Date of Award
Spring 3-15-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
A law enforcement officer’s health is impacted by an occupation of high stress, shift work, sleep disruption, mental stresses, and primarily sedentary work which is interrupted by brief periods of highly intense physical demands (Adams et al., 2010; Boyce et al., 2008, 2009). This descriptive study explored the use of exercise is medicine by primary care practitioners on patients who are law enforcement officers in the state of Maine. It also examined physical activity and health of the law enforcement officers. An online survey collected demographic data, responses from two validated surveys, and information from their last physical examination. The survey results indicate that only 15% of the law enforcement officers received information on exercise is medicine, and although 85% indicated being asked if they exercise, only 58% of the law enforcement officers are involved in regular cardiovascular exercise. Forty-three percent of the respondents were classified as obese by BMI. The data obtained indicates a need for more education for both primary care providers and law enforcement officers regarding the value of physical activity for the officer’s health. Data collected will be used as a starting point to enhance awareness of the problem and serve as the foundation for future studies that will foster the use of exercise is medicine by primary care providers and provide law enforcement officers with more knowledge to use physical activity as a form of preventative medicine.