About TRU

The TRU is a network of multidisciplinary international experts who investigate ways to optimise the physical and cognitive capabilities, and safety of tactical personnel – whether military, law enforcement, firefighters, or first responder organisations. It is a part of Bond University’s Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, which received the highest possible ranking of ‘well above world standard’, and ‘at world standard’ for human movement and sports science, from the Australian Research Council (ARC) in its Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015 results.

 

The overarching aim of the group is to improve the wellbeing and occupational performance of those who serve and ensure new research findings are shared across the different tactical populations.

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The Tactical Research Unit (TRU) at Bond University works towards the protection and performance of individuals on the front line who protect our community and country.

Services

The TRU provides services to government, industry, academic and private institutions. These include research projects, consultancy reports and educational and training packages.

Since 2015, the TRU team has conducted research across multiple tactical agencies covering initial training through to specialist selection and rehabilitation.

Consultancy projects have included the development of evidence-based, tactically viable, reports to inform multiple agencies and the generation of injury management, assessments, and conditioning optimization frameworks.

Education and training services use the latest research evidence and practical experience to provide workshops, courses or longer programs to tactical personnel as well as their support staff, such as physiotherapists, physical training instructors, and strength and conditioning coaches.

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Research

Consultancy

Education and training

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Latest news

TRU 2020 Research Output Summary
TRU 2020 Research Output Summary
May 12, 2021
TRU 2020 Research Output Summary
May 12, 2021

The Tactical Research Unit has produced excellent outcomes in 2020, in spite of the challenges around the globe.

The Tactical Research Unit has produced excellent outcomes in 2020, in spite of the challenges around the globe.

Please…

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TRU 2020 Research Output Summary

TRU 2020 Research Output Summary
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Posted: May 12, 2021

The Tactical Research Unit has produced excellent outcomes in 2020, in spite of the challenges around the globe.

Please take a look at our list of publications, commissioned and technical reports, presentations, articles and media coverage.

 

Publications in Peer Review Journals

  1. Moreno, M., Rodas, K., Bloodgood, A., Dawes, J., Dulla, J., Orr, R. & Lockie, R. (2020). The influence of aerobic fitness on heart rate responses of custody assistant recruits during circuit training sessions, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218177.
  1. Lockie, R., Dawes, J., Moreno, M., McGuire, M., Ruvalcaba, T., Bloodgood, A., Dulla., J. & Orr., R. (2020).  We need you: Influence of hiring demand and modified applicant testing on the physical fitness of law enforcement recruits. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207512
  1. Lockie, R., Dawes, J., Dulla, J., Orr, R. & Hernandez, E. (2020). Physical fitness, sex considerations, and academy graduation for law enforcement recruits. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003844
  1. Marins, E., Barbosa, O., Machado, E., Orr, R., Dawes, J. & Del Vecchio, F. (2020). Profile of self-reported physical tasks and physical training in Brazilian special operations units: A web-based cross-sectional study, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(19). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197135. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/19/7135/htm
  1. Kukic, F., Heinrich, K., Koropanovski, N., Poston, W. S. C., Cvorovic, A., Dawes, J., Orr, R. & Dopsaj, M. (2020). Differences in body composition across police occupations and moderation effects of leisure time physical activity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18). doi:10.3390/ijerph17186825, https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/18/6825
  1. Schram, B., Robinson, J. & Orr, R. (2020). The physical fitness effects of a week-long specialist tactical police selection course. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18). doi:10.3390/ijerph17186782, https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/18/6782/htm
  1. Lockie, R., Beitzel, M., Dulla, J., Dawes, J., Orr, R. & Hernandez, J. (2020). Between-sex differences in the work sample test battery performed by law enforcement recruits. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003671
  1. Orr, R., Robinson, J, Hasanki, K., Talaber, K., Schram, B. & Roberts, A. (2020). The relationship between strength measures and task performance in specialist tactical police, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003511
  1. Lockie, R., Dawes, J., Orr, R. & Dulla, J. (2020). Recruit fitness standards from a large law enforcement agency: Between-class comparisons, percentile rankings, and implications for physical training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003534
  1. Lockie, R., Hernandez, J., Moreno, M., Dulla, J., Dawes, J. & Orr, R. (2020). A follow-up research note: 2.4-km run and 20-m multistage fitness test relationships in law enforcement recruits after academy training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003489
  1. Strader, J., Schram, B., Irving, S., Robinson, J., Orr, R. (2020). Special Weapons and Tactics Occupational-Specific Physical Assessments and Fitness Measures. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218070

