Health And Physical Fitness Parameters After 6 Months Of High-intensity Group Exercise In Firefighters

Abstract

Cities annually budget thousands of dollars for rehabilitation services due to work-related injuries that affect firefighters. Proper training methods may be used as an effective preventative measure for many of the musculoskeletal injuries sustained as a first responder that are inherent with the profession. The physical demands of firefighting require that the individuals employed in this profession be, at minimum, in good physical condition. The traditionally low fitness levels and poor exercise habits of firefighters may predispose this population to an increased risk of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in health and fitness parameters of professional firefighters across North Texas during a 6-month training program. METHODS: Twenty-five professional firefighters completed 6 months of high-intensity group training, consisting of 2 training sessions per week. These individuals underwent a pre- and post-fitness testing protocol that consisted of body composition, range-of-motion, anaerobic power, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. A repeated-measures MANOVA was used to determine any differences between testing periods. A significance level of 0.05 was used. RESULTS: Improvements (p < 0.05) in flexibility, anaerobic performance, fatigue index, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness were found following the 6-month training program. No differences in body composition or peak power were observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Six months of high-intensity group exercise may improve measures of physical fitness in firefighters.Table 1: Health and Physical Fitness Measures Before and After 6 Months of Exercise Training in FirefightersAll values are mean ± s.d. ∗Significantly different than Pre-Test. BMI = body mass index; VO2max = maximum oxygen consumption.