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Evaluation of an Occupational Exercise Training Program for Firefighters: Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

Miriam Leary¹, James Thomas¹, Ryan Hayes¹

¹Division of Exercise Physiology, Department of Human Performance and Applied Exercise Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.

JMIR Formative Research

|September 21, 2020

Summary

Occupational exercise training improved firefighters' health, flexibility, and mood, alongside team building. This pilot study provides a foundation for future fitness programs in fire departments.

Keywords:

clinical exercise firefighters mixed methods performance qualitative

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Area of Science:

Occupational health and fitness
Exercise physiology
Firefighter wellness

Background:

Occupational exercise training programs can enhance firefighter health and fitness.
Limited evidence exists on outcomes beyond clinical and performance metrics for program adoption.
Fire departments need comprehensive data to justify investment in health promotion initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate a 14-week occupational exercise training program for firefighters.
To integrate clinical and performance outcomes with qualitative participant feedback.
To inform future firefighter health and fitness program development.

Main Methods:

14-week occupational exercise training program with pre- and post-assessments.
Clinical measures: weight, BMI, body fat, blood pressure, heart rate.
Performance measures: strength, endurance (VO2max), flexibility, balance.
Surveys (SF-36, IPAQ) and focus groups explored experiences and behaviors.

Main Results:

Significant improvements in diastolic blood pressure, shoulder flexibility, and leg press strength.
No significant changes in weight, BMI, body fat, or aerobic capacity (VO2max).
Participants reported enhanced overall health, mood, and team environment, but fewer perceived barriers to physical activity.

Conclusions:

The 14-week program demonstrated positive clinical, performance, and self-reported outcomes for firefighters.
Occupational exercise training enhanced physical and mental health, increased exercise time, and improved team dynamics.
This pilot study offers a strong foundation for implementing broader firefighter fitness initiatives.