Evaluation of the relationship between occupational-specific task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

BMC Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(1)

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Abstract Introduction Firefighters are required to perform physically strenuous tasks such as hose drags, victim rescues, forcible entries and stair climbs complete their public safety mission. Occupational-specific often used evaluate the ability of firefighters adequately/safely duties. Depending on regions, occupational-specific include six eight individual tasks, which emphasize distinct aspects physical fitness, while also requiring different levels cardiovascular (CVH) musculoskeletal health (MSH). Therefore, aim this study was relationship between specific occupational task performance measures health. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 282 full-time male female were recruited. A researcher-generated questionnaire collect data sociodemographic characteristics, CVH, MSH weekly activity habits. Physical fitness performance. Results Absolute cardiorespiratory (abV̇O2max), grip strength, leg push-ups, sit-ups lean body mass (all p < 0.001) had an inverse association with completion times all tasks. Age positively related 0.05). Higher heart rate variability (HRV) associated better Bodyfat percentage (BF%) diastolic blood pressure step-up ( Lower back injury (LoBMSI), discomfort (MSD), lower limb MSD decreased odds passing step-up. Upper MSIs (UBMSI), LoBMSIs rescue drag. Conclusion that taller, leaner, stronger fitter more favourable CVH profile, higher HRV less performed best

Language: Английский

---

Association between Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Firefighters

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(11), P. 5930 - 5930

Published: May 23, 2023

Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fitness cardiovascular health (CVH) firefighters. This cross-sectional systematically recruited 309 full-time male female firefighters ages 20 65 years Cape Town, South Africa. Physical assessed using absolute (abV̇O2max) relative oxygen consumption (relVO2max), grip leg strength, push-ups sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), glucose, lipid profile, index, fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference. Linear regressions logistic were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max associated with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic non-fasting glucose total cholesterol = 0.037). Poor index negatively relV̇O2max strength 0.019), 0.012). Furthermore, age inversely V̇O2max push-up sit-up capacity 0.001). BF% abV̇O2max 0.008), sit-ups LBM Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance significantly a better overall profile.

Language: Английский

---

The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and firefighter occupational performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis examining absolute versus relative VO _2max

Ergonomics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 18

Published: March 17, 2025

Unequivocally greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is beneficial for performing firefighting occupational tasks (OTs); however, the contribution of absolute vs. relative VO2max with OT performance warrants further study. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared relationship between OTs. Studies included career, volunteer, firefighter recruits examined association CRF measures performance. Thirty-two studies were identified 19 incorporating an circuit simulated OTs such as stair climbing, carrying equipment, victim rescue, forcible entry, search tasks. The pooled correlations r̅ =–0.64 (95%CI: [–0.69,–0.58]) = −0.75 [−0.88, −0.62]), respectively. findings support importance CRF, particularly VO2max, effective Absolute likely has a stronger firefighters' functional work rate during operations, reflecting demands

Language: Английский

---

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

Work, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 3, 2025

Background: Firefighting's physically demanding and hazardous nature requires firefighters to maintain optimal cardiometabolic musculoskeletal health. It is suspected that metabolic syndrome (MetS) may contribute significantly both sudden cardiac arrest debilitating injury in firefighters, however, there are no studies investigating this relation. Objective: The objective of study was investigate the relationship between MetS Musculoskeletal Health (MSH) Firefighters. Methods: Using systemic sampling, 309 were recruited participate. physical measures questionnaires, risk factors for assessed. MSH classified as injuries discomfort, assessed using Nordic Cornell discomfort questionnaires. Logistic multinomial regressions used assess variables. Results: associated with ( p = 0.026). Healthy experienced more than 0.045). Triglyceride blood glucose concentrations 0.038) 0.035). Multinomial regression indicated one, two three at increased odds 5.01, 2.40, 2.36 times healthy firefighters. Conclusion: This suggests health directly affect play a crucial role their overall well-being.

Language: Английский

---

Molecular study of vitamin D metabolism-related single nucleotide polymorphisms in cardiovascular risk: a case-control study

Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 16, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

Frontiers in Physiology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14

Published: July 4, 2023

Introduction: Firefighters are often placed in situations that require high levels of physical exertion, leading to significant strain on firefighters’ musculoskeletal system, predisposing them discomfort (MSD) and/or injury (MSI). Physical fitness programs recommended and justified, part, prevent injuries. The aim this study was determine the association between health (MSH) firefighters. Methods: A total 308 full-time firefighters took part conducted Cape Town, South Africa. tests encompassed a non-exercise estimation for cardiorespiratory fitness, grip leg strength upper lower body strength, push-ups sit-ups muscular endurance, sit-and-reach flexibility. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Cornell Discomfort were used MSIs MSD, respectively. p -value &lt;0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Every one-unit increase AbVO2max, push-ups, sit-ups, decreased odds reporting by 5% ( = 0.005), 3% 0.017), 0.006), 0.034), one repetition push-up capacity increased neck, elbow forearm, wrist hand, thigh 0.039), 4% 0.031), 0.002), 5%` 0.007), sit-up back 0.045) 7% 0.013), Conclusion: Maintenance is likely beneficial reducing MSIs, which, however, may feeling MSD In addition, it be noticed there an ideal level conducive reduction should studied further.

