Impact of intermittent physical exercises on mental health of some police officers in Nkonkobe District, South Africa

Abstract

Varied physical exercises with varied intensity taken over a given period impact not only the physical health but also the mental health of the  participant(s). The aim of the study was to identify and document the kind of mental health benefits that police officers gain from participating in regular physical exercises. Twenty one police officers from Nkonkobe District freely volunteered in physical exercises training programme for twelve weeks at the University of Fort Hare. During the programme, they completed pre-intervention and post intervention questionnaires probing their perceptions and the impact of intermittent physical exercises on their mental health. Results suggest that if well organized, intermittent physical exercises could contribute towards the management of stress, anxiety and anger of the participants. Also it could increase self-confidence, emotional stability, cognitive functions, and social net work among the participants. The implication of the current results is challenged by the small sample; however, the study is worth following up for a bigger picture.

Keywords: Intermittent physical exercises, mental health issues, psychological wellbeing, work resilience and cognitive functions.