Citation

Pawlak R, Clasey JL, Palmer T, Symons B, Abel MG. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2014; 29(3): 578-588.

Affiliation

1Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; 2Athletic Training Education Program School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; 3Department of Gerontology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, National Strength and Conditioning Association)

DOI

10.1519/JSC.0000000000000663

PMID

25162645

Abstract

Structural firefighting is a dangerous and physically demanding profession. Thus, it is critical that firefighters exercise regularly to maintain optimal physical fitness levels. However, little is known about optimal training methods for firefighters and exercise equipment is often not available to on-duty firefighters. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a novel supervised on-duty physical training program on the physical fitness and occupational performance of structural firefighters. Twenty professional male firefighters were divided into a supervised exercise group (SEG; n=11) and a control group (CG; n=9). The SEG participated in a twelve week circuit training intervention. The SEG exercised for one hour on 2 d·wk. At baseline and following the intervention, subjects performed a battery of physical fitness tests and a simulated fire ground test (SFGT). At baseline there were no significant differences (p=0.822) in the completion rate of the SFGT in the SEG (82%) versus the CG (78%). Following the intervention, a significantly greater proportion of the firefighters in the SEG completed the SFGT compared to the CG (SEG=100% vs. CG=56%; p<0.013). In addition, the SEG demonstrated significant improvements in body mass, fat mass, and body mass index (p<0.05). The findings of this study indicate that training with firefighter equipment improved occupational performance and anthropometric outcomes in incumbent firefighters. Furthermore, implementing a supervised exercise program using firefighter equipment can be done so in a safe and feasible manner.

Language: en