Using a Walking Test to Assess Firefighter Fitness

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Firefighters face elevated occupational risks, including high rates of cardiac-related mortality.
• Aerobic fitness is a critical, modifiable cardiac risk factor for firefighters.
• Many fire stations lack accessible equipment and structured wellness programs for fitness assessment and accountability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity of the submaximal 6-minute walk test (6MWT) as a measure of aerobic capacity in firefighters.
• To compare the 6MWT to a maximal treadmill test and the submaximal Gerkin protocol for assessing aerobic fitness.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four firefighters (19 male, 5 female) completed the 6MWT, Gerkin protocol, and maximal treadmill test.
• Aerobic capacity was assessed using directly measured VO2max and estimated values from the submaximal tests.
• Data analysis involved Bland-Altman plots and correlation analysis to determine equivalence and agreement.

Main Results:

• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) demonstrated equivalence with directly measured VO2max and the Gerkin protocol.
• The 6MWT underestimated VO2max by 17% compared to direct measurement and by 22% compared to the Gerkin protocol.
• Despite underestimation, the 6MWT showed strong agreement with established measures of aerobic capacity.

Conclusions:

• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a valid and accessible method for quantifying aerobic capacity in firefighters.
• Its ease of administration can facilitate regular fitness assessments, promoting improved cardiovascular health in this population.
• Implementing the 6MWT can help fire stations address the need for accessible fitness monitoring and wellness programs.