Exercise Habits and Resources for Southeastern US Firefighters

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.