A retrospective evaluation of physical fitness maintenance in members of a southeastern US city professional firefighting department. (8th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Cody E.; Tolusso, Danilo V.; Arnett, Scott W.
• Is Part Of: International journal of human factors and ergonomics. Volume 8:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2021-10-08
• Subjects: firefighting -- physical fitness -- strength and conditioning -- first responder -- health-related fitness -- field-testing; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.8205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7804

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess and track the annual physical fitness performance of the members of a professional firefighting department. As part of the annual health and fitness testing (data from 2002-2017), 153 firefighters had their physical fitness evaluated using standardised and recommended protocols published by the International Association of Fire Fighters. Handgrip strength performance exhibited a significant decline from baseline ( p < .05). Static arm pull and static leg pull performance as well as flexibility were slightly improved and largely able to be maintained throughout the length of the study ( p > .05) until the final years ( p < .05). Neither push-up nor plank hold performance significantly changed from baseline ( p > .05). Based on these findings, the proposed 30-minute exercise requirement does not appear to provide a stimulus to offset declines in all fitness variables.