Exercise Habits and Resources for Southeastern US Firefighters.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess exercise habits and facility resources accessible to southeastern US firefighters. Firefighters completed questionnaires on topics including demographics, work demands, exercise methods, and facility resources. 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). 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.