Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Law Enforcement Workers

This study aims to assess current health and fitness of law enforcement workers in various roles, and to evaluate the impact of an exercise intervention on markers on physical and mental wellbeing in this population. The intervention will consist of an exercise programme specifically targeted at improving, physical fitness and reducing musculoskeletal pain. Participants will be randomised to three groups: a face to face intervention group, an online intervention group an a control group. Self-reported physical health, musculoskeletal complaints, quality of sleep and occupational stress will be measured via questionnaires. Pre and post measures of fitness will be measured via functional strength testing and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Pre and post cognitive function will be measured via computer-based cognitive tests and brain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Systemic inflammation will be measured via hsCRP. Risk of typeII diabetes will be measured via HbA1c. Daily physical activity and quality of sleep will be measured via accelerometry and heart rate telemetry. It is hypothesised that, upon completion of the programme, there will be an improvement in cardiovascular fitness and physical strength, reduced musculoskeletal pain, improved cognitive readiness and improved overall mental health and wellbeing.