Gender differences in short sprint performancewith and without occupational load

Abstract

Maximum acceleration and running speed are significant for police officers in situations where they need to apprehend a running suspect. Most frequently, they have to handle these situations wearing work equipment that weighs equally for both genders. This research aims to determine the differences in maximum acceleration and running speed with equipment of different weight. 35 male and 24 female students from the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies took part in the research. The test measured the time needed for a 10m and 20m sprint, as well as a 10m flying start. All tests were performed without additional load, with a duty belt that contained police equipment weighing 5 kg total, as well as a vest weighing 10 kg. The Independent Samples t test found a statistically significant difference within groups in the time of running without occupational load compared to running with the load of 5 kg and 10 kg. Furthermore, the tests with 5 kg and 10 kg loads differed in the first 10m and 20m. All observed variables contained statistically significant differences between female and male students.