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Water turnover and changes in body composition during arduous wildfire suppression
Brent C Ruby1, Dale A Schoeller, Brian J Sharkey
1Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812-1825, USA. ruby@selway.umt.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 3, 2003
Summary
Wildland firefighters experience significant body weight and total body water loss during arduous suppression work, indicating a compromised energy balance and hydration status. This highlights the demanding nature of their job.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Health
- Sports Science
Background:
- Arduous wildfire suppression work impacts firefighter physiology.
- Previous studies documented high energy expenditure in this population.
- Doubly labeled water methodology revealed elevated isotopic elimination rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of arduous wildfire suppression on water turnover.
- To assess changes in body composition among wildland firefighters (WLFF).
Main Methods:
- Studied WLFF (N=14) over a 5-day period of fire suppression.
- Included a comparison group of recreationally active college students (RACS, N=13).
- Measured water turnover via 2H elimination (rH2O); collected urine osmolality, specific gravity, and skinfold data.
Main Results:
- WLFF showed significant decreases in body weight (71.9 to 70.9 kg) and total body water (42.9 to 42.0 kg).
- RACS maintained body weight and total body water.
- WLFF exhibited significantly higher water turnover rates (6.7 L/24h) compared to RACS (3.8 L/24h).
Conclusions:
- Arduous wildfire suppression poses risks to firefighter hydration.
- The work environment may negatively affect energy balance.
- Potential implications for normal glycogen status exist.