Nuno Lajoso-Silva1, Pedro Bezerra, Bruno Silva, José Maria Cancela Carral. 1. Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Higher School of Sports and Leisure, Melgaço (Ms Lajoso-Silva, Dr Bezerra, Dr Silva); Faculty of Educational Sciences & Sports Sciences, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain (Ms Lajoso-Silva, Dr Cancela Carral); Research Center in Sports Sciences Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, Vila Real (Dr Bezerra, Dr Silva), Portugal.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of specific functional training (FT) with and without personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), on firefighters (FFs) physical fitness condition. METHODS: Sixty FFs run a 24 weeks intervention, divided into three groups (EG1 training with PPE+SCBA; EG2 training with regular equipment, and Control Group). FFs anthropometric and physical fitness (PF) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the training groups and control group. Both training groups interventions were effective in improving PF and lean mass. However, EG1 presented a higher percentage of improvement. CONCLUSION: This 24-week FT intervention improved participants' muscle strength, endurance, and power, and it led to increases in lean body mass. Regularly FT with PPE+SCBA helps FFs maintain a healthy general physical condition and develop optimum fitness levels related to firefighting specific tasks, specially torso muscular endurance.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of specific functional training (FT) with and without personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), on firefighters (FFs) physical fitness condition. METHODS: Sixty FFs run a 24 weeks intervention, divided into three groups (EG1 training with PPE+SCBA; EG2 training with regular equipment, and Control Group). FFs anthropometric and physical fitness (PF) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the training groups and control group. Both training groups interventions were effective in improving PF and lean mass. However, EG1 presented a higher percentage of improvement. CONCLUSION: This 24-week FT intervention improved participants' muscle strength, endurance, and power, and it led to increases in lean body mass. Regularly FT with PPE+SCBA helps FFs maintain a healthy general physical condition and develop optimum fitness levels related to firefighting specific tasks, specially torso muscular endurance.
Authors: Bernardo N Ide; Amanda P Silvatti; Moacir Marocolo; Clarcson P C Santos; Bruno V C Silva; Dustin J Oranchuk; Gustavo R Mota Journal: Front Sports Act Living Date: 2022-01-13