A retrospective evaluation of physical fitness maintenance in members of a southeastern US city professional firefighting department Online publication date: Fri, 15-Oct-2021
by Cody E. Morris; Danilo V. Tolusso; Scott W. Arnett
International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE), Vol. 8, No. 3, 2021
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess and track the annual physical fitness performance of the members of a professional firefighting department. As part of the annual health and fitness testing (data from 2002-2017), 153 firefighters had their physical fitness evaluated using standardised and recommended protocols published by the International Association of Fire Fighters. Handgrip strength performance exhibited a significant decline from baseline (p < .05). Static arm pull and static leg pull performance as well as flexibility were slightly improved and largely able to be maintained throughout the length of the study (p > .05) until the final years (p < .05). Neither push-up nor plank hold performance significantly changed from baseline (p > .05). Based on these findings, the proposed 30-minute exercise requirement does not appear to provide a stimulus to offset declines in all fitness variables.
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