Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Civilians Have Higher Adherence and More Improvements in Health With a Mediterranean Diet and Circuit Training
Andrew A Almeida1, Emily H Reeve, Rachel L Dickinson
1From the Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire (Mr Almeida, Dr Feairheller); Department of Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon (Ms Reeve); Department of Nursing, Misercorida University, Coraopolis (Ms Dickinson); Jefferson College of Public Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia (Ms Carty); Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey (Ms Gilpin); and Health & Exercise Physiology Department, Ursinus College, Collegeville (Dr Feairheller), Pennsylvania.
Objective:
To examine the relationship between diet adherence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reduction between civilians and firefighters with a 6-week Mediterranean diet and tactical training intervention.
Methods:
Forty firefighters and 30 civilians participated. Blood pressure, body composition, lipid levels, vascular measures, and aerobic capacity were measured pre- and post-intervention. Diet was self-report based on number of servings consumed. Weekly diet-scores were calculated.
Results:
Both groups had improvements in blood pressure and body composition. Civilians had improved lipid levels, higher overall adherence, a relationship between total Med-diet score and cholesterol (R = 0.68), and higher servings consumed in foods typical of Mediterranean-dietary pattern ( P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
This is the first exercise and diet intervention comparing firefighters to civilians. Adherence to a Mediterranean-dietary pattern coupled with exercise is effective at improving cardiac health. These findings substantiate the need for wellness interventions in firefighters.
More Related Videos
08:27A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures