Motivation Relationships with Physical Activity and Resistance Training Engagement, and Health and Fitness of Law Enforcement Officers

TL;DR

This study explores how motivation affects physical activity and health in law enforcement officers, finding that intrinsic motivation is linked to better fitness and body composition.

Contribution

The study identifies specific motivational styles associated with physical activity and health outcomes in law enforcement officers.

Findings

Intrinsic motivation correlates with higher strenuous exercise and resistance training participation.

Integrated and intrinsic regulation are linked to better resting heart rate and body composition.

Amotivation is negatively associated with resistance training frequency.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: There are generally no mandates for law enforcement officers to maintain career fitness. Evidence documenting the motivation of officers who are physically active could support training and health and wellness initiatives, while preventing disease (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic) in this population. This cross-sectional study derived relationships between motivation, physical activity (PA), resistance training (RT) participation, and health and fitness in officers. Methods: Sixty officers completed a questionnaire assessing PA (weekly strenuous, moderate, mild exercise sessions; activity score) and RT (RT frequency [RTF]; weekly sessions over 3 months [RT3M]; sessions in past 7 days [RT7D]). Motivation (amotivation, external, introjected, identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation) was measured via the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. Health and fitness tests included resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, skeletal muscle mass (SMM%) and fat mass (FM%) percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, sit-and-reach, grip strength, push-ups, sit-ups, and step test. Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.05) derived relationships between motivation and all other variables. Results: All intrinsic motivation styles correlated with strenuous exercise sessions, RTF, RT3M, and push-ups (ρ = 0.286–0.670). Identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation correlated with activity score and sit-ups (ρ = 0.287–0.472). Identified (ρ = 0.444) and integrated (ρ = 0.341) regulation related to RT7D. Amotivation related to RTF (ρ = −0.295) and RT3M (ρ = −0.290). External, introjected, and identified regulation correlated with RHR (ρ = ±0.270–0.338). Integrated and intrinsic regulation positively related to SMM% and negatively related to FM% (ρ = ±0.265–0.323). Conclusions: Internally motivated officers completed strenuous exercise and RT, and had better RHR, body composition, and muscular endurance. Training staff should develop intrinsic motivation styles in personnel to enhance their well-being.

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