Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health outcomes in firefighters: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study in firefighters aims to explore correlations between physical activity (PA), sedentary levels, PTSD symptoms, psychological distress and well-being. We also compare PTSD symptoms, psychological distress and well-being in those who meet the 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA per week recommendation versus those who don’t. Finally, we compare PA levels in those with PTSD versus without. Self-reported PA and sedentary levels [Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, Physical Activity Vitals Sign], PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, PCL-5), psychological distress (Kessler-6, K-6) and well-being (WHO-5 Well-being index) were collected in 87 firefighters (77 men, age = 43.1 years; SD = 10.3). Spearman Rho correlations were used to explore associations and Mann–Whitney U tests to examine differences between subgroups. Time spent exercising correlated with PTSD symptoms (ρ = −0.220; p = 0.041). Those with significant PTSD symptoms spent less time exercising (U = 102.5; p = 0.018) and more time sedentary (U = 375; p = 0.027). Physically inactive firefighters scored 5.4 points higher on the PCL-5, 1.5 points more on the K-6, and 5.2 points less on the WHO-5. Participants with PTSD (n = 6) were more sedentary (U = 375.0; p = 0.027) and exercised less (U = 102.5; p = 0.018) compared to those without. Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior could be considered in prevention and treatment programs for psychological distress and PTSD in firefighters.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• first responders
• stress
• trauma

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participating firefighters.

Author contributions

All authors contributed to the study's conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Davy Vancampfort, Erik De Soir and Carlos Pelayo Ramos-Sanchez. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Davy Vancampfort and Carlos Pelayo Ramos-Sanchez and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The dataset supporting the results and conclusions can be consulted upon reasonable request via email to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This work is funded by Global Minds KU Leuven [Reference nr.: GPSU/20/037].