Prevalence of Reproductive Health Issues among US Female Law Enforcement Officers.

Reproductive health is a considerable concern among US female law enforcement officers (LEOs). Miscarriage and preterm birth rates are significantly higher in women firefighters than published US averages. Since law enforcement and firefighting share occupational conditions and practices, adverse birth outcomes were hypothesized to be greater in female law enforcement officers (LEOs) than the US averages. Occupational hazards may place pregnant LEOs at a higher risk for complicated pregnancies and adverse birth outcomes. This study quantified pregnancy outcomes in female LEOs using a cross-sectional survey and compared them to US averages and large prospective studies. The participants (N = 162, 72.2% aged 31-49, 85.2% Caucasian) averaged 2.5 ± 1.4 pregnancies. Stress (59.1%) and shiftwork (59.8%) were the most common reported exposures. Miscarriage and preterm birth rates were 19.1% and 16.4%, respectively. Miscarriages were significantly greater among participants compared to prospective studies [χ2 (1, N = 911,971) = 20.51, p < 0.001]. Female LEOs of childbearing age should receive education about potential reproductive health hazards and take precautions against them. Moreover, policymakers, human resources, and healthcare providers should understand how law enforcement work might affect maternal health.

High-Intensity Functional Training Shows Promise for Improving Physical Functioning and Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Healthy aging allows older adults to remain active in their communities; however, sedentary behaviors can lead to physical deconditioning and decreased physical function. Structured exercise programs are recommended to facilitate activity engagement and prevent muscle atrophy due to aging to facilitate older adults' abilities to complete activities of daily living. In particular, high-intensity functional training (HIFT) is a multicomponent group exercise program that has previously been shown to increase physical function for middle-age cancer survivors. This study examined the preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of HIFT for improving physical function and participation in physical activity for community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The 8-week pilot study included two 60-minute HIFT sessions per week. Participants (n = 8) were 75% female with a mean age of 71 (6) years. Study initiation, adherence, and acceptability were assessed to determine feasibility. Effectiveness was assessed via 5 physical function measures conducted during sessions 1 and 16 and included the Timed Up and Go, lift and carry test, chair stand test, a repeated stair climb test, and the 6-minute walk test. Participants also self-reported confidence and difficulty for activities of daily living via the Outpatient Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log and physical activity participation via the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The study recruitment rate was 88.9% and 87.5% of participants adhered. Intervention acceptability was promising, as 4 participants reported liking multiple aspects of the intervention (eg, coaching/supervision and similar age peers). Intervention effectiveness was promising with significant improvement in 1 of 5 physical function measures, although clinical effects were most likely trivial. Participants reported increased participation in both leisure and structured physical activities. CONCLUSIONS: HIFT appeared feasible and showed promise for counteracting the loss of physical function and sedentary behaviors associated with aging. Results should be confirmed in a longer, fully powered study.

Reproductive Health Concerns Among Female Firefighters.

There has been little research conducted on the reproductive health of female firefighters. The purpose of this study was to determine whether female reproductive health is a concern among firefighters and to identify key associated issues. Eighty-seven United States (US) firefighters participated in focus groups or interviews. Themes were created using grounded theory with NVivo analysis software and a three-phase coding process. The major finding emerging from the study is that female firefighter reproductive health is a significant concern among firefighters.

Current Female Firefighters' Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences with Injury.

Research presented here examines how the demands of fire fighting uniquely affect women. A national sample of 73 female firefighters and fire-service leaders participated in focus groups and key informant interviews. Participants were asked about perceived threats to safety and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that lead to injury regarding gender differences. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted and the following six themes were identified: (1) impact of working in a male-dominated field, (2) harassment, (3) similar rates/types of injury, (4) inadequate training, (5) ill-fitting gear, and (6) functional techniques/endurance. Both chronic and acute injuries/causes were discussed. Future direction will require diversity education and new training methodologies for the fire service.

Mapping Coaches' Views of Participation in CrossFit to the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change and Sense of Community.

Group-based training through CrossFit has recently exploded in popularity. Anecdotally, participants often make lifestyle changes and experience improved fitness. Participation factors were mapped to the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change and "sense of community" constructs. Key informant interviews were conducted with 6 CrossFit gym owners/coaches. Data were thematically coded with NVivo 10. Results revealed key factors that both facilitated and restricted participation in CrossFit. Findings provide implications for future theory application and highlight how to improve initiation and adherence by capitalizing on community building and taking steps to reduce intimidation and cost, facilitate realistic goals, and ensure social support.

A selective review of prenatal exercise guidelines since the 1950s until present: Written for women, health care professionals, and female athletes.

BACKGROUND: Traditional society values have long-held the notion that the pregnant woman is construed as a risk to her growing fetus and is solely responsible for controlling this risk to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It is hard to ignore the participation of pregnant women in sport and exercise today, especially in high-level sports and popular fitness programs such as CrossFit™. This challenges both traditional and modern prenatal exercise guidelines from health care professionals and governing health agencies. The guidelines and perceived limitations of prenatal exercise have drastically evolved since the 1950s. AIM: The goal of this paper is to bring awareness to the idea that much of the information regarding exercise safety during pregnancy is hypersensitive and dated, and the earlier guidelines had no scientific rigor. Research is needed on the upper limits of exercise intensity and exercise frequency, as well as their potential risks (if any) on the woman or fetus. DISCUSSION: Pregnant women are physically capable of much more than what was once thought. There is still disagreement about the types of exercise deemed appropriate, the stage at which exercise should begin and cease, the frequency of exercise sessions, as well as the optimal level of intensity during prenatal exercise. CONCLUSION: Research is needed to determine the upper limits of exercise frequency and intensity for pregnant women who are already trained. Healthy women and female athletes can usually maintain their regular training regime once they become pregnant.