Impact of Firefighting Equipment on Aerobic Performance in the Forestry Step Test in New Firefighter Cadets: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation, which involves tasks such as rescuing victims, pulling a hose, and carrying a ladder. Thus, firefighters must have excellent cardiovascular fitness (CF). However, the cumbersome movement and added mass of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) can place additional stress on the cardiovascular system, not accounted for through traditional CF testing.Purpose: Determine the effect of wearing PPE on predicted CF compared to athletic attire (AT) in firefighter (FF) cadets completing the Forestry Step Test (FST). Methods: Male and female (N = 17) FFs performed two trials of the FST, one trial completed in PPE and one in AT. Recovery heart rate was measured at the end of each trial and predicted VO2max was calculated. Paired samples t-tests compared heart rate and predicted VO2max values between the PPE and AT conditions.Results: Predicted VO2max (p < 0.001) was lower in the PPE (37.53 + 3.20 ml.kg.min-1) compared to the AT condition (46.35 + 7.63 ml.kg.min-1).Conclusion: Predicted aerobic capacity is lower when wearing PPE compared to AT using the FST as the aerobic capacity assessment method. The effect of PPE on CF effort of firefighting should be considered when developing assessments.