Correlates of physical activity among middle-aged Finnish male police officers.

BACKGROUND

Few studies exist on adherence to exercise within specific occupational groups.

AIMS

This study aimed at identifying factors explaining leisure-time physical activity among middle-aged Finnish police officers.

METHODS

Middle-aged police officers (n = 103) participated in the study in 1981 and 1996. Frequency of and adherence to leisure-time physical activity and fitness were assessed.

RESULTS

The factor 'enjoyment' was the most powerful determinant for both physical activity and fitness, but all the factors studied accounted for only 10% of the variability. Leisure-time physical activity in 1981 correlated significantly with leisure-time physical activity in 1996.

CONCLUSIONS

The physical activity of the middle-aged police officers can be in part predicted from their physical activity in early adulthood. Enjoyment related to physical activity seems to be important with respect to enhancing adherence. Perhaps, being fit increases the feeling of enjoyment during exercise.