Physiological demands of the firefighter Candidate Physical Ability Test

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Occupational Health
• Firefighter Performance Evaluation

Background:

• The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a standard screening tool for firefighter candidates.
• The physiological demands of the CPAT are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the physiological demands of the CPAT.
• To assess aerobic and anaerobic energy system involvement during the CPAT.

Main Methods:

• Measured oxygen uptake (V x O2), carbon dioxide output (V x CO2), and heart rate (HR) in 57 familiarized subjects completing the CPAT.
• Analyzed completion times, V x O2, HR, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in relation to sex and performance.

Main Results:

• Two men and nine women failed to complete the CPAT due to fatigue.
• Men completed the test significantly faster than women, with higher V x O2max utilization.
• Elevated RER suggested significant anaerobic metabolism involvement for both sexes.

Conclusions:

• The CPAT effectively challenges both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.
• Physiological responses during the CPAT are similar to those experienced during active firefighting.