24-Hour Movement Behaviours and Mental Health in Frontline Workers: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Frontline workers across multiple occupations operate in high-stress, trauma-exposed environments, facing chronic demands, and irregular schedules that increase risk of burnout, depression, and poor sleep. Emerging evidence highlights the role of 24-hour movement behaviours together with psychological health. Despite growing attention, research remains fragmented, often focusing on single elements. This protocol outlines a scoping review to map evidence, identify gaps, and inform future interventions. OBJECTIVE The primary aim is to map research on the relationships between 24-hour movement behaviours and mental health outcomes in frontline workers. Objectives include examining measurement approaches, associations, methodological gaps, and exploring monitoring and interventions. METHODS This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies include English-language research (2000–2025) on adult frontline workers across multiple occupations, addressing movement behaviours and mental health outcomes. Stakeholder consultation will inform research questions, interpretation, and dissemination. A three-step search will be conducted across various databases with targeted grey literature searches while screening and data extraction will be conducted independently by reviewers. Findings will be reported in tabular and narrative formats, integrating empirical and descriptive findings RESULTS Preliminary searches and pilot testing were completed in October 2025. Full searches, data charting, and synthesis are planned for December 2025–early 2026, and final synthesis expected by April 2026. CONCLUSIONS This review will provide a comprehensive overview of research linking 24-hour movement behaviours with mental health, highlighting methodological diversity, underrepresented sectors, and gaps. Findings will guide assessment frameworks, wearable monitoring, and interventions to enhance wellbeing, resilience, and recovery.