ABSTRACT

THE EFFECTS OF COMBINED STRENGTH AND CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT COPING TECHNIQUES IN UNTRAINED WOMEN 911 EMERGENCY CALL CENTER DISPATCHERS

JAMES M. SAYIH, 911 FITNESS, INC, MIAMI, FL, 33015

The purpose of this study was to identify and improve the strength, body composition and mental stress changes elicited by 6-8 repetitions maximum (RM) at 85% intensity, combined with cardiovascular training at 85% intensity protocols, including daily stress management coping skill applications in Untrained Women, 911 Call Center Dispatchers. Thirty-Eight 911 women police dispatchers volunteered. The subjects performed strength training 6 times per week using free weights and machine equipment. Subjects performed 6 sets of 6-8 repetitions at 85% of their 1RM, including thirty minutes of cardiovascular work on three days following strength-training sessions. Body composition (3 site: skinfold with calipers-Triceps, Suprailiac, Thigh) was measured at 0 and 12 weeks. Comparisons to their initial, baseline values were totaled and revealed that the average fat loss was 9.75 pounds and the average muscle gain was 3.78 pounds. The subjects improved an average of 16% in fat reduction and a 3% increase in lean muscle. Stress Test #1 - Vulnerability. Baseline indicated average score was 44.1. Post-average score was 40.32, an 8.65% reduction. Stress Test #2 - Responses to stress. Baseline indicated average score was 21.3. Post-average score was 19.3, a 9.28% reduction. Stress Test #3 - Hardiness (Control, Commitment, Challenge). Baseline indicated average score was 7.74. Post-average score was 8.68, a 12.24% increase. As one learns to cope with stress, one's level of hardiness increases. Absenteeism was reduced by 6%, which indicate the subjects are less likely to become physically ill due to stress stimulation. These results suggest that daily coping stress skills coupled with combined strength and cardiovascular training protocols increase greater tolerance for mental stress, increase lean muscle tissue and reduce body fat over a 12-week period in previously untrained 911 call center women police dispatchers.