A retrospective study of physical fitness and mental health among police students in Sweden

Abstract

Little is known about the physical and mental health among police students. Based on data on Swedish police students’ physical fitness ( N = 1736) and mental health ( N = 407), the results show that: (a) there are gender differences; (b) the physical fitness changes during police education; in general, the students get stronger but less flexible, and the aerobic endurance increases for women but decreases for men; and (c) students’ self-reported physical activity and mental health affect their perceived police ability differently in relation to gender. Consequently, this study questions if the Swedish police education is preparing the students adequately for their future profession.