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Trunk postures and upper-body muscle activations during physically demanding wildfire suppression tasks
Daniel Neesham-Smith1, Brad Aisbett, Kevin Netto
1a Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences , Deakin University , Burwood , Victoria , Australia.
Ergonomics
|December 25, 2013
Summary
Wildfire suppression tasks cause significant trunk flexion and high muscle activation, exceeding safe limits for firefighters. Interventions are needed to reduce these musculoskeletal demands and prevent injuries.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Biomechanics
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Wildfire suppression is physically demanding, posing risks to firefighter health.
- Understanding trunk posture and muscle activation is crucial for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify trunk postures and upper-body muscle activations during wildfire suppression tasks.
- To assess the musculoskeletal load imposed by these tasks on firefighters.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) recorded trapezius and erector spinae muscle activity in nine firefighters.
- Synchronized video analysis quantified trunk flexion in sagittal plane.
- Four physically demanding wildfire suppression tasks were simulated.
Main Results:
- Firefighters spent significantly more time in mild and severe trunk flexion than neutral posture (p ≤ 0.002).
- Mean and peak muscle activation levels exceeded established safe limits across all tasks.
- Muscle activation significantly increased as tasks progressed (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Wildfire suppression tasks impose substantial musculoskeletal demand on firefighters.
- Current task demands may lead to injurious exposures.
- Fire agencies should develop interventions to mitigate these risks.
