Tina L Skinner1, Vincent G Kelly2, Alexander N Boytar3, Gmee Geeske Peeters4, Steven B Rynne3. 1. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Australia. Electronic address: t.skinner@uq.edu.au. 2. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Australia; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Australia. 3. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Australia. 4. Trinity College Dublin, Global Brain Health Institute, Ireland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Aviation Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) require physical fitness specific to the aviation environment. This study aims to determine the physical fitness of ARFF and predictors of performance on ARFF-specific tasks from laboratory-based fitness measures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. METHODS: Forty-two male ARFF (mean±SD; age 38.4±7.6 years, body mass index 26.2±2.2kgm-2) completed a physical fitness testing battery, comprising maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max), lactate threshold, anaerobic power, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (3 repetition maximum (3RM) bench and leg press) and muscular endurance (maximum curl ups and push ups) under controlled laboratory conditions. On a separate occasion, ARFF completed timed work-related tasks including a hose drag, dummy drag, Stihl saw hold, stair climb and simulated ARFF emergency protocol. RESULTS: All participants finished the simulated ARFF emergency protocol under the criterion time (5min 50s); the average completion time was 4min and 31s. Performance time on the simulated ARFF emergency protocol was inversely correlated to V˙O2max (r=-0.514; p<0.001), anaerobic step test performance (r=-0.549; p<0.001), height (r=-0.325; p=0.038) and lean mass (r=-0.429; p=0.005). Higher fat mass (r=0.318; p=0.043) and % body fat (r=0.481; p=0.001) were associated with slower performance time. Muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility were not related to performance on the simulated ARFF emergency protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as body composition are the strongest predictors of simulated ARFF emergency protocol performance. This study highlights the importance of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, compared to muscular strength or muscular endurance, for ARFF job-specific performance, employment and training.
OBJECTIVES: Aviation Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) require physical fitness specific to the aviation environment. This study aims to determine the physical fitness of ARFF and predictors of performance on ARFF-specific tasks from laboratory-based fitness measures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. METHODS: Forty-two male ARFF (mean±SD; age 38.4±7.6 years, body mass index 26.2±2.2kgm-2) completed a physical fitness testing battery, comprising maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max), lactate threshold, anaerobic power, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (3 repetition maximum (3RM) bench and leg press) and muscular endurance (maximum curl ups and push ups) under controlled laboratory conditions. On a separate occasion, ARFF completed timed work-related tasks including a hose drag, dummy drag, Stihl saw hold, stair climb and simulated ARFF emergency protocol. RESULTS: All participants finished the simulated ARFF emergency protocol under the criterion time (5min 50s); the average completion time was 4min and 31s. Performance time on the simulated ARFF emergency protocol was inversely correlated to V˙O2max (r=-0.514; p<0.001), anaerobic step test performance (r=-0.549; p<0.001), height (r=-0.325; p=0.038) and lean mass (r=-0.429; p=0.005). Higher fat mass (r=0.318; p=0.043) and % body fat (r=0.481; p=0.001) were associated with slower performance time. Muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility were not related to performance on the simulated ARFF emergency protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as body composition are the strongest predictors of simulated ARFF emergency protocol performance. This study highlights the importance of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, compared to muscular strength or muscular endurance, for ARFF job-specific performance, employment and training.
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