Lebanon Valley College Conducts Hunter Health Study

Key Points:

• LVC-led research reveals major health concerns among Pennsylvania hunters, particularly related to cardiovascular fitness.
• Study led by Dr. Charles Salvo in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and LVC Physical Therapy students.
• Hands-on student research conducted at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.

As a 41-year-old in relatively good health - and someone who still plays competitive soccer with men twenty years younger - I shouldn't get gassed climbing a mountain. However, I do recall sucking wind while hiking out of a deep hollow toting a heavy pack during bear season this past fall, as well as how my heart pounded upon dragging multiple deer from the woods. I remember pausing for moments of recovery, thinking, "This is how old dudes have heart attacks."

It turns out I'm not alone, as numerous Pennsylvania hunters might benefit from better cardiovascular health, according to an ongoing study about health risk assessment in the hunting population conducted by a college-based research team.

The multi-year study in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Game Commission is being led by Dr. Charles Salvo Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Lebanon Valley College. The study serves as a major project for the LVC Department of Physical Therapy's Critical Capstone Inquiry course, which is a final requirement for students seeking a doctoral of physical therapy degree.

Five student physical therapists recently helped conduct the hunter research aspect of their capstone course by collecting health data at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.

"One of our most important roles as physical therapists is to educate people on their health and wellness and provide tools they can use to enhance their wellbeing," said 5^th-year PT student Alden Partyka. "In a country where the statistics show that health is on a rocky downward projection, it is extremely important to be able to inspire change."

"The hunting community is one that not many people have researched to understand the compounding effects of physical strain in the woods and how that translates into intrinsic health. To be a part of such a groundbreaking research project feels so rewarding and fulfilling in so many ways," Partyka said.

The primary purpose of the study is to provide a cardiovascular and physical health risk assessment in the hunting population in Pennsylvania and to identify deficits, determine prevalence and provide safety recommendations moving forward.

Anticipated benefits of the study include the potential ability to better understand health risk of hunters and may include the ability to make recommendations to the hunting population, particularly how to prevent injury and adverse health effects while in the woods.

Participants were asked to complete a demographic survey, PAR-Q cardiovascular assessment, grip strength assessment, Harvard 3-minute step test, and an assessment of resting blood pressure and heart rate. As an incentive for completing the assessment, participants were offered a complimentary four-week "Couch to Mountain" training program from GAOS exhibitor Hunt-Lift-Eat, which is designed to get people who haven't been physically active ready for outdoor pursuits.

"Our overall health survey assesses things like strength, balance, and cardiovascular stamina," Salvo explained. "What we're seeing so far is that many hunters unfortunately aren't in the best of shape. Initial findings based on collected data have indicated a significant deficit of cardiovascular health among participants surveyed from the hunting population."

In fact, nearly 94-percent showed signs of being at-risk in terms of cardiovascular health.

PGC Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications Matt Morrett said those initial numbers were telling and acknowledged that there are many hunters in the state who might not be in top physical condition when they enter the woods each season. He said if there's anything the PGC can do to help improve hunter health, they are all for it.

"We are very grateful that the PA Game Commission has provided space at the Great American Outdoor Show for us to collect data," said Salvo, who is a hunter himself. "Obviously, trying to figure out what's going on with the cardiovascular health of our hunting population is of mutual interest in this partnership, so we're appreciative of the opportunity to dig in and see what's going on, health-wise, with participants."

PGC Executive Director Stephen Smith shared that even he participated in the study and said it's important to raise awareness about the health and wellbeing of Keystone state hunters. He hopes that the results of the study are insightful and can be presented to the Board of Commissioners once data is analyzed and published in peer reviewed format.

"Health gives people power to do what they want without physical limiting factors," Partyka explained. "In the world of hunting, this is everything: how far you are able to hike into the terrain; not worrying about how you will transport an animal home because you have the strength and stamina to do so; being able to transport and use equipment that requires you to be physically fit."

"That is what we are promoting and trying to research - all in hopes that we can put in the work to provide members of the hunting community data and hard facts that support the need to take control over their health, to hunt at the highest level of their performance, and to love every minute of what they are doing."

That's good news for the hunters of Pennsylvania, as we all can likely benefit from greater insights for staying fit. Not only will it better allow us to continue the pursuits we love, but we can also ensure we are heart-healthy for those who love us too.

By Tyler Frantz

This article was originally published in Pennsylvania Outdoor News.

Photo caption: As part of an ongoing hunter health study, fifth-year LVC Physical Therapy student Evan Kutzler checks the resting heart rate and blood pressure of Lebanon County hunter Greg Lee during the NRA Great American Outdoor Show.