Related factors for preserving firefighter's pulmonary function

Abstract

Background Firefighters are constantly exposed to harmful substances in the respiratory tract and require management measures. We comprehensively compared factors affecting the lung function of firefighters to identify management measures that can reduce the deterioration of lung function. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,108 male firefighters. Subjects were surveyed with self-written questionnaires that included a history of smoking, number of workouts per week, work department, and medical history, including diseases that could affect lung function. Body mass index was calculated using an automatic body measurement instrument and body fat, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and skeletal muscle mass were measured using Inbody 770. Based on the body weight obtained from body measurements, skeletal muscle mass height-adjusted skeletal muscle index (hSMI) compared to height was determined. For lung function, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV 1 /FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured using a spirometer HI-801. Analysis of variance and independent t-tests were performed for univariate analysis of factors that could affect lung function, and multiple regression analysis was performed for multivariate analysis. Results When the factors relating lung function were analyzed using regression analysis, FEV 1 was negatively correlated with age, body fat percentage, and duty year, positively with height and hSMI. FVC increased with height and hSMI, decreased with age, body fat percentage, and duty year. FEV 1 /FVC was related with age, height, body fat percentage and working history. Height and muscle mass were analyzed as related factors on PEF. When the analysis was conducted on firefighters who exercised more than 3 times a week, working history had lower relation with FEV 1 and body fat percentage had no relation with FEV 1 /FVC. Conclusion We suggest management measures to reduce body fat percentage and increase skeletal muscle mass to maintain lung function in firefighters.

Longitudinal lung function in urban firefighters: A group‐based multi‐trajectory modelling approach

“…An increased BMI changes chest wall mechanics, lowering operating lung volumes, vital capacity and promoting airway narrowing and closure 39 . Preserved spirometry in those with lower BMI is consistent with the evidence provided by previous longitudinal studies of firefighters 40,41 and non‐firefighters 42 . Unsurprisingly, the highest prevalence of self‐reported respiratory disease or symptoms at baseline was seen in the Stable Low Lung Function (18%) and Declining High Lung Function (15%) groups.…”

A 7-Month Multidisciplinary Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Effectively Improved Cardiometabolic Risk Profile of Firefighters

“…All measures were assessed in the morning. Participants were measured in a physical education uniform (light clothes) without shoes and were instructed not to consume food 4 hours, drink 2 hours, or coffee 24 hours before testing, and not perform physical training 24 hours before the test following protocol previously described 32–34 …”

“…Participants were measured in a physical education uniform (light clothes) without shoes and were instructed not to consume food 4 hours, drink 2 hours, or coffee 24 hours before testing, and not perform physical training 24 hours before the test following protocol previously described. [32][33][34] Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured by a cardiologist using an automated monitor, after 5 minutes of rest, with the subjects in a seated position and with both feet resting on the floor. 15 Blood pressure was reported as normal, <130/85 mmHg or elevated ≥130/85 mmHg.…”