 

Commissioned and Technical Reports:

  1. Robson, K., Orr, R. & Pope, R. (2020).  Tactical Research Unit Report for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs: Acute Meniscal Tears Of The Knee & Acute Articular Cartilage Tears - A Rapid Review. Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Australia.
  2. Schram, B., Canetti, E., Simas, V., Campbell, P., Pope, R. & Orr, R. (2020). Tactical Research Unit Report for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs: Intervertebral Disc Prolapse - A Rapid Review. Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Australia.
  3. Simas, V., Canetti, E., Schram, B., Campbell, P., Pope, R. & Orr, R. (2020). Tactical Research Unit Report for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs: Spondylosis - A Rapid Review. Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Australia.
  4. Pope, R. & Orr, R. (2020). Tactical Research Unit Report for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs: Measuring occupational exposures in Australian Defence Force job categories for 28 medical conditions - Initial Exposure Summaries. Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Australia.
  1. Orr, R., Schram, B., Simas, V. & Canetti, E. (2020). Use of the ReaperTM Load Carriage Assistance Device on Tactical Police Capability Report. Commissioned and funded by the Advanced Accuracy Solutions
  1. Orr, R., Schram, B., Simas, V. & Canetti, E. (2020). Comparison of Two Marksmanship Assessments. Commissioned and funded by the Optimal Performance Solutions and Australian Border Force

 

Seminars, Conventions and Conference Presentations/Posters:

