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Published on: August 8, 2019
Shift schedule effects on firefighter health and fitness
Levi R Garrett1, Andrew T Harveson1, Candace Ayars2
1California Baptist University, Riverside, CA, USA.
Background:
Firefighter health is of utmost importance both to first responders and the individuals they serve daily. The impact of shift schedule on firefighter health remains poorly understood.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine differences in health and performance outcomes in firefighters across two different shift schedules.
Methods:
Firefighter (N = 1995) body composition, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance were assessed and described. A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare differences between shift schedules (48/96 and 4's and 6's).
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in BMI (U = 70115, z=-1.988, p = .047), BF% (U = 67341, z=-2.779, p = .005), and trunk flexion score (U = 81362, z = 1.979, p = .048) favoring the 48/96 shift schedule.
Conclusion:
Firefighters following a 48/96 shift schedule exhibited improved body composition and fitness performance in comparison to peers who followed a 4's and 6's shift schedule. Findings may guide regional firefighter scheduling to optimize health and performance.
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