JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

First-responders (e.g. police, firefighters, paramedics) are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health. Physical activity interventions can help reduce symptoms and improve mental health in this group. More research is however needed to evaluate accessible, low cost ways of delivering programs. Social media may be a potential platform for delivering group-based physical activity interventions. We co-designed a 10-week online physical activity program delivered via a private Facebook group. We provided education and motivation around different weekly topics (e.g. goal setting and reducing sedentary behaviour) and provided participants with a Fitbit. We aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the program for first-responders and a nominated informal caregiver to participate with them. We also explored the impact on mental health symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life and physical activity levels. A multiple time series design was applied to assess levels of psychological distress, with participants acting as their own control prior to the intervention. Twenty-four participants (n=12 first responders and n=12 nominated support partners) were recruited and 88% (n=21) completed the post assessment questionnaires. High acceptability was observed in the qualitative interviews. Exploratory analyses found significant reductions in psychological distress across the intervention. Pre and post analysis showed significant improvements in quality of life (Cohen’s d=0.603), total depression, anxiety and stress scores (d=0.354) and minutes of walking (d=0.549). Changes in perceived social support to exercise and sleep quality were not significant. The results provide preliminary support for the use of social media and a multiple-time series design to deliver mental health informed physical activity interventions for first-responders and their informal caregivers.