Exercise Habits and Resources for Southeastern US Firefighters
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2023
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess exercise habits and facility resources accessible to southeastern US firefighters. Methods: Firefighters completed questionnaires on topics including demographics, work demands, exercise methods, and facility resources. Results: Sixty-six percent of participants reported they engage in exercise ≥30 min/d. More firefighters engaged in exercise when better on-site equipment options were available (P = 0.001). Perception of how on-shift exercise impacts occupational performance did not impact their on-shift exercise (P = 0.17). Conclusions Although 34% reported not meeting exercise guidelines, the majority of southeastern US firefighters reported meeting these guidelines and allotted exercise time on-shift. Exercise habits are impacted by equipment options, but not call volume or perception of on-shift exercise. Open-ended question responses suggested that perception of on-shift exercise did not deter firefighters from exercising on-shift but may impact intensity.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
First Page
E351
Last Page
E357
Recommended Citation
Agostinelli, P., Hirschhorn, R., & Sefton, J. (2023). Exercise Habits and Resources for Southeastern US Firefighters. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 65 (5), E351-E357. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002822