EXAMINING EXERCISE SELF- EFFICACY AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN URBAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between exercise self-efficacy (ESES) and functional mobility (FMS) among law enforcement officers. METHODS: 55 officers participated, with exercise self-efficacy measured using the ESES scale and movement patterns assessed with the Functional Movement Screening (FMS). Correlational analysis and linear regression were used to explore the relationships between FMS and ESES, years of service (YoS) and FMS, and YoS and ESES. One-Way ANOVA analyses were used to determine differences between job groups and both FMS and ESES. RESULTS: Of the participating officers, 34 were male and 21 were female, with an average age of 38.8 ± 11 years. The average years of service among the officers was 10.8 ± 9.8 years. Job roles: 57.4% field officers, 21.3% administrative/command staff, and 21.3% civilian/non-sworn. The average FMS score was 11.9 ± 3.3 with 63.8% (n = 30) scoring under a 13. The average ESES score was 32.4 ± 6 with 74.4% (n = 35) scoring above a 30. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between ESES and FMS (r = .441, p = 0.002), with FMS explaining 19.4% of ESES variability. A significant negative relationship existed between YoS and FMS (r = -0.382, p = 0.009), explaining 14.5% of FMS variability. No significant correlation was found between YoS and ESES. One-Way ANOVA revealed significant FMS score differences among job groups, with sworn officers (FMS = 13 ± 3.5) scoring higher than civilian non-sworn( FMS = 10 ± 3.9) (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found between Admin/Command Staff and other groups. ESES scores across job groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Higher ESES correlates with increased FMS, but FMS diminishes with years of service. The findings highlight the need for continued support in movement training and fostering physical activity confidence, especially for experienced officers. Supported by: Generative AI was used for editorial assistance in refining and condensing the content of this abstract.