(39) A COMPARISON OF HEALTH, FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS BETWEEN SWAT OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

Introduction: Law enforcement and firefighting personnel, referred to as emergency responders (ER), engage in physical job tasks that require high fitness levels in order to perform both safely and proficiently. Following entry into professional employment, fitness standards are not always consistently evaluated. Yet the frequent incidence of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and musculoskeletal injuries are well documented and a leading cause of time lost on duty.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the health, fitness, and lifestyle behaviors between SWAT officers (SO) and firefighters (FF) in neighboring US counties.

Methods: Data was analyzed from two unique populations of ER who completed similar testing protocols in a laboratory setting. The first ER population included 14 professional SO (13 male, 1 female, age: 42.9±6.0 yrs, height: 179.3±7.9 cm, mass: 90.8±13.3 kg, years of service: 18.5±5.4 yrs). The second ER population comprised 17 professional FF (12 male, 5 female, age: 35.9±8.7 yrs, height: 178.9±7.7, mass: 110.6±27.4 kgs, years of service: 13.7±7.5). Self-reported measures collected from all participants included physical activity (IPAQ-short form), sleep quality (PSQI), and dietary behaviors (REAP-S). Objective measures collected included body composition (BODPOD), sit and reach, vertical jump, maximum pull-ups, maximum push-ups, and maximal plank hold. Descriptive statistics were computed as means and standard deviations. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine group differences and Cohen’s D for effect size.

Results: The participants in the study were found to be similar in height (p=0.898), but the SO were older (p=0.017, d=0.93). FF’s were significantly greater in body mass (FF >SO p=0.015, d=0.92), BMI (FF >SO, p=0.002, d=1.2), body fat percentage ( FF >SO, p< 0.001, d=-2.46) and fat mass (FF >SO, p< 0.001, d=1.86). SO performed significantly better than the FF on vertical jump (p< 0.001, d=1.56) pushups (p< 0.001, d=2.97) and plank (p< 0.001, d=1.79). There was no difference between the groups regarding sleep quality (p=0.130) or dietary behaviors (p=0.053). However, the SO reported more minutes of vigorous (p=0.006) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (p=0.035).

Conclusion: The results suggest that while both groups have physically demanding jobs, not all ER hold themselves to the same physical standards. While the SO were significantly older, their health and fitness measurements and behaviors put them at a significantly lower risk for chronic diseases and musculoskeletal injuries. A limitation of the study was that the sampling approach of the firefighters may not have accurately represented the entire department. The entire SO team was assessed, whereas some of the FF participated on a voluntary basis or recommended to undergo our fitness testing.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fitness and healthy lifestyle behaviors are vital for keeping ER proficient at their jobs. The SO have two hours at the beginning of every shift for physical training. The FF have time during their shifts for exercise, but it may be interrupted if a call comes in. Thus, providing time on shift for uninterrupted exercise may be beneficial to the health and wellness of all sub-populations of ER.

Acknowledgements: None.