Risk of metabolic syndrome among law enforcement officers due to physical activity and posture behaviors

Background: There are limited data on objectively measured activity and postural behaviors of law enforcement officers (LEOs) in relation to risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS).Objectives: To examine the associations between objectively measured activity and postural behaviors and MetS risk among LEOs.Methods: Thirty-one LEOs, mean (SD) age 33 (10) years, participated in the study. LEOs 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 7 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 2 or more positive MetS risk factors. Mean (SD) on-duty sedentary behavior was 273 (59) minutes compared with off-duty sedentary behavior of 401 (146) minutes. Mean on-duty moderate-intensity activity was 236 (40) minutes compared with off-duty moderate-intensity activity of 305 (80) minutes. Average on-duty sitting time was 435 (69) minutes compared with off-duty sitting time of 528 (142) minutes. Average on-duty standing time was 116 (43) minutes compared with off-duty standing time of 171 (51) minutes. There were negative correlations between on-duty sedentary activity and Systolic Blood Pressure (r = -0.48) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (r = -0.48), respectively.Conclusions: Law enforcement officers have unfavorable activity and postural behaviors during a typical day regardless of working status and may be at risk for developing MetS. Key points Law enforcement officers' (LEOs') occupational activities and postures vary throughout on-duty and off-duty times. Minimal data are available on off-duty behaviors of LEOs. The varied activities and postures can dramatically impact LEOs' overall health, especially as it pertains to risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Previous studies that have examined LEOs' activities and postures have relied heavily on self-reported data. MetS has been reported to have a higher prevalence in LEOs when compared with other occupations. The current study was the first to utilize objective measures to examine both activities and postures simultaneously in LEOs and their relationship to multiple MetS risk factors. LEOs achieved the recommended physical activity guidelines for moderate intensity (>= 150-300 min) on both on-duty and off-duty days; however, these minutes were less than those spent in sedentary activity and sitting time regardless of working status. Despite meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines, more than half of the LEOs in the present study exhibited 2 or more of the risk factors for or had MetS. The current study demonstrated the feasibility of objectively measuring both physical activity and postural behaviors in LEOs during on-duty and off-duty shifts where limited research has been conducted previously. This study is the first to report objectively measured time spent in various postures among LEOs. The outcomes provide additional insights on the impact of LEOs' occupational behaviors on metabolic risk factors and overall health.