Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Among Law Enforcement Officers Due to Physical Activity and Posture Behaviors

Abstract

There are limited data on objectively measured activity and postural behaviors of law enforcement officers (LEO) in relation to risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objectives: To examine the associations between objectively measured activity and postural behaviors and MetS risk among LEO. Methods: Thirty-one LEO aged 33±10 years participated in the study. LEO had their metabolic risk factors measured using blood samples after fasting for at least 10 hours prior to testing. Participants wore activity monitoring devices for seven consecutive days during on-duty and off-duty shifts. Eighteen participants adhered to wearing the devices. Descriptive statistics were used to determine means for all MetS risk factors; time in intensity-specific physical activity behaviors; and time in various postural shifts. Correlation analyses were employed to examine relationships between activity behaviors, postures, and MetS risk factors. Results: Over half (51.6%; n=16) of the participants had two or more positive MetS risk factors. Mean on-duty sedentary behavior was 273±59 minutes compared to off-duty sedentary behavior of 401±146 minutes. Mean on-duty moderate-intensity activity was 236±40 minutes compared to off-duty moderate-intensity activity of 305±80 minutes. Average on-duty sitting time was 435±69 minutes compared to off-duty sitting time of 528±142 minutes. Average on-duty standing time was 116±43 minutes compared to off-duty standing time of 171±51 minutes. There were negative correlations between on-duty sedentary activity and SBP (r = -.48) and DBP (r = -.48), respectively. Conclusions: LEO have unfavorable activity and postural behaviors during a typical day regardless of working status and may be at risk for developing MetS.