Comparable Levels of Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Firefighters From Two Midwest Fire Departments

Halle N Brin; Mohan D Perumal; Samantha R Kopp; Evan L Hutcheson; Nathan D Dicks; Tanis J Walch; Michael J Carper; Allison M Barry

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000002847

Comparable Levels of Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Firefighters From Two Midwest Fire Departments

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 Jun 1;65(6):e435-e439. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002847. Epub 2023 Mar 24.

Authors

Halle N Brin¹, Mohan D Perumal, Samantha R Kopp, Evan L Hutcheson, Nathan D Dicks, Tanis J Walch, Michael J Carper, Allison M Barry

Affiliation

¹ From the Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS (H.N.B.); Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS (H.N.B., M.D.P., S.R.K., E.L.H., M.J.C.); Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND (N.D.D.); Department of Education, Health, and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND (T.J.W.); and School of Health and Consumer Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD (A.M.B.).

PMID: 36977361
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002847

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to objectively assess if firefighters are meeting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association physical activity (PA) guidelines.

Methods: Two independent fire departments from the Midwest participated in the study. Firefighters wore an accelerometer to track PA and associated intensities. In addition, firefighters completed a stage-graded exercise test TO determine their maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O 2max ).

Results: A total of 43 career firefighters completed the study (fire department 1 [FD1]: n = 29, FD2: n = 14). Almost half (44.8% FD1 and 42.9% FD2) met the NFPA CRF guidelines. Compared with the American College of Sports Medicine PA Guidelines of 30 min/d of moderate-to-vigorous PA, more than half of FD2 (57.1%) met the recommended amount of PA, whereas FD1 had less than half (48.3%).

Conclusions: These data demonstrate the need to improve firefighters' PA levels, CRF, and overall health.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
Exercise
Exercise Test
Firefighters*
Humans
Physical Fitness