Hayden K Giuliani1, Gena R Gerstner, Jacob A Mota, Eric D Ryan. 1. Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science (Ms Giuliani, Mr Mota, Dr Ryan); Human Movement Science Curriculum (Ms Giuliani, Mr Mota, Dr Ryan), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia (Dr Gerstner).
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding how individual characteristics and changes in muscle strength across a shift cycle are associated with the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale in career firefighters. METHODS: Thirty-two career firefighters completed lower body maximal strength testing prior to and following three 24-hour on-off shifts. Demographic data were collected prior to the first shift and the OFER15 questionnaire was completed following the last shift. RESULTS: Increased age was associated with greater acute and chronic fatigue and poorer recovery. A positive percent change in strength following a shift cycle was related to better recovery. Age was the only significant predictor of acute and chronic fatigue, while age and the change in strength were significant predictors of inter-shift recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Increased age influences all dimensions of work-related fatigue, with changes in muscle strength influencing inter-shift recovery in career firefighters.
OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding how individual characteristics and changes in muscle strength across a shift cycle are associated with the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale in career firefighters. METHODS: Thirty-two career firefighters completed lower body maximal strength testing prior to and following three 24-hour on-off shifts. Demographic data were collected prior to the first shift and the OFER15 questionnaire was completed following the last shift. RESULTS: Increased age was associated with greater acute and chronic fatigue and poorer recovery. A positive percent change in strength following a shift cycle was related to better recovery. Age was the only significant predictor of acute and chronic fatigue, while age and the change in strength were significant predictors of inter-shift recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Increased age influences all dimensions of work-related fatigue, with changes in muscle strength influencing inter-shift recovery in career firefighters.