EL CAMINO POLICE ACADEMY

at EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Dear Physician,

The individual you are examining has been requested to obtain a medical clearance to participate in the Physical Conditioning Program at the El Camino Police Academy at El Camino College. The Physical Conditioning Program consists of certain physical performance tests and a program of physical conditioning. Physical conditioning occurs a minimum of 1 hour per day, 3 days per week, for at least 12 weeks. Listed below are descriptions of both the physical performance tests, and the content of the physical conditioning program.

A Health History Statement and a Cardiac Risk Assessment (RISKO) have been completed by the individual to assist you in making your determination of the individual’s suitability for participation in the conditioning program. The student will also provide you with a Physical Examination Form outlining the general areas of health considerations for the program. Please complete and sign this form, and return it to the student at the conclusion of your examination.

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST

§  1.5 Mile Run – The individual runs 1.5 miles as fast as possible. Measures cardio respiratory endurance.

§  Sit-Ups – The individual performs as many bent knee sit-ups as possible in 2 minutes. Measures dynamic muscular endurance.

§  Sit and Reach Test – The individual performs a test that measures range of motion of the lower back and abdominal girth.

§  Agility Run - The individual runs through a short course (60 yards) as fast as possible. The course requires agility and the ability to change directions quickly. Measures neuromuscular coordination.

§  Bench Press and Leg Press - Conventional weight lifting test to determine peak upper and lower body strength respectively.

§  Standing Long Jump – The individual jumps as far as possible onto a gym mat. Measures leg power.

§  500 Yard Run – The individual runs 500 yards in as little time as possible. Simulates work task.

§  Fence/Wall Climb – The individual runs 25 yards, climbs a wood and/or link fence, and then continues running 500 yards in the least amount of time possible. Simulates work task.

§  Push-Ups – The individual performs as many push-ups as possible. Measures arm strength and endurance.

§  Body Drag Test – The individual partial lifts and drags a 165 lbs. Dummy 32 feet. Simulates work task.

§  Wall Slide Hold – The individual, with back against the wall, slides down until a 90 degree angle existed between the thighs and the wall. Position is held as long as possible up to 3 minutes.

§  Physical Conditioning – The program of Physical Conditioning involves exercise focusing on cardio respiratory endurance (aerobics), strength, power, speed, and neuromuscular coordination (agility, balance, etc.). The intensity of the various exercises is individualized to the extent possible and is gradually increased throughout the course of the conditioning. Each exercise session last 60 minutes and consists of an 8 minutes warm-up period, a 30 minute conditioning bout focusing on a primary training objective, and a 7 minute cool-down period.