Association between health-related fitness, perceived stress, and metabolic syndrome prevalence in a sample of law enforcement officers. Issue 2 (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chase, Benjamin; Brusseau, Timothy; Burns, Ryan; Hannon, James; Henderson, Hester; Kehoe, Brian
• Is Part Of: Policing. Volume 44:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: Stress -- Police -- Law enforcement -- Physical fitness -- Metabolic syndrome; Police -- Periodicals; 363.205
• DOI: 10.1108/PIJPSM-04-2020-0058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-951X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between components of metabolic syndrome with health-related fitness (HRF) and perceived stress in a sample of law enforcement officers. Design/methodology/approach: Law enforcement officers ( N = 28) from the Mountain West region of the US reported their HRF scores (1.5 mile run, push-up, and sit-ups), had their blood drawn (glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) and had their waist circumference and blood pressure measured in a fasted state. Officers also completed a short questionnaire to assess health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) and both the Organizational and Operational Police Stress Questionnaires (PSQ-Org, PSQ-Op). Findings: Linear regression models revealed a positive linear relationship between glucose levels and 1.5 mile run times (beta = 0.560, p = 0.021, R 2 = 0.24). A bivariate positive linear relationship between waist circumference and 1.5 mile run times was found to be significant ( R 2 = 0.17, p = 0.041). For every minute increase in 1.5-mile run times, PSQ-Org scores significantly increased by 0.543 standard deviations ( p = 0.022) with 25% of the variance explained ( R 2 = 0.25). There were no statistically significant parameter estimates from the logistic regression equations when dependent variables were treated on the categorical measurement scale using recommended cut-points. Research limitations/implications: In conclusion, those who performed better on the 1.5 mile run were more likely to have lower fasting glucose levels, experience less stress and have a smaller waist circumference. Practical implications: Therefore, according to these findings, it is imperative for those in law enforcement to improve their cardiorespiratory endurance to minimize stress and reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome. Originality/value: This research is novel according to a recent PubMed search using the keywords "law enforcement, " "Metabolic Syndrome" and "fitness testing."