Language: Английский

---

Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Musculoskeletal Injuries in Firefighters of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service

The Open Public Health Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(1)

Published: May 3, 2024

Objective The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries is reported to be noticeably high amongst firefighters, which augments the dangers job and difficulties that firefighters must face daily. Therefore, this study aimed firstly determine characteristics (MSIs) discomfort (MSD) and, secondly, relationship between MSD MSIs in firefighters. Methods Using random systematic sampling, 309 from City Cape Town Fire Rescue Service were recruited participate. A researcher-generated questionnaire was used retrieve data on discomfort. Data analysed using T-tests, Cochran-Armitage trend test, Jonckheere-Terpstra Binary logistic regression. p-value less than 0.05 indicate statistical significance. Results Male (p = 0.036) older (p<0.001) with more years experience 0.002) most likely report a injury. Falls, jumps, slips, trips common (39.7%), often occurred fireground (41.1%). Most (73.3%) experiencing 1-2 times week moderate (60.1%) severity interfered slightly their ability work (58.2%). Multivariable analysis showed age groups 40-49 50-65 rank station commander increased risk for by factor 2.39, 2.67, 3.83, respectively. In addition, associated an increase likelihood reporting <0.001). Conclusion Older male service MSIs. Regular physical activity training should implemented fitness duty reduce

Language: Английский

---

Effect of a Nutrition Intervention on Mediterranean Diet Adherence Among Firefighters

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(8), P. e2329147 - e2329147

Published: Aug. 17, 2023

US firefighters are a working population at risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This may be mitigated by healthy diet.To evaluate the effect Mediterranean nutrition intervention using behavioral/environmental approach (firefighter/fire station/home) individual participant level.This 12-month cluster randomized clinical trial included career from fire stations homes within 2 Indiana departments. Participants were station to either diet or control (usual care). The study was conducted October 2016 December 2019, data analyzed in November 2022.For first 12 months study, located group provided with access supermarket discounts free samples foods, online education platforms, email announcements reminders, family peer support, chef demonstrations. Firefighters allocated received no instructed follow their usual diet.Change dietary habits as measured modified score (range, 0 51 points) baseline 6-month follow-up. Cardiometabolic parameters secondary outcomes.Of 485 firefighters, 458 (94.4%) male, mean (SD) age 47 (7.5) years. A total 241 (27 stations) intervention, 244 (25 diet. Outcomes generalized linear mixed models for 6 (n = 336) 260), adjusting age, sex, race ethnicity, department, physical activity, waist circumference. In compared group, significantly increased 2.01 points (95% CI, 0.62-3.40; P .005) 2.67 1.14-4.20; .001) months. Among outcomes, changes cardiometabolic factors not statistically significant 1 year. Results analyses multilevel multiple imputation missingness similar.In this multicomponent changes, had adherence diet.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02941757.

Language: Английский

---

Association between Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health in Firefighters

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 65(7), P. e496 - e505

Published: May 3, 2023

Objective The aim of the study is to determine association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and musculoskeletal in firefighters. Methods This cross-sectional involved 309 full-time firefighters aged 20 65 years. Cardiovascular encompassed disease risk factors, scores, CVH metrics, heart rate variability. Musculoskeletal was assessed using two validated questionnaires. Results Increasing age ( P = 0.004), body mass index < 0.001), fat percentage diastolic blood pressure 0.003), total cholesterol 0.006), Framingham score 0.011) increased reporting injuries (MSIs). Obesity 0.018), hypertension 0.034), dyslipidemia 0.005) MSIs. discomfort associated with 0.0.34) low-density lipoprotein 0.014). Conclusions Adverse profile MSIs Firefighters should maintain an ideal profile, especially as they age.

Language: Английский

---

Assessing the relationship between energy-related methane emissions and the burden of cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study of 73 countries

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: Aug. 19, 2023

Abstract The energy industry significantly contributes to anthropogenic methane emissions, which add global warming and have been linked an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aims evaluate the relationship between energy-related emissions burden CVD, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), 2019. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis datasets from 73 countries across all continents. analyzed included information 2019 on environmental DALYs due CVD. age-standardized prevalence obesity adults expectancy at birth were retrieved. variables interest was evaluated using multiple linear regression models. In model, we observed positive association log-transformed count related Specifically, for each unit increase CVD by 0.06% (95% CI 0.03–0.09%, p < 0.001). suggests that reducing could improve public health those Policymakers can use these findings develop strategies reduce protect health.

Language: Английский

---