JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Exercise is beneficial in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, but infrequent physical activity is common among firefighters. One means of improving overall health and fitness in firefighters is through the implementation of occupational fitness programs.

Objective:

This mixed-methods pilot study paired clinical and performance outcomes with firefighters’ qualitative feedback of an occupational exercise training program.

Methods:

Firefighters completed a 14 week occupational exercise training program with assessments conducted pre and post training. Clinical outcomes included weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percent, and resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Performance outcomes included the Sharpened Romberg Balance Test, 1-RM leg press and bench press, graded exercise test (estimated VO2max), knee range of motion (ROM), and shoulder and hamstring flexibility. Self-administered surveys (Short Form-36, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale, and Barriers to Being Active Quiz) were completed. Three private focus groups of 3-4 participants explored firefighters experience in the training program and their health behaviors.

Results:

Fourteen male (36.4 ± 2.6 years old) firefighters completed 20 training session. There were no significant changes to weight, BMI, body fat percent, SBP, estimated VO2max, balance, knee ROM, or hamstring flexibility. There was a significant decrease in DBP (p<0.05) and increase in shoulder flexibility (p < 0.001) and leg press 1-RM volume (p<0.05). Participants reported improvements in overall health, endurance, flexibility, and mood as well as improvements to team environment and health behaviors around the station; however, there was a decline in overcoming barriers to physical activity.

Conclusions:

Fourteen weeks of exercise training in firefighters elicited improvements in clinical, performance, and self-reported physical activity outcomes. This occupational exercise training program for firefighters increased time spent exercising, improved team building, and led to physical and mental health benefits. Results from this pilot study set a broad, informed, and meaningful foundation for future efforts to improve clinical and performance outcomes in firefighters.