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Published on: June 7, 2024
Differences in Cardiometabolic Health, Body Composition, and Physical Performance Profiles Based on the Body
Drew E Gonzalez1, Audrey Loffler, Benjamin P Doyle
1From the Occupational, Performance, and Nutrition Lab, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas (D.E.G.); Tactical Athlete Research Unit, Department of Kinesiology and Sports Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (D.E.G., A.L., B.P.D., J.D.T., J.B.M., S.E.M.); Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Sydney and JL Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (D.E.G., B.P.D., J.DT., J.B.M., S.E.M.); Front Line Mobile Health, PLLC, Granbury, Texas (M.J.C.); Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (M.J.C.); Fort Worth Fire Department, Fort Worth, Texas (B.N.); Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas (J.A.M.); School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okhlahoma (J.J.D.); Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okhlahoma (J.J.D.).
Body roundness index (BRI) effectively assesses first responder health, with the lowest BRI quartile showing optimal health and fitness. This simple tool aids annual wellness checks for firefighters and law enforcement officers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Biometrics
- Public Health
Background:
- First responders face unique health challenges.
- Body composition metrics are crucial for monitoring occupational health.
- Body Roundness Index (BRI) offers a novel approach to health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Body Roundness Index (BRI) trends in first responders.
- To compare health and fitness across different BRI levels.
- To evaluate BRI as a practical health assessment tool for this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of archival data from 158 first responders (97 firefighters, 61 law enforcement officers).
- Categorization of participants into BRI quartiles.
- Comparison of body composition, physical performance, and blood biomarkers across quartiles, adjusting for age.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in body composition and physical performance were found across BRI quartiles.
- The lowest BRI quartile (Q1) demonstrated the most favorable health and fitness profiles.
- Minimal differences in blood biomarkers were observed, with a trend towards lower fasting blood glucose in Q1.
- Firefighters exhibited poorer health indices but superior fitness compared to law enforcement officers.
Conclusions:
- Body Roundness Index (BRI) is a valuable and potentially cost-effective tool for first responders.
- BRI facilitates annual and quarterly health and wellness assessments without requiring clinical equipment.
- Regular BRI monitoring can support proactive health management in high-risk occupations.
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