Feasibility and Perception of a Diet and Exercise Intervention Delivered via Telehealth to Firefighters

Stephanie Donahue; Carly McMorrow; Andrew A Almeida; Deborah L Feairheller

doi:10.5195/ijt.2022.6458

Feasibility and Perception of a Diet and Exercise Intervention Delivered via Telehealth to Firefighters

Int J Telerehabil. 2022 Jun 3;14(1):e6458. doi: 10.5195/ijt.2022.6458. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Stephanie Donahue¹, Carly McMorrow¹, Andrew A Almeida¹, Deborah L Feairheller¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Kinesiology, College of Health & Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA.

Abstract

Introduction: Firefighters have a high risk of cardiovascular incidence due to their poor health, fitness, and dietary habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a diet and exercise intervention within firefighters delivered exclusively via telehealth to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the firefighters' perception of their health was assessed.

Methods: Fifteen firefighters participated in a six-week Mediterranean diet and a functional circuit exercise intervention with pre- and post-fitness testing and survey completion. The firefighters had weekly video calls with their telehealth coach.

Results: Self-assessed health improved with the intervention from an average of 5.9 to 7.9 out of 10. Both weight and BMI significantly decreased with the intervention. Overall, firefighters had high adherence to both portions of the intervention.

Discussion: Telehealth interventions may be efficacious in improving firefighter fitness levels and overall health as firefighters saw positive health and fitness improvements.

Keywords: Feasibility; Firefighters; Intervention; Telehealth.