  1. Orr, R. (2020). Taking physiotherapy subjects online: From theory to practice. Presented at: Inaugural Virtual Education Symposium, 15 -16 December 2020.
  1. Orr, R., Kukic, F., Marins, E., Lim, C., Dawes, J. & Lockie, R. (2020). The impact of load carriage on lower-body power in SWAT police. Presented at: Archibald Reiss Days, Belgrade, Serbia, 18-19 November 2020.
  1. Orr, R. (2020). Conditioning for load carriage across the career: Green, blue, and red. Presented at: Tactical Strength and Conditioning Annual Training Conference, USA, 25-28 August 2020.
  1. Bloodgood, A., McGuire, M., Dawes, J., Orr, R., Dulla, J. & Lockie, R. (2020). A pilot analysis of the influence of lower-body strength and power during law enforcement tasks under load. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Dawes, J., Smittle, M., Johnson, Q., Ward, C., Casteel, M., Orr, R. & Lockie, R. (2020). Differences in performance among officers while wearing personal protective vests. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Dawes, J., Johnson, Q., Terrance, T., Orr, R. & Lockie, R. (2020). Differences in selected measures of fitness between police cadets that pass or fail training academy. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Hernandez, E., Dulla, J., Orr, R., Dawes, J. & Lockie, R. (2020). Are there differences in the physical fitness characteristics of recruits from smaller and larger law enforcement agencies at the start of academy? Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Johnson, Q., Kukic, F., Cvorovic, A., Orr, R., Lockie, R., Smith, D., Koropanovski, N. & Dawes, J. (2020). Associations between lower-body power and body composition to change of direction speed under two loading conditions among female police officers. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Lockie, R., Moreno, M., McGuire, M., Ruvalcaba, T., Bloodgood, A., Dulla, J., Orr, R. & Dawes, J. (2020). Strong arm (and legs) of the law: Relationships between isometric strength and the body drag in incoming deputy sheriff recruits. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Lockie, R., Moreno, M., McGuire, M., Ruvalcaba, T., Bloodgood, A., Dulla, J., Orr, R. & Dawes, J. (2020). We need you: Influence of hiring demand and modified applicant testing on the physical fitness of deputy sheriff recruits. Poster presented at: National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NA, USA, 08-11 July 2020.
  1. Orr, R. (2020). Tactical load carriage: Research and practice. Presented at: International Community of Scholars in Kinesiology - Research Week Keynote presentations. University of Kentucky, USA, 04 March 2020.
  1. Canetti, E., Schram, B., Orr, R., Knapik, J. & Pope, R. (2020). Risk factors for development of lower limb osteoarthritis in physically demanding occupations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Tomes, C., Schram, B. & Orr, R. (2020). If they are not fit, they risk injury: The use of fitness testing results to predict injury in police recruits. Presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Orr, R., Schram, B., Canetti, E. & Pope, R. (2020). Distances travelled during recruit physical training: A drop in the bucket.  Presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Orr, R., Walker, A., Schram, B., Gorey, R. & Pope, R. (2020). The impact of occupational tasks on firefighter hydration during a live structural fire. Presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Orr, R., Schram, B., Canetti, E. & Pope, R. (2020). Physical training in the military: A telling history. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Singh, J., Robinson, J., Schram, B., Irving, S. & Orr, R. (2020). Performance on an anaerobic specialist tactical police fitness test: Candidates versus specialist tactical response police officers. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Strader, J., Robinson, J., Schram, B., Irving, S. & Orr, R. (2020). Comparing an occupational specific physical assessment to fitness measures specialist tactical response police candidates: A retrospective cohort study. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Dennien, B., Robinson, J., Schram, B. & Orr, R. (2020). Use of a modified load carriage predictive equation to identify specialist police candidates at greater risk of injury and selection failure. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Dulla, J., Matthews, C., Mackenzie-Shalders, K. & Orr, R. (2020). Dietary intake, beliefs, and barriers in a cohort of law enforcement personnel undergoing training. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Schram, B., Orr, R. & Canetti, E. (2020). A profile of ankle Injuries in australian army soldiers. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Schram, B., Orr, R. & Canetti, E. (2020). Changes in training load in army basic training over an eight year period. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. O’Shea, S., Pope, R., Orr, R. & Freire, K. (2020). Genitourinary health in female military personnel: An exploration of prevalence and occupational performance. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Canetti, E., Orr, R., Schram, B., Chapman, C., Kornhauser, C., Holmes, R. & Dawes, J. (2020). Physiological impact of stress inoculation training in police cadets and its relationship to physical fitness. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Dulla, J., Schram, B., Orr, R., Lockie, R. & Dawes, J. (2020). Profiling injuries sustained by law enforcement drill instructors. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Dulla, J., Schram, B., Orr, R., Lockie, R. & Dawes, J. (2020). Physical abilities related to peace-keeping and domestic security efforts. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Lockie, R., Moreno, M., Ducheny, S., Orr, R., Dawes, J. & Balfany, K. (2020). A pilot analysis of emerging surface electromyography wearable technology: Training load demands, muscle ratios, and sex differences in the casualty drag. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada. 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Schram, B., Robinson, J., Orr, R. & Canetti, E. (2020). The physiological effects of a five-day specialist police tactical team selection course. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Schram, B., Robinson, J., Orr, R. & Canetti, E. (2020). Survival of the fittest in a specialist tactical police selection course. Poster presented at: 5th International Congress on Soldiers Physical Performance, Quebec City, Canada, 11-14 February 2020.
  1. Lockie, R.G., Moreno, M.R., McGuire, M.B., Ruvalcaba, T.J., Bloodgood, A.M., Dulla, J.M., Orr, R.M. & Dawes, J.J. (2020). We need you: Influence of hiring demand and modified applicant testing on the physical fitness of deputy sheriff recruits. 43rd National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, USA, 8 – 11 July 2020.
  1. Lockie, R.G., Moreno, M.R., McGuire, M.B., Ruvalcaba, T.J., Bloodgood, A.M., Dulla, J.M., Orr, R.M. & Dawes, J.J. (2020). Strong arm (and legs) of the law: Relationships between isometric strength and the body drag in incoming deputy sheriff recruits. 43rd National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, USA, 8 – 11 July 2020.

