Association between Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health in Firefighters

Ras, Jaron; Soteriades, Elpidoforos S.; Smith, Denise L.; Kengne, Andre P.; Leach, Lloyd

doi:10.1097/jom.0000000000002872

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 63 publications

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“…Second, there is a risk of skin injury due to burns and exposure to chemical substances [ 8 ]. Third, carrying equipment, performing rescues, and other physically challenging tasks lead to a high incidence of spine and joint disorders [ 9 ]. Finally, firefighters can experience heavy stress at accident sites, causing emotional problems such as depression, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Firefighters’ medical use and Korean Medicine experience in Korea: A qualitative study protocol

Ha,

Youn,

Han

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Introduction Firefighters, compared to other occupational groups, are exposed more frequently in their working environment not only to physical issues, such as musculoskeletal disease, respiratory disease, and burns but also to mental health issues, such as PTSD and depression. Specifically, Korean firefighters experience significantly higher rates of work-related injuries compared to those in other countries. Recent statistics from the Korea National Fire Agency indicate a steady increase in the number of firefighting work-related injuries. However, there is a shortage of measures in place to address these issues. This study aims to investigate the health needs, overall healthcare usage, and unmet needs of firefighters in Korea. We also aim to investigate, through in-depth interviews, perceptions and hindering factors for integrative medicine approaches to fulfilling unmet needs. Method This study was conducted in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Convenience and snowball sampling methods will be used to recruit firefighters to participate in the study, and interviews will be conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The data will be analyzed in four stages using the qualitative analysis method of Krippendorff. Discussion In this study, we examine the state of health issues and healthcare usage among Korean firefighters and investigate their perceptions of and needs for integrative medicine. In this way, we aim to explore how integrative medicine and Korean medicine approaches could improve and assist healthcare services for firefighters. Furthermore, our findings will provide policymakers and healthcare providers with the necessary basic information to develop integrative medicine systems suited to firefighters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Firefighters’ medical use and Korean Medicine experience in Korea: A qualitative study protocol

Ha,

Youn,

Han

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Physical Fitness in Firefighters in Cape Town, South Africa

Ras,

Grace

2024

J Occup Environ Med

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Objective To assess the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and physical fitness in firefighters. Methods Firefighters (n = 309) were systematically recruited to participate in this study. A questionnaire and physical measures were used to collect data on firefighters’ cardiometabolic health and physical fitness levels. Data were analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regressions. Results The prevalence of MetS was 23.0%, which was most prevalent in station and platoon commanders. Multivariable analysis showed that age (P < 0.001), lean body mass (P < 0.001), absolute aerobic capacity (P < 0.001), and leg strength (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with MetS. In addition, relative aerobic capacity (P < 0.001), push-ups (P = 0.016), and sit-ups (P < 0.001) were inversely associated with MetS. Conclusions Firefighters with MetS had a higher absolute aerobic capacity and strength, and healthier fighters had a higher relative aerobic capacity, muscular endurance capacity, and flexibility.

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Evaluation of the relationship between occupational-specific task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

Ras,

Soteriades,

Smith

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Introduction Firefighters are required to perform physically strenuous tasks such as hose drags, victim rescues, forcible entries and stair climbs to complete their public safety mission. Occupational-specific tasks are often used to evaluate the ability of firefighters to adequately/safely perform their duties. Depending on the regions, occupational-specific tasks include six to eight individual tasks, which emphasize distinct aspects of their physical fitness, while also requiring different levels of cardiovascular (CVH) and musculoskeletal health (MSH). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between specific occupational task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 282 full-time male and female firefighters were recruited. A researcher-generated questionnaire and physical measures were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, CVH, MSH and weekly physical activity habits. Physical measures were used to collect data on physical fitness and occupational-specific task performance. Results Absolute cardiorespiratory fitness (abV̇O2max), grip strength, leg strength, push-ups, sit-ups and lean body mass (all p < 0.001) had an inverse association with completion times on all occupational-specific tasks. Age was positively related to the performance of all tasks (all p < 0.05). Higher heart rate variability (HRV) was associated with better performance on all tasks (all p < 0.05). Bodyfat percentage (BF%) and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with the step-up task (p < 0.05). Lower back musculoskeletal injury (LoBMSI), musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), and lower limb MSD were associated with a decreased odds of passing the step-up. Upper body MSIs (UBMSI), LoBMSIs and Lower back MSD were associated with decreased odds of passing the rescue drag. Conclusion Firefighters that were taller, leaner, stronger and fitter with a more favourable CVH profile, higher HRV and less musculoskeletal discomfort performed best on all occupational-specific tasks.

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Association between Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health in Firefighters

Cited by 5 publications

References 63 publications

Firefighters’ medical use and Korean Medicine experience in Korea: A qualitative study protocol

Firefighters’ medical use and Korean Medicine experience in Korea: A qualitative study protocol

Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Physical Fitness in Firefighters in Cape Town, South Africa

Evaluation of the relationship between occupational-specific task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

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