Empowering First Responders to Be Physically Active Through Establishment of Mini Gyms: The Case of Murang’a County Fire Services and Disaster Management Unit

Abstract

Each county in Kenya has a fire services and disaster management unit (FSDMU) with personnel designated as first responders (FRs). The physically demanding nature of FRs’ job requires them to carry heavy equipment, move and drag objects within restrictive and hazardous environments. First Responders, therefore, are required to have optimal physical fitness by actively engaging in adequate physical activity (PA). This study aimed at promoting participation in PA among the FRs by establishing convenient and affordable exercise facilities and equipment at their worksite. This implementation science research used a quasi-experimental design to 1) Establish mini-gyms in three FSDMU sub-stations, 2) Design and implement a functional fitness training program, 3) train peer fitness leaders (PFLs’) in each sub-station. Results indicated an increased uptake of PA from 38.1% observed previously to 100%. The guidelines for PA as prescribed for health and wellbeing in the National Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2023 was exceeded by an additional 30 minutes. The increased participation in PA per week, and number of steps per day as measured using the Red MI Smart Band 2 indicate that the intervention of the mini-gyms, the training of PFLs and establishment of a training regimen positively influenced the PA levels of the FRs in Murang’a County.