| FIREFIGHTERS' LIVED EXPERIENCE ON THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ITS IMPACT ON RESOLVING CRISES DURING THE MISSION |
| Paper ID : 1763-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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amir nasaj1, somayeh rahbari *2, mina mostahfezian3 1Master of Science in Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Engineering, Naqsh-e Jahan Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan 2Assistant Professor in Sport Management, Sport Medicine Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran 3Associate Professor in Sport Management, Sport Medicine Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: The mental health of firefighters, especially in high-pressure and crisis situations, plays a critical role in their professional performance and individual resilience. Physical activity is widely recognized as a contributing factor in reducing stress, enhancing focus, and improving psychological stability. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of firefighters in Isfahan Municipality regarding the role of physical activity in promoting mental well-being and its impact on crisis management during missions, using a qualitative approach based on Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 firefighters (mean age: 35.2 years; work experience: 4–22 years; education level: high school diploma to master’s degree), all of whom had at least one year of experience in crisis-related missions. Purposeful and snowball sampling techniques were employed. Data analysis followed Colaizzi’s seven-step method, including repeated readings, extraction of significant statements, initial coding, clustering into categories, and theme development. To ensure validity and reliability, triangulation, multi-stage coding, and participant feedback were applied. Results: Analysis yielded 245 initial codes and 7 major themes: identity transformation (55 codes), lifestyle adaptation (40), mental health (51), support networks (28), functional resilience (50), challenges of physical activity (29), and successful exercise models (21). Results indicated that physical activity especially in group formats reduced stress in 84% of participants, enhanced psychological resilience in 76%, and improved team coordination in 68%. The findings underscore the importance of integrating structured physical activity programs into firefighters’ work routines and demonstrate that regular exercise can serve as a preventive and therapeutic strategy to strengthen mental health Conclusion: These results emphasize the need to review organizational policies to support the mental and physical health of firefighters and indicate the potential of physical activity as a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of professional and personal life of these individuals. |
| Keywords |
| Physical activity, mental health, firefighters, resilience, team relationships |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
