Search

Background. In 2014 three co-authors of this article, at the prison authorities' order, prepared a draft amendment of the physical fitness test for Prison Service officers. After the presentation of several amendments there has been noticed a very spontaneous and emotional reaction of the officers to the concept of Cooper's test inclusion to the revised test. This inspired the authors to examine prison officers' attitudes towards the concept of exposing them to a mandatory endurance test. Material and methods. 91 prison officers took part in a diagnostics survey with the use of a questionnaire developed by the authors. Results. Subjects mostly practice strength training although in their opinion the most beneficial to health is doing endurance training. The respondents do not have enough knowledge on training methods of building endurance. Almost half of the respondents indicate a negative attitude of officers to the incorporation of obligatory endurance trial to physical fitness test. Conclusions. Several educational as well as motivational actions need to be taken in order to raise their skills related to planning and practicing physical activity. Their performance is especially important taking into consideration health and the strengthening of professionally useful motor potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]