The Effect of a Daily Undulating Periodization Program on the Physical Performance of Trainee Tactical Police Officers

Abstract Jeremy, R, Ben, S, and Robin, O. The effect of a daily undulating periodization program on the physical performance of trainee tactical police officers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Specialist tactical police officers, like Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, require exceptional muscular strength, power, speed, and aerobic fitness. However, physical training is often constrained by demanding operational schedules and competing tactical priorities. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a daily undulating periodization (DUP) program on specialist tactical police officer trainee fitness. A within-subjects, repeated measures, cohort study was conducted with eight police officers undergoing specialist training (29.3 ± 5.5 years, 180.6 ± 6.0 cm, 85.4 ± 7.4 kg). They were assessed before and after a 12-week DUP training cycle consisting of planned varied resistance training sessions emphasizing hypertrophy, max strength, and power development, implemented across 5 days each week to optimize recovery and adaptation. Outcomes included measures of strength (e.g., deadlift, bench press, and pull-up), lower limb peak velocity and power (loaded counter movement jump CMJ), and anaerobic (Repeated Anaerobic Sprint Test RAST) and aerobic (the Maximum Aerobic Speed MAS) fitness. Significant improvements in strength (pull-ups and split squat, p < 0.001) and CMJ peak velocity and power output in the unloaded, 20-kg load, and 40-kg load conditions ( p = 0.005–0.04) were found. Significant improvements in the RAST for total time, average power, and maximum power ( p = 0.02) along with MAS ( p = 0.006) and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o 2 max) ( p = 0.006) were identified. A DUP program might be an effective method of enhancing the physical fitness required in specialist police officers for the performance of their occupational tasks within their workplace constraints. A DUP program may elicit positive anaerobic and aerobic fitness changes with concurrent increases in lower limb power and strength measures in police officers undergoing specialist police tactical training.