Comparable Levels of Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Firefighters From Two Midwest Fire Departments.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to objectively assess if firefighters are meeting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association physical activity (PA) guidelines. METHODS: Two independent fire departments from the Midwest participated in the study. Firefighters wore an accelerometer to track PA and associated intensities. In addition, firefighters completed a stage-graded exercise test TO determine their maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O 2max ). RESULTS: A total of 43 career firefighters completed the study (fire department 1 [FD1] n = 29, FD2 n = 14). Almost half (44.8% FD1 and 42.9% FD2) met the NFPA CRF guidelines. Compared with the American College of Sports Medicine PA Guidelines of 30 min/d of moderate-to-vigorous PA, more than half of FD2 (57.1%) met the recommended amount of PA, whereas FD1 had less than half (48.3%). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the need to improve firefighters' PA levels, CRF, and overall health.