The ability to perform obstacle clearance (CLF, SW) and foot pursuit tasks (99OC, 500R) was particularly reduced. Intervention strategies to aid job-specific fitness maintenance is recommended for deputy sheriffs.

PubMed, 2018

To successfully complete specialist police selection, officers must be physically fit. The aim of... more To successfully complete specialist police selection, officers must be physically fit. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between performance on selected anthropometric and fitness tests and successful selection into a specialist police unit. Thirty-two male police officers (mean age = 29.48±4.99 years) participated in a Barrier Fitness Assessment (BFA), followed by a Specialist Selection Course (SSC). The BFA spanned two consecutive days of testing (pull-ups, push-ups, seven-stage sit-ups, a timed loaded pack march, a Multi-Stage Fitness Test, an agility run, a lift and carry task and a 300m swim assessment). The SSC occurred 4 weeks later and consisted of 8 days of intense police training. Officers who successfully completed the SSC were graded based on their performance and this determined their ultimate selection. Data were categorized into four participant groups: Group 1 - Did not complete the BFA; Group 2 - Completed the BFA but not the SSC; Group 3 - Completed the SSC and were not selected; and Group 4 - Completed the SSC and were selected. A Spearman's rank order correlation analysis was conducted to assess the strengths of the relationships between selection stage achieved and scores on each of the predictor variables, with significance set at 0.05. Height (p=0.011), body weight (p=0.011), pull-ups (p=0.021) and push-ups (p=0.016), seven-stage sit-up scores (p=0.042) and lift and carry speed (p=0.010) were significantly and positively correlated with level of selection success. Results suggest that candidates wishing to attempt selection into specialist police units would benefit from being tall and training to optimize musculoskeletal strength and muscular endurance.

Women's Health, 2023

Background: Despite increasing numbers of women serving in defence forces worldwide, little is cu... more Background: Despite increasing numbers of women serving in defence forces worldwide, little is currently known about how servicewomen manage their pelvic health in the traditionally male environment of the military. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of pelvic health issues on Australian Defence Force servicewomen and their experiences of managing their pelvic health in occupational settings. Design: A qualitative hermeneutic design. Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted on six currently serving female members of the Australian Defence Force located Australia-wide. A semi-structured interview guide, based on the study objectives, was used to guide the audio-recorded interviews. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Nine themes were identified. The first six themes explored the experiences of servicewomen in maintaining their pelvic health, including suppressing the urge to go, adjusting hydration depending on toilet access, managing menstruation, regaining ‘full’ fitness postpartum, awareness and prevention of pelvic health conditions, and inhibiting conversations about women’s health. The last three themes explored how servicewomen coped with pelvic health conditions, including self-managing symptoms, diagnosing and treating pelvic conditions, and support for servicewomen’s pelvic health. Conclusion: This study suggests workplace culture, low levels of insight into pelvic health norms, and limited healthcare strategies within the Australian Defence Force to support female pelvic health have contributed to servicewomen self-managing pelvic health issues using approaches that may have had significant impacts on their health and well-being.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Nov 1, 2017