OBJECTIVES Firefighter (FF) is an occupation which needs high fitness abilities. However, most of Korean FFs in the capital city have relatively low fitness levels and they have difficulty participating in exercises owing to their emergency environments. Kinect-based mixed reality device (KMR) is a device that can deliver exercises with live visual feedbacks by detecting motions at any time while needing few human resources. Therefore, KMR could be an adequate tool for FFs to provide exercise. However, there are no studies that identified the reliability and validity. So, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of KMR and the intensity of the fitness program for relatively low-fit FFs.METHODS Using a test-retest design, five male participants underwent three trials with 1wk washouts. The participants underwent 1 screening and 2 workout sessions. The fitness program using KMR last approximately 25 min. Intensity was measured using the heart rate (HR), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and finger-tip lactate. HR and RPE were measured before, during, and after the exercise using the Polar watch and Borg scale. Finger-tip lactate were measured before and after the exercise using Lactate Pro2. Cronbach alpha and Pearson correlation were determined for reliability and validity based on the HR and RPE.RESULTS Excellent reliability (Cronbach alpha: 0.967, 0.969) and strong correlation (r = .525 – .814, .718 – .958; very large) were observed with regard to the HR and RPE. Additionally, HR, RPE, and post-workout lactate showed a moderate-to-high intensity response in exercise program. Conclusions: The results suggest that KMR is a reliable and validate device to provide fitness programs and the fitness program designed for relatively low-fit FFs showed a “moderate-to-high” intensity response, which is an adequate physiological response for relatively low-fit Korean FFs.

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BACKGROUND The development of electronic health (e-health) with an informative communication technology such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (MR) techniques play an important role in health care. These e-health could be beneficial for the Firefighter (FF)’s training who has limitations of fitness training due to their irregular schedule. However, there was no studies to compare the usability of fitness training program on special occupation using e-health device versus individual training. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compared the effects of “Kinect-based MR device (KMR) training” and “unsupervised individual training (UIT)” and evaluated the effects of “fitness program designed for Korean moderate-level of FFs (KFFP-m)”. METHODS Participants were tested cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max between 35ml/kg/min – 42ml/kg/min) and International physical activity questionnaire (<high volume) for their inclusion, and were randomly assigned into 3 groups, Kinect-based mixed reality group (KMRG), unsupervised individual group (UIG), or a control group (CG). For the pre- and post-tests, body composition and health related physical fitness were measured. KMRG and UIG attended the program 3 days/wk for 8wks and CG received health recommendation handbook. All groups received phone calls once in 2wks for reminding to maintain their daily routines and they were asked to submit 3days of 24hr diet in 4wks (2times). Normality was tested at the baseline and a time (pre vs. post) x group (KMRG vs. UIG vs. CG) factorial ANOVA with repeated measurements was performed to determine the differences between treatments (P <.05). RESULTS The target population was Korean men age between 20yrs to 50yrs. The average age of the participants was 31.11±5.76 years and VO₂max 38.79±3.73ml/kg/min. Normality was found at the baseline and there was no significant difference at the baseline and their nutrition status for 8wks between groups. KMRG contained login service, feedbacks of their exercise (proper pose), counting system, timer and etc. UIG were provided the same fitness program with KMRG and room with the instructive fitness program banner and tools they need. As a result, body fat (%) was significantly increased, and skeletal muscle mass was significantly decreased in CG. VO₂max, 2-min push-up, and knee 180º extension were significantly increased in both KMRG and UIG by time. 60º flexion of the knee was significantly enhanced in UIG and 180º flexion of the knee was enhanced in KMRG by time. VO₂max (KMRG, UIG>CG), 60º extension (KMRG>CG), and flexion of the knee (KMRG>UIG, CG), 180º extension (KMRG>CG), and flexion (KMRG>CG) of the knee showed significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS We developed the usage of the KMR theory and scientific evidence. The KFFP-m was effective in either using KMR and UIT but KMR was more efficient than UIT. Next, we will evaluate the effect of other programs in other subjects.