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Physical Fitness Evaluation of Career Urban and Wildland Firefighters
Jonathan M Houck1, Christine M Mermier, Nicholas M Beltz
1Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Science, College of Education, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Mr Houck, Dr Mermier, Dr Beltz, Dr Johnson, Dr VanDusseldorp, Dr Escobar, Dr Gibson); Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Dr Beltz); Department of Kinesiology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina (Dr Johnson); Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia (Dr VanDusseldorp); Physiology of Exercise and Sport Lab, Department of Kinesiology, California State University - Long Beach, Long Beach, California (Dr Escobar).
Objective:
Examine the physical fitness of career firefighters and compare their results to normative data and suggested standards for their profession.
Methods:
Eighty firefighters completed a body composition analysis, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) test, and fitness testing battery, with results compared with normative value tables. Maximal aerobic capacity was correlated to fitness measures and differences between VO2max quartiles were examined.
Results:
Twenty-two firefighters met the suggested standard for VO2max. Seventy percent of participants were classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index, while 25% were classified as having either "poor" or "very poor" body fat levels. Firefighters were above average for muscular strength.
Conclusion:
The firefighters had low aerobic fitness and higher than optimal body fat levels. Training programs may be necessary to assist firefighters in achieving optimal fitness levels.
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