Deborah L Feairheller1. 1. The HEART (Hypertension and Endothelial function with Aerobic and Resistance Training) Laboratory, Department of Health & Exercise Physiology, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are global health problems and are a large concern for firefighters. The leading cause of death among firefighters is cardiac-related; hence, it is important to understand how firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) affects cardiovascular responses to different activities. Volunteer firefighters represent 70% of all firefighters and are an understudied population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report blood pressure (BP) responses in volunteer firefighters. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-six male, nonsmoking volunteer firefighters (27.8±9.7 years) underwent two maximal treadmill tests within 2 weeks, one in regular gym clothes and one in PPE. We found that while wearing PPE, which weighs 54.2±3.5 lbs, BP responses are exaggerated during work and in recovery. Systolic BP and heart rate were significantly (P<0.05) higher at each submaximal stage and during active recovery of the PPE test compared with the regular clothing test (15-23 mmHg and 20-34 bpm higher, respectively). Test time and VO2 max were lower in the PPE test (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BP responses are exaggerated while wearing full fire protective gear and remain elevated during recovery. Awareness of how firefighting activities affect BP is important; so future studies should examine how the BP increase relates to resting BP levels, to PPE weight, and to the thermal effects of the PPE.
BACKGROUND:Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are global health problems and are a large concern for firefighters. The leading cause of death among firefighters is cardiac-related; hence, it is important to understand how firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) affects cardiovascular responses to different activities. Volunteer firefighters represent 70% of all firefighters and are an understudied population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report blood pressure (BP) responses in volunteer firefighters. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-six male, nonsmoking volunteer firefighters (27.8±9.7 years) underwent two maximal treadmill tests within 2 weeks, one in regular gym clothes and one in PPE. We found that while wearing PPE, which weighs 54.2±3.5 lbs, BP responses are exaggerated during work and in recovery. Systolic BP and heart rate were significantly (P<0.05) higher at each submaximal stage and during active recovery of the PPE test compared with the regular clothing test (15-23 mmHg and 20-34 bpm higher, respectively). Test time and VO2 max were lower in the PPE test (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BP responses are exaggerated while wearing full fire protective gear and remain elevated during recovery. Awareness of how firefighting activities affect BP is important; so future studies should examine how the BP increase relates to resting BP levels, to PPE weight, and to the thermal effects of the PPE.
Authors: Quincy R Johnson; Jonathan D Goatcher; Cody Diehl; Robert G Lockie; Robin M Orr; Brent Alvar; Doug B Smith; J Jay Dawes Journal: Int J Exerc Sci Date: 2020-02-01
Authors: Allyson K Getty; Tia R Wisdo; Lauren N Chavis; Cassandra C Derella; Kelly C McLaughlin; Avery N Perez; William T DiCiurcio; Meaghan Corbin; Deborah L Feairheller Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2018-02-27
Authors: Jaron Ras; Andre P Kengne; Denise L Smith; Elpidoforos S Soteriades; Rucia V November; Lloyd Leach Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-21 Impact factor: 4.614