Association Between Anthropometric Characteristics And Aerobic Capacity In Firefighters

Abstract

Firefighting is a physically demanding profession with high requirements for aerobic capacity (VO2max). However, this population has a high rate of obesity, consistent with the general population. Previous research in general populations has identified a relationship between VO2max and anthropometrics, specifically the impact of body weight and lean body mass. Moreover, research suggests an association between increased percent body fat (%BF) and decreased aerobic and strength measures in similar tactical populations such as military. However, this relationship has not been thoroughly examined in firefighters. PURPOSE: To determine the association between anthropometric characteristics and VO2max of firefighters. METHODS: Eighteen healthy firefighters (Age= 39.9 ± 11.0 years; Body Mass Index (BMI)= 28.0 ± 3.4kg/ m2; %BF= 27.1 ± 8.7%; Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)= 0.88 ± 0.04; VO2max= 41.2 ± 7.5ml/kg/min) completed measurements of anthropometry (height, weight, bioelectrical impedance analysis, waist and hip circumferences) and a treadmill graded exercise test (GXT) to determineVO2max utilizing open circuit spirometry. Normality was assessed, and Pearson correlation and Spearman coefficients were used when appropriate to determine the associations between VO2max and anthropometric characteristics (BMI, %BF, WHR). RESULTS: Data revealed a significant moderate correlation (r= -0.636; p= 0.005) between %BF and VO2max, indicating that higher levels of body composition are related to lower VO2max. No relationship was found between BMI and VO2max (r= 0.05; p= 0.845), and the association between WHR and VO2max approached significance (r=-0.462; p=0.053). CONCLUSION: Results of the current investigation suggest %BF may be associated with maximal aerobic capacity. Additionally, data revealed no significant relationship between BMI and VO2max, suggesting that total body weight may not have a significant impact on aerobic capacity. Future research should continue to investigate the effects that maintaining an ideal body composition have on work performance and injury risk, including the negative effects of obesity on thermoregulation in job specific tasks for firefighters.