 

Specialty Presentations:

  1. Orr, R. (2020). Tactical load carriage. Invited talk for 2020 Tactical Life Webinar, 21 April 2020.

 2. Orr, R. (2020). The warrior mindset. Oral presentation for Burleigh Barracudas at Burleigh SLSC, 8 January 2020.

 

Magazines/Journal Articles:

  1. Orr, R., Dulla, J., Schram, B. & Canetti, E. (2020). Focus on officer wellness: Police officer load carriage requirements. Police Chief, April 2020, Vol 87, No 4.
  1. Dulla, J., Orr, R., Lockie, R. & Dawes, J. (2020). Focus on officer wellness: Physical demands of patrol. Police Chief, March 2020, Vol 87, No 3.
  1. Orr, R. (2020). The different types of fitness tests in law enforcement. Police Chief, January 2020, Vol 87, No. 1.

 

Media Coverage:

  1. Veteran's research for Diggers wins top prize - October 2020

Ben Schram & Gulasekaran Rajaguru

Impact News Service, India.

 

  1. How backpacks and even purses ruin posture and cause pain - September 2020

Rob Orr

Elemental: https://elemental.medium.com/how-backpacks-and-even-purses-ruin-posture-and-cause-pain-a8539fd374a0

 

  1. Focus on officer wellness: Understanding the physical wellness of female recruits - May 2020

Ben Schram, Rob Orr, Elisa Canetti & Joe Dulla

Police Chief: https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/fow-understanding-the-physical-wellness-of-female-recruits/

 

  1. Focus on officer wellness: Physical demands of patrol - March 2020

Rob Orr

Police Chief: https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/focus-on-officer-wellness-physical-demands-of-patrol/

 

  1. What does the future of apparel look like for our war fighters? - January 2020.

Behind the scenes EP:1. Jason Semple, Legear division manager, interviews Dr Rob Orr of the Bond University Tactical Research Unit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc06BQKUNZw&feature=youtu.be

 

TRU 2020 Annual Report
TRU 2020 Annual Report
May 12, 2021
TRU 2020 Annual Report
May 12, 2021

The Tactical Research Unit 2020 Annual Report is now available.

The Tactical Research Unit 2020 Annual…

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TRU 2020 Annual Report

TRU 2020 Annual Report
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Posted: May 12, 2021

The Tactical Research Unit 2020 Annual Report is now available. Please enjoy taking an in-depth look into what last year looked like for the team.

The most notable highlight for 2020 was the conversion of the TRU from a research unit to a faculty research centre nested within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine. Funding success in 2020 saw the TRU afforded the opportunity to expand to include two post-doctoral research fellows and additional casual administration support. 

Noting the impact of COVID-19 on research opportunities (e.g., the redirection of tactical agencies’ priorities), the TRU continued to have success in small and large funding opportunities including a major tender success with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and a third funding opportunity from Australian Defence Apparel. In an ever-discerning field, the TRU were fortunate enough to continue to grow their network of industry partners, academic institutions, and government organisations, both nationally and internationally. 

A high research output was maintained with notable success in translation of research to real-world impact across law enforcement, defence and fire and rescue. Recognition of the TRU’s 2020 achievements saw both Dr Rob Orr and Dr Ben Schram recipients of VC’s Research Excellence Awards. 
While 2020 did present with notable challenges, the TRU had a highly productive and impactful year due largely to the acknowledged support of key staff from the Doctor of Physiotherapy program, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, and Office of Research Services.

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The Perfect Trinity

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With experience in tactical service, members of the team have experienced first hand disconnects between research, industry and tactical organisations.

On this basis, wherever viable, the TRU engages with both industry and tactical organisations in order to ensure downstream recommendations have the greatest chance of effective implementations and that the outcomes are relevant to both industry and the organisations involved.

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