Body Composition and Fitness Characteristics of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program: Relationships and Descriptive Data

Abstract

This study investigated body composition and fitness test relationships from firefighters participating in a health and wellness program and categorized firefighters according to population norms relative to sex and age. Data from 270 firefighters (men = 258, women = 12) were analyzed, including body composition (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [BF%], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-hip ratio) and fitness (sit-and-reach, grip strength, leg press, crunches, push-ups, maximal aerobic capacity [V̇O2max]) tests. Mann–Whitney U-test analysis (p < 0.05) showed that male firefighters had a greater WC, WHR, grip strength and leg press. Female firefighters had a greater BF% and better sit-and-reach. Partial correlations controlling for sex indicated 22/24 correlations between body composition and fitness were significant (r = −0.143–−0.640). ~52% of firefighters were overweight, and 25% were Obesity Class I-III. ~76% had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) considering BMI and WC. ~22% were fatter than average-to-overfat considering BF%. Most firefighters (73–94%) were good-to-excellent in sit-and-reach, grip strength, and push-ups; average-to-well above average in crunches; average-to-above average in leg press; and had good-to-superior V̇O2max. Although most firefighters had better fitness compared to the general population, many had increased CVD risk. The data highlighted the need for comprehensive approaches to improving firefighter health and decreasing CVD risk.

Validity of Heart Rate Derived Core Temperature Estimation During Simulated Firefighting Tasks

“…The present investigation has demonstrated that the Equivital and Black Ghost software is an accurate, noninvasive, and safe method of estimating core body temperature in healthy young adults. Future investigations should ensure adequate age diversity within their samples to improve the generalizability of these ndings considering the diverse age, tness, and health characteristics of current United States re ghters [52]. We believe a strength of the present investigation is the representation of females in re ghter research and encourage future investigations to continue this effort to maintain representation and rigor proposed by the National Health Institute [53].…”

A Description of Exercise Programs Implemented During a Firefighter Training Academy

“…Increased BF% and BM index have been associated with lower physical fitness 55 and increased risk for cardiovascular disease 56 in firefighting populations. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, BF%, BM, FM, chest skinfold girth, and thigh skinfold girth did not significantly change during the training academy.…”

Age-Related Differences in Body Fat and Fitness of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program

“…Grip Strength. Grip strength was measured by means of a handgrip dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument, Lafayette, IN) using procedures previously described in the literature (1), which have also been adopted in first responder fitness testing (28)(29)(30)(31). The handle was set to the middle phalanx of the middle finger positioned straight across the front of the handle.…”

“…Leg Press. A plate-loaded 45°leg press machine (Cybex, Owatonna, MN) was used to perform a 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test to measure lower-body strength (31,40). Department-specific procedures were used for this test within the health and wellness program (31).…”