Measures of health, fitness, and functional movement among firefighter recruits

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between various health and fitness measures and Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) scores among 78 firefighter recruits. Methods. Relationships between FMS™ scores and age, body mass index (BMI), sit and reach (S&R) distance, estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max), estimated one-repetition maximum squat (1RM-Squatmax), and plank endurance (%Plankmax) were examined. Results. Total FMS™ scores were significantly correlated with BMI (r = −0.231, p = 0.042), estimated 1RM-Squatmax (r = 0.302, p = 0.007), and %Plankmax (r = 0.320, p = 0.004). Multiple regression analyses indicated that this combination of predictors significantly predicted (F(3, 74) = 5.043, p = 0.003) Total FMS™ score outcomes and accounted for 17% of the total variance (R2 = 0.170). In addition, logistic regression analyses indicated that estimated 1RM-Squatmax also significantly predicted (χ2 = 6.662, df = 1, p = 0.010) FMS™ group membership (≤14 or ≥15). Conclusion. These results suggest that the health and fitness measures of obesity (BMI), bilateral lower extremity strength (estimated 1RM-Squatmax), and core muscular endurance (%Plankmax) are significantly associated with functional movement patterns among firefighter recruits. Consequently, injury prevention programs implemented among firefighter recruits should target these aspects of health and fitness.