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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in 3D Optical Imaging for Comprehensive Body Composition Assessment in Modern Research
Published on: June 7, 2024
Differences in Cardiometabolic Health, Body Composition, and Physical Performance Profiles Based on the Body
Drew E Gonzalez1, Audrey Loffler, Benjamin P Doyle
1From the Occupational, Performance, and Nutrition Lab, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas (D.E.G.); Tactical Athlete Research Unit, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (D.E.G., A.L., B.P.D., J.D.T., J.B.M., S.E.M.); Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Sydney and JL Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (D.E.G., B.P.D., J.DT., J.B.M., S.E.M.); Front Line Mobile Health, PLLC, Granbury, Texas (M.J.C.); Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (M.J.C.); Fort Worth Fire Department, Fort Worth, Texas (B.N.); Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas (J.A.M.); School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okhlahoma (J.J.D.); Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okhlahoma (J.J.D.).
Objective:
This study aimed to characterize trends in body roundness index (BRI) among first responders and examine differences in health and fitness across BRI-based quartiles.
Methods:
Archival data from 158 first responders-97 firefighters and 61 law enforcement officers (LEOs)-were analyzed.
Results:
Differences were observed in body composition and physical performance parameters, with the first quartile (Q1) BRI group exhibiting the most favorable profiles. These differences remained after adjusting for age, especially compared with the Q4 group. Blood biomarkers showed minimal differences, with a trend toward lower fasting blood glucose in Q1. Firefighters showed poorer health indices but higher fitness than law enforcement officers, consistent with past research.
Conclusions:
BRI is a useful, potentially cost-effective tool for first responders to assess health and wellness annually and quarterly without clinical equipment.
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