Examination of relationships between 24-hour movement behaviors and mental health outcomes in frontline workers : protocol for a scoping review

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Skovgaard, Amalie and Kirk, Alison and Cogan, Nicola (2026) Examination of relationships between 24-hour movement behaviors and mental health outcomes in frontline workers : protocol for a scoping review. JMIR Research Protocols, 15. e90813. ISSN 1929-0748 (https://doi.org/10.2196/90813)

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Abstract

Background: Frontline workers across multiple occupations operate in high-stress, trauma-exposed environments characterized by chronic demands and irregular schedules, increasing risk of burnout, depression, and poor sleep. Emerging evidence highlights the role of 24-hour movement behaviors in relation to mental health. Despite growing attention, research remains fragmented and often focuses on individual behaviors rather than their combined influence. This protocol outlines a scoping review designed to map existing evidence and identify research gaps. Objective: The primary aim is to map research examining relationships between 24-hour movement behaviors and mental health outcomes in frontline workers. Objectives include examining measurement approaches, associations, and methodological gaps. Methods: This scoping review will follow the JBI methodology and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Eligible studies include English-language research published between 2000 and 2025 involving adult frontline workers across multiple occupations and examining movement behaviors and mental health outcomes. A three-step search strategy will be conducted across multiple databases alongside targeted gray literature searches. Screening and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Findings will be synthesized using tabular summaries and narrative synthesis. Results: Preliminary searches and pilot-testing were completed in October 2025. As of May 2026, updated database and supplementary searches have been completed, with 527 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for data charting. Data charting and synthesis are currently underway. Completion of the review and submission for publication are anticipated in July 2026. Conclusions: This review will provide a comprehensive overview of research linking 24-hour movement behaviors and mental health in frontline workers. Findings will highlight methodological, occupational, and research gaps to inform future research, policy, and practice. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/90813

ORCID iDs

Skovgaard, Amalie ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9753-7874, Kirk, Alison ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6534-3763 and Cogan, Nicola ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0861-5133;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)