Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Muscle Function Obtained with Motion Mode Ultrasound and Surface Electromyography during Core Endurance Exercise
Published on: August 25, 2022
Comparison of the firefighter candidate physical ability test to weight lifting exercises using electromyography
Charity L Lane1,2, Dustin Hardwick3, Thomas P Janus3
1U.S. Spine & Sport Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA.
Background:
Muscular strength and endurance are important attributes for structural firefighting. Matching resistance exercises to firefighter job demands is not well-established.
Objective:
This study compared the electromyographic (EMG) activity of major muscles during the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and weight lifting exercises in firefighters.
Methods:
A repeated measures study was conducted in 13 full-duty career firefighters (1 F, 12 M; age 18-44 years). Participants completed seven weight lifting exercises at a university laboratory. They separately completed the CPAT at a firefighting training grounds. During each activity, surface EMG (% maximum voluntary isometric contraction - MVIC) of major muscle groups was recorded and compared between exercises and CPAT.
Results:
No difference in EMG activity was observed between exercises and CPAT for the deltoid, trapezius, lumbar multifidus, gluteal, and biceps femoris muscles. EMG activity was significantly greater during the CPAT for the abdominal obliques (32.3% ±27.7% vs. 12.1% ±8.3%, p < 0.001) and for the latissimus dorsi (21.8% ±25.1% vs. 11.4% ±7.7%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Standard weight lifting and abdominal oblique exercises should be incorporated into resistance training programs for firefighters.
Related Concept Videos
Lift
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Weighted Mean
For example, consider the number of goals scored in the matches of a tournament. While computing the average number of goals scored in the tournament, it may be more important to...
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
Mass and Weight
Atomic Weight

