Differences in Muscle Strength Among Members of Selected Security Forces

Miroslav Ligday1, Tomáš Kozák2*, Stanislava Ivanová2, Viktória Vilimová3, Kristína Němá1

J. Sport. Res. and Innov., vol. 3, January 2026

1 University of Presov, Faculty of Sports, Department of Educology of Sports, Presov 08001, Slovakia
2 University of Presov, Faculty of Sports, Department Sports Kinanthropology, Presov 08001, Slovakia
3 Student of University of Presov, Faculty of Sports, Presov 08001, Slovakia
*Correspondence: tomas.kozak@smail.unipo.sk

Abstract

Background: Security personnel are required to maintain high levels of physical fitness to perform demanding operational tasks. Muscle strength is essential for interventions, rescue operations, and work in hazardous environments. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in muscle strength among members of the police force, municipal police, and fire service of the Slovak Republic. Methods: The research sample consisted of 15 male members of security forces (n=5 per group). Body height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and digital scale. Muscle strength was assessed using four standardized tests: standing long jump, 30-second sit-up test, 30-second push-up test, and bent-arm hang. Results: Across all tests, members of the fire service demonstrated the highest performance. Compared with firefighters, municipal police officers achieved 18.75–37.78% lower median values, and police force members showed 2.22–35.14% lower performance depending on the test. Firefighters reached the longest jump distance (240 cm), highest sit-up performance (37 reps), most push-ups (45 reps), and longest bent-arm hang duration (37 s). Municipal police reached the lowest values in most indicators, particularly in push-ups and sit-ups. Conclusions: The find-ings indicate significant differences in muscle strength between security units. Firefighters consist-ently outperformed both police groups, reflecting the physically demanding nature of their occupation. The lower values observed in the Police Force and especially the Municipal Police emphasize the need for targeted physical conditioning programs aligned with operational requirements.

Keywords: police force, municipal police, fire service, strength abilities

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