Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development of a Standardized Acupuncture Tool Inspired by Advanced Techniques for Improved Safety and Precision
Published on: January 10, 2025
Postural stability pattern as an important safety factor of firefighters
Ida Wiszomirska1, Dagmara Iwańska2, Piotr Tabor2
1Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland.
Background:
Firefighting is a hazardous profession that involves high fall risk and is crucial component for the safety of people.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to identify factors that impact on postural stability patterns of firefighters.
Methods:
The study examined 177 Polish firefighters from the National Firefighting and Rescue System (NFRS) aged 31.9±10.1 years, with body height of 179.6±5.93, body mass of 83.9±11.0 and BMI of 26.0±3.03. Postural stability was evaluated by means of the Balance System SD (Biodex USA) set at the level 12 of instability, in a sportswear, bunker gear, with and without visual input. The fall risk test (FRI) was also performed. Four indices were analysed: overall stability index (OSI), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI), and fall risk index (FRI).
Results:
Mean results for fall risk index (FRI) were in the normal range for all age groups regardless of the type of clothing the firefighters were wearing. Individual results obtained in the fall risk test, 128 firefighters were in the normal range for their age, furthermore, 10 firefighters obtained better results than the normal range, 34 firefighters had worse results and 5 people failed to complete the test. Postural stability with eyes closed was found to decline with age. Wearing bunker gear did not have an effect on postural stability.
Conclusions:
Balance tests should be integrated into the firefighting training routines in order to improve balance and support fall prevention. Exercises with reduced visual input should also be incorporated into the training methodology.
Related Concept Videos
Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Drug Permeability, Stability and Stereochemistry
RNA Stability
Survey Safety
Nuclear Stability
To hold positively charged protons together...
Stability
The stability of an LTI system is determined by the roots of its characteristic equation, known as poles. A system is stable if it produces a bounded...

