Occupational Disorders, Daily Workload, and Fitness Levels Among Fitness and Swimming Instructors

Abstract

Few data have been published on occupational disorders among sports instructors, especially regarding those who are expected to continuously practice while teaching. As the number of sports instructors increases, new specific information about their possible injuries, daily workload, and fitness levels is needed. The aim of this study was to assess occupational disorders, cardiorespiratory fitness, and daily workload of fitness (FI) and swimming instructors (SI). An online survey addressing occupational disorders was conducted among 435 instructors (256 FI and 179 SI). In one subgroup (57 FI and 42 SI), cardiorespiratory fitness levels were evaluated using maximal oxygen consumption (V∙O2max) as an indicator. Daily workload was assessed by monitoring the heart rate and perception of exertion (using the Borg scale). Of the two groups, FI exhibited a higher 2-year prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and SI experienced more upper respiratory tract infections. V∙O2max ranged from 47.0 to 51.9 ml·kg−1·min−1 and was similar for both FI and SI. Regarding the daily workload, female SI had significantly higher mean heart rate and mean heart rate to maximal heart rate ratio compared to female FI, but no significant differences between male FI and SI were found. No significant differences were observed between the perceived exertion of FI and SI. Preventive strategies for the reduction of occupational disorders in FI and SI are needed.

Occupational Health-Related Problems among Portuguese Fitness Instructors

“…Over the past 10-15 years, the fitness industry has shown a rapid increase in the number of fitness clubs, members, and employees [1]. In Europe alone, 63.1 million individuals are health or fitness club members, with an expected annual growth rate of 12.3% [2].…”

“…Fitness instructors are professionals who generally lead, instruct, assess, prescribe, and motivate individuals (or groups) in activities, including different types of exercises and/or classes aiming to enhance fitness and mindfulness [1,3,6]. Fitness instructors work with individual clients (personal trainers) to design, explain, and demonstrate various exercises and routines or with group classes (group training instructors) where they teach, organize, and lead fitness lessons [1]. These classes typically last between 30 and 90 min, where instructors may set the music and choreography to workout routines while often incorporating specific exercise equipment (e.g., stationary bicycles, weights, etc.)…”

“…and targeting several aspects of physical fitness (e.g., endurance, velocity, strength, agility, flexibility, coordination, balance, etc.) [1].…”

“…The fitness instructor profession is physically demanding [1]. Often, fitness instructors find themselves actively participating in exercises in their training sessions, and they may work many hours, days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may even have to travel to different gyms or clients' homes, which can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries [1,5].…”

“…The fitness instructor profession is physically demanding [1]. Often, fitness instructors find themselves actively participating in exercises in their training sessions, and they may work many hours, days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may even have to travel to different gyms or clients' homes, which can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries [1,5]. Furthermore, inherent factors of the profession can also contribute to various health conditions, including respiratory or urinary infections, headaches, vocal problems, and even psychological or eating disorders [1,6].…”