Body Composition and Physical Activity of Female Police Officers: Do Occupation and Age Matter?

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the body composition and volume of leisure time physical activity (V-LTPA) of female police officers from two police occupations and to assess the differences when officers are matched by age. Body composition measures including body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), and percent of skeletal muscle mass (%SMM) of female communal police (n = 56) and general police (n = 90) were compared. Officers were allocated into three age groups: 29 years and younger, 30–39 years, and 40 years and older. We used an independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple analyses of variance to investigate the differences between occupations, between age groups, and between-occupation-within-age differences in body composition. Communal police officers had significantly (p < 0.05) lower BMI and %BF and higher %SMM compared to general police. Significant differences were found between age groups, with the youngest officers having lower BMI and %BF and higher %SMM and V-LTPA. Finally, differences in body composition were no longer significant when officers from different occupations were compared within age groups. Police agencies should consider supporting and motivating officers through policies to encourage leisure time physical activities for female officers. Other mechanisms for the management of body composition should also be considered.