Is Self-Efficacy for Exercise Predictive of Leisure-Time Physical Activity among Police Officers? A Pilot Study

Abstract

Leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is an essential indicator of overall health. Given the physical nature of police work, it is critical to understand variables that predict officers’ engagement in MVPA. Self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) may be a variable directly related to officer engagement in MVPA. This study aims to examine the relationship between SEE and MVPA among police officers in two departments in a small urban midwestern city. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 32 officers (male = 26, female = 6; aged 35.9 ± 7.1 years). Regression analysis was performed to explore how anthropometric and demographic variables affected SEE’s ability to predict MVPA. When combined with SEE, the model containing age had the highest predictive ability of officers’ engagement in MVPA (p = 0.011; adjusted R2 = 0.2145). Adding other predictor variables reduced the model’s ability to predict MVPA. SEE significantly predicted officers’ engagement in MVPA when age was added as a predictor variable. SEE alone could not predict officers’ engagement in MVPA, but adding other variables besides age to the model did not improve its predictive ability in our study. Police organizations should explore wellness initiatives that increase officers’ SEE and promote MVPA, particularly as officers age.