Barriers to Physical Activity Among Emergency Medical Services Professionals

Abstract

Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals demonstrate low adherence to physical activity guidelines and experience a high prevalence of obesity and incidence of injury. The authors investigate the barriers to participating in physical activity among EMS professionals. Methods: The EMS professionals employed by 15 North Carolina EMS agencies were surveyed with validated items. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) of not meeting physical activity guidelines for each barrier to being active, controlling for age, sex, body mass index category, race/ethnicity, certification and education level, and work hours. Results: A total of 1367 EMS professionals were invited to participate, and 359 complete responses were recorded. Half of the respondents (48.2%) met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention physical activity guidelines. According to standard body mass index categories, 55.9% were obese. There were increased odds of not meeting physical activity guidelines for the following barriers: lack of energy (5.32, 3.12–9.09), lack of willpower (4.31, 2.57–7.22), lack of time (3.55, 2.12–5.94), social influence (3.02, 1.66–5.48), and lack of resources (2.14, 1.12–4.11). The barriers of fear of injury and lack of skill were not associated with meeting physical activity guidelines. Conclusion: Half of EMS professionals did not meet physical activity guidelines, and the majority were obese. Significant associations exist between several modifiable barriers and not meeting physical activity guidelines.

Barriers to high school and university students’ physical activity: A systematic review

“…Although no previous systematic reviews have identified barriers to physical activity among university students, some qualitative studies have shown the presence of motivational and time-related barriers as factors preventing university students from practicing physical activity [ 122 , 143 , 144 ]. Furthermore, barriers to physical activity are almost similar in reviews on different populations, for example in individuals from the Middle East and North Africa [ 145 ], pregnant women [ 146 ] and medical services professionals [ 147 ]. A recent systematic review showed that cultural values (e.g., general and gender norms) affect the practice of physical activity in specific countries (e.g., Arab countries) [ 148 ].…”

Occupation-Induced Fatigue and Impacts on Emergency First Responders: A Systematic Review

“…Shift workers have stated barriers to exercise as lack of opportunity, time, and already being fatigued [150]. In paramedics, other barriers to exercise have been reported as a lack of willpower or energy [152]. Generally, those with increased levels of physical activity have been found to have an increase in occupational performance due to a reduced effort exerted to work [153].…”