Objective: To investigate the influence of specific functional training (FT) with and without personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), on firefighters (FFs) physical fitness condition.
Methods: Sixty FFs run a 24 weeks intervention, divided into three groups (EG1 training with PPE+SCBA; EG2 training with regular equipment, and Control Group). FFs anthropometric and physical fitness (PF) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Significant differences were found between the training groups and control group. Both training groups interventions were effective in improving PF and lean mass. However, EG1 presented a higher percentage of improvement.
Conclusion: This 24-week FT intervention improved participants' muscle strength, endurance, and power, and it led to increases in lean body mass. Regularly FT with PPE+SCBA helps FFs maintain a healthy general physical condition and develop optimum fitness levels related to firefighting specific tasks, specially torso muscular endurance.
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