The relationship between physical fitness and occupational injury in emergency responders: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Emergency responders have jobs with physical demands that put them at risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Objectives: This paper systematically reviews existing literature examining the relationship between fitness and occupational injury in this group.

Methods: Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted using key words relating to musculoskeletal injury, fitness, and emergency responders.

Results: Eleven articles included in the review provided limited evidence for the relationship between physical fitness test scores and injury risk. There appears to be a correlation between better aerobic fitness and decreased risk of injury.

Conclusions: Evidence of the relationship between aspects of physical fitness and occupational injury in emergency responders is extremely limited. More research is required to expand the knowledge in this area and to draw more definitive conclusions.

Keywords: emergency medical technician; firefighter; fitness; injury; musculoskeletal; paramedic; police.