Characterizing Objective and Self-Reported Levels of Physical Activity Among Florida Firefighters Across Weight Status Category: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

<jats:p> Background: Firefighters suffer from a disproportionally high burden of chronic diseases that could be prevented from regular bouts of physical activity (PA). The goal(s) of this pilot study were to (a) describe typical PA levels in professional paid firefighters, and (b) assess their ability to estimate their own levels of PA. Methods: A repeated measures study design was used to assess self-reported and objectively measured levels of PA from a non-probabilistic sample of firefighters ( n = 18) over 1 week. Objective measures of PA, measured by accelerometry were defined as the number of minutes spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous PA. Firefighters completed a follow-up questionnaire recording their self-reported levels of PA. Results: Obese (body mass index [BMI] &gt; 30 kg/m<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>) firefighters spent 8,033 ± 2,543 minutes/week in sedentary activity, overweight (BMI = 25–29 kg/m<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>) firefighters 6,533 ± 1,587 minutes/week, and healthy weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>) firefighters 5,846 ± 1,160 minutes/week. The difference in self-reported weekly minutes spent in light, moderate, and vigorous activity and objectively measured minutes in activity was calculated. Healthy weight firefighters reported the least difference (1,924 minutes/week), followed by the overweight (3,884 minutes/week) and obese (5,749 minutes/week). Conclusion/Application to Practice: Firefighters poorly estimated their true level of PA compared with their objectively measured PA and obese firefighters reported the greatest inconsistency. Occupational health nurses should aim to support firefighters in achieving PA levels that assist firefighters to achieve a healthy weight and educate them about what it means to be engaged in each level of PA. </jats:p>

Autonomous Motivation for Exercise Is Key to an Active Lifestyle in Firefighters

“…Second, the construct validity of the SIMPAQ and PAVS are still unknown in firefighters. Previous research demonstrated that, compared with objective assessments, firefighters tend to overestimate their physical activity levels (Kling et al, 2020). Consequently, future research should include objective physical activity assessment tools such as accelerometers or other, for example, wrist-wearable activity tracking devices.…”

“…In addition, exposure to adversity and potentially traumatic events on a regular basis can result in chronic mental and physical conditions (Obuobi-Donkor et al, 2022). Furthermore, an inactive lifestyle has also been reported as an important mental and physical health risk factor in firefighters (Choi et al, 2016; Kling et al, 2020; Ras & Leach, 2022). Firefighters spend most of their working time physically inactive at the fire station as well as during their off-duty leisure time (Barry et al, 2020).…”

Weight Status and Binge Drinking Among Male and Female Florida Firefighters

“…These include fire suppression activities, rescue operations, and delivering emergency medical services. 6,7 Current scientific literature suggests that US firefighters already suffer from a disproportionate burden of health conditions and negative health behaviors including cardiovascular disease, [8][9][10] respiratory disease, [11][12][13] cancer, [14][15][16] musculoskeletal disorders, [17][18][19] sedentary behaviors while on-shift, [20][21][22] and binge drinking. [1][2][3] Drinking behaviors among firefighters is concerning, given excess alcohol consumption has been linked to some of these chronic health diseases that have been documented in the firefighter workforce.…”

“…In addition to binge drinking, obesity is a major concern in the US firefighter workforce 22–29 . Approximately 78% of firefighters can be categorized into the combined overweight and obese weight class 23 .…”

“…2 In addition to binge drinking, obesity is a major concern in the US firefighter workforce. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Approximately 78% of firefighters can be categorized into the combined overweight and obese weight class. 23 Several studies throughout the United States have found firefighter participants to be obese.…”