Body Composition and Fitness Characteristics of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program: Relationships and Descriptive Data

Robert G. Lockie (), Joseph M. Dulla, Daniel Higuera, Kristina A. Ross, Robin M. Orr, J. Jay Dawes and Tomas J. Ruvalcaba
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Robert G. Lockie: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA
Joseph M. Dulla: Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4229, Australia
Daniel Higuera: Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
Kristina A. Ross: Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
Robin M. Orr: Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4229, Australia
J. Jay Dawes: Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
Tomas J. Ruvalcaba: Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-18

Abstract: This study investigated body composition and fitness test relationships from firefighters participating in a health and wellness program and categorized firefighters according to population norms relative to sex and age. Data from 270 firefighters (men = 258, women = 12) were analyzed, including body composition (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [BF%], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-hip ratio) and fitness (sit-and-reach, grip strength, leg press, crunches, push-ups, maximal aerobic capacity [V̇O 2max ]) tests. Mann–Whitney U-test analysis ( p < 0.05) showed that male firefighters had a greater WC, WHR, grip strength and leg press. Female firefighters had a greater BF% and better sit-and-reach. Partial correlations controlling for sex indicated 22/24 correlations between body composition and fitness were significant ( r = −0.143–−0.640). ~52% of firefighters were overweight, and 25% were Obesity Class I-III. ~76% had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) considering BMI and WC. ~22% were fatter than average-to-overfat considering BF%. Most firefighters (73–94%) were good-to-excellent in sit-and-reach, grip strength, and push-ups; average-to-well above average in crunches; average-to-above average in leg press; and had good-to-superior V̇O 2max . Although most firefighters had better fitness compared to the general population, many had increased CVD risk. The data highlighted the need for comprehensive approaches to improving firefighter health and decreasing CVD risk.

Keywords: body composition; cardiovascular disease; first responders; flexibility; maximal aerobic capacity; muscular endurance; muscular strength; tactical; waist circumference; waist-to-hip ratio (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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