Examination of a new functional firefighter fitness test.

This study compares the demands of a new firefighting-specific tasks test, with an existing laboratory test Thirty-five male subjects were tested. In both tests, the subjects wore a complete firefighting outfit including a breathing apparatus, but not the usual facemask. Test durations were 8 min (existing test) vs ≈ 10 min (new test). Peak oxygen uptake was similar in the tests, ≈ 45 ml × kg-1 × min-1. Time with an oxygen uptake above 35 ml × kg-1 × min-1 was longer in the new test, 6.4 vs 4.7 min. The results suggest that the new test is as demanding as the traditional test and offers the advantages of being more specific. The new test could therefore serve as an alternative to the existing test. Based on regression analysis of the two tests, a pass/fail time of 10 min 30 s is suggested. PMID: 31216951 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics - Category: Occupational Health Tags: Int J Occup Saf Ergon Source Type: research