A Field Exercise-Physiological Examination of Fire-fighters Trained for Specific Tasks

Jenõ Malomsoki*, György Téglássy*, Miklós Otos, Péter Bõhm, János Nyulasi and Csaba Makrai

* National Institute for Sports Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
ATOMIX Kft. Paks, Hungary
 
Corresponding author: Prof.  Jenõ Malomsoki, Ph.D
National Institute for Sports Medicine
1123. Budapest, Alkotás u. 48. Hungary
Phone: (+36) 1 156 2122
FAX: (+36) 1 175 3292

CEJOEM 1997, 3:231-241


Key words:
Fire-fighters, exercise physiology, physical fitness, protective clothing, blood lactate, heart rate, performance, life-style, training

Abbreviations:
BMI = Body Mass Index [body mass in kg/(height in meters)2]
RR = Blood pressure (mmHg)
SCBA = positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus with face mask
T1 = test#1 at submaximal running speed
T2 = test#2 at maximal running speed
T3 = test#3 at maximal running speed in protective clothing


Abstract:
The examination aimed at characterizing the fire-fighters’ physical condition, within which the authors examined the fire-fighters’ build with some anthropometric variables, risk factors, their physical performance and data that describe physical fitness as well as the change in the physical fitness as a result of regular physical exercise.
    47 fire-fighters were examined three times and underwent three types of exercise tests within a time frame of 15 months. After the initial evaluation a participatory life-style intervention program was introduced which consisted of regular physical exercise including tasks with ‘medicine ball’, ball games and occasional running exercises. The physical condition was monitored and after each session a verbal evaluation and a thorough discussion was done.
    The fire-fighters’ physical fitness was assessed by a two-step running test while wearing training suits and shoes. During the running test 30 m running bouts were performed 15 times at a comfortable speed (T1) and at maximal possible speed (T2). In order to simulate their special working conditions in an additional test the subjects wore their protective clothing (i.e. helmets, heat reflecting clothing with boots and a positive pressure self contained breathing apparatus with face mask for complete respiratory protection (T3). The physical fitness was characterized by the heart rate and the blood lactate level proved to have significantly improved during the 15 months period.
    A relatively high percentage of the participants had an overweight with a BMI higher than 27 (19–28 %). As a result of regular physical exercise the performance and the physical fitness improved in about half of the participants as indicated by the lower heart rate and blood lactate increase during exercise tests done after training. The exercise in the protective clothing proved to be very strenous: exercise physiological parameters reached and in certain cases even exceeded the estimated age-predicted maximum values.
    Their life-style also changed advantageously: the number of daily smoked cigarettes per person decreased from 6.77 to 2.45. Although the total cholesterol levels did not change significantly, the HDL-cholesterol levels increased from 1.01±0.01 to 1.26±0.11 mmol/l (P<0.05).
    The study has shown that the physical condition of the fire-fighters can be improved by an adequately conducted regular physical exercise on a participatory basis and life-style interventions.
Received: 21 May 1997
Accepted: 14 August 1997

Posted: 25 November 1998

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