The Effectiveness of Exercise and Nutritional Counseling on Decreasing Body Composition and Increasing Fitness Levels in Firefighters

The Effectiveness of Exercise and Nutritional Counseling on Decreasing Body Composition and Increasing Fitness Levels in Firefighters by Michelle R. McNear M.S PH. , Walden University, 2008 M.S., Howard University, 1999 B.S., Howard University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University May 2011 Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; firefighters are at a greater risk for both the disease and death. Their exposure to stress, toxic fumes and smoke, unhealthy eating habits, excessive weight, and low levels of physical activity are all contributing risk factors to this disease. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effectiveness of a multi-faceted program of exercise and nutritional counseling to decrease body fat composition and increase fitness levels nine months after initial implementation among a sample of 202 firefighters. Social learning theory was the theoretical foundation for the study, as the firefighting population utilizes strong social networks which aid in the ability to observe, model, and imitate new learned healthier behaviors. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between preand postbody composition. There were significant differences seen between pretestand posttest fitness scores. The implication for positive social change lies in the fact that these study findings indicate that voluntary exercise and nutrition programs may not be adequate to address the issue of obesity among the firefighter population. Results can be used to inform better nutrition and exercise interventions for firefighters, thus helping them attain their goal of becoming a healthier workforce.Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; firefighters are at a greater risk for both the disease and death. Their exposure to stress, toxic fumes and smoke, unhealthy eating habits, excessive weight, and low levels of physical activity are all contributing risk factors to this disease. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effectiveness of a multi-faceted program of exercise and nutritional counseling to decrease body fat composition and increase fitness levels nine months after initial implementation among a sample of 202 firefighters. Social learning theory was the theoretical foundation for the study, as the firefighting population utilizes strong social networks which aid in the ability to observe, model, and imitate new learned healthier behaviors. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between preand postbody composition. There were significant differences seen between pretestand posttest fitness scores. The implication for positive social change lies in the fact that these study findings indicate that voluntary exercise and nutrition programs may not be adequate to address the issue of obesity among the firefighter population. Results can be used to inform better nutrition and exercise interventions for firefighters, thus helping them attain their goal of becoming a healthier workforce. The Effectiveness of Exercise and Nutritional Counseling on Decreasing Body Composition and Increasing Fitness Levels in Firefighters by Michelle R. McNear M.S PH. , Walden University, 2008 M.S., Howard University, 1999 B.S., Howard University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University May 2011 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3457005 Copyright 2011 by ProQuest LLC. UMI Number: 3457005 Dedication I dedicate my dissertation to my family, for all the support and encouragement they have given me throughout this whole process. I want to give special thanks to my husband, my children, and parents. To my husband, Charles McNear, for keeping me company during those long nights; my children for knowing when it was time for me to study; and my parents, George and Sylvia Royal, for all their continual support. Special thanks also to my mother-in-law, Lil Shaw for all the support you have provided. Acknowledgments I will like to thank my dissertation chair Dr. Ming Ji; my committee members, Dr. Angela Prehn, Dr. Frederick Schulze; and Dr. Aimee Ferraro, my URR. You were all very important in this whole process. I would like to also thank Denise Beales for giving me her time and working closely to ensure this was done correctly. Finally, many thanks to my husband, Charles, my dad Dr. George Royal and Dr. Dave Groves for their continual support in critiquing my work.