Physiological demands and physical performance determinants of a new firefighting simulation test

Marcel-Millet, Philémon; Cassirame, Johan; Eon, Pauline; Williams-Bell, F. Michael; Gimenez, Philippe; Grosprêtre, Sidney

doi:10.1080/00140139.2023.2177354

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…We further hypothesized that estimated VO 2 max would be significantly correlated to sFSA performance. Both hypotheses were supported by our findings and are consistent with previously reported research [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Skinner et al [ 28 ] observed that in a cohort of aviation rescue firefighters, performance time on a simulated aviation rescue emergency protocol was inversely correlated to VO 2 max.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

“…Skinner et al [ 28 ] observed that in a cohort of aviation rescue firefighters, performance time on a simulated aviation rescue emergency protocol was inversely correlated to VO 2 max. This was also something reported by Marcel-Millet et al [ 29 ], who observed that aerobic capacity and maximal strength were the strongest predictors of sFSA performance. In fact, the higher performers of sFSAs within the current study, on average, had higher cardiovascular fitness (as determined by estimated VO 2 max).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

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Relationship between Simulated Fire Suppression Activities and Acute Cardiac and Respiratory Events in Firefighters

Kollock,

Hale,

Fulk

et al. 2024

JFMK

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Cardiac deaths account for the largest share of on-duty firefighter deaths. To help ensure duty fitness and minimize injury risk, many fire departments require the passing of an annual physical ability test, consisting of a battery of simulated fire suppression activities (sFSAs). The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of sFSA performance to acute cardiac and respiratory events (ACREs) and the effect that estimated VO2max has on sFSA performance. The study was retrospective. As part of an annual physical ability test, five timed sFSAs were performed, summed for a composite time, and categorized into three performance levels (fast, moderate, and slow). Estimated VO2max was determined using the Forestry Step Test. A significant (p = 0.023) linear trend was observed with higher sFSA performance times being associated with a higher proportion of firefighters going on to suffer an ACRE. The estimated VO2max was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the fast group compared to the slow group. There was not a significant (p = 0.70) difference in estimated VO2max between the moderate and slow groups. Estimated VO2max performance and sFSA performance were significantly correlated, with rs(488) = −0.272 and p < 0.001. Poorer sFSA performance was found to be associated with a higher proportion of ACREs. The results suggest that sFSA performance may be a valid indicator of ACRE injury risk and aerobic capacity.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Relationship between Simulated Fire Suppression Activities and Acute Cardiac and Respiratory Events in Firefighters

Kollock,

Hale,

Fulk

et al. 2024

JFMK

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The effect sizes were also large at each of the elevation points indicating the practical significance of these time differences between the groups. Considering other studies have demonstrated the relationship between task performance and CRF, 9,10,39 this outcome is not unexpected. However, these results quantify the difference in task performances between the LF and HF groups during a highly physically demanding and protracted simulated incident providing potentially valuable insight into the impact of substandard levels of CRF on the fireground.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

“…1,2 Such tasks require that workers possess appropriate levels of physical fitness to undertake this work safely and effectively. Numerous studies have demonstrated that greater amounts of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), [3][4][5][6][7] muscular strength and endurance, 4,[7][8][9][10][11] and anaerobic power [5][6][7]10,12 are associated with improved firefighting performance. Consequently, minimum physical employment standards (PES) and associated tests are often mandated by employers to ensure the initial and ongoing (ie, annual) physical fitness of operational personnel.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level on Physiological Responses and Task Performance During a High-Rise Firefighting Task

Stevenson,

Warwick,

Bilzon

2024

J Occup Environ Med

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Objectives To determine the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on physiological and performance outcomes during a 120-m vertical high-rise ascent in firefighters with CRF levels at or above (higher-fit (HF)) and below (lower-fit (LF)) the national recommended minimum physical employment standard ( O2max 42.3 ml·kg-1·min-1). Methods Twenty-eight firefighters completed two high-rise firefighting trials (continuous and discontinuous ascent with pre-determined 1-min rest breaks). Task time (TT), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), core body temperature (CT) and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded at predetermined elevations. Results TT was significantly longer in both trials for the LF group. RPE and TC were also significantly higher in the LF group, with three times more LF firefighters being unable to complete the ascent without sounding their low-air alarm. Conclusions Higher CRF improves performance and efficiency during stair-climbing in simulated high-rise firefighting tasks.

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“…Previous research has established that excessive load placed on the firefighters can result in physiological burdens [22][23][24][25]. In addition, studies have been conducted to examine the impact of personal protective clothing and breathing apparatus on various physiological indicators (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, peak exercise) in firefighters [26][27][28]. In comparison to professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters in China often do not undergo standardized fitness and strength training.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of positive-pressure breathing apparatus on muscle fatigue of volunteer firefighter

Hu,

Wang,

Ouyang

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Muscle fatigue is one of the leading causes that contributes tremendously to injuries among volunteer firefighters in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of positive-pressure breathing apparatus on muscle fatigue in the shoulder, back, and legs of volunteer firefighters. A total of 60 volunteer firefighters were recruited to perform a running task on a motorized treadmill in a controlled laboratory environment. Surface electromyography and rating of perceived exertion scores were collected from all participants every 60 seconds during the running task. Results show that the median frequency values for all measured muscle groups were significantly lower, and the rating of perceived exertion score was significantly higher after running with the positive-pressure breathing apparatus. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the median frequency values for the upper trapezius, erector spinae, and biceps femoris between the initial and final periods of running task without load. However, the median frequency values with load for gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior exhibited a greater downward trend compared to those without load. Additionally, using a breathing apparatus can cause asymmetric muscle fatigue in bilateral upper trapezius, erector spinae, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles. The decreased performance due to muscle fatigue increases the risk of accidents, thereby posing a threat to the safety of volunteer firefighters. This study offers valuable insights into the effects of positive-pressure breathing apparatus on muscle fatigue among volunteer firefighters. These results may serve as a reference for developing improved fatigue management strategies and optimizing the design features of breathing apparatus.

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Physiological demands and physical performance determinants of a new firefighting simulation test

Cited by 4 publications

References 33 publications

Relationship between Simulated Fire Suppression Activities and Acute Cardiac and Respiratory Events in Firefighters

Relationship between Simulated Fire Suppression Activities and Acute Cardiac and Respiratory Events in Firefighters

Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level on Physiological Responses and Task Performance During a High-Rise Firefighting Task

The impact of positive-pressure breathing apparatus on muscle fatigue of volunteer firefighter

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