Physiological demands and physical performance determinants of a new firefighting simulation test

Abstract

The study aimed to examine physiological responses of firefighters performing a firefighting simulation test (FST) and to determine the relationship between physical fitness parameters and FST performance. Aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and anaerobic capabilities were evaluated in 37 firefighters (21-profesionals and 16-volunteers firefighters). Furthermore, participants carried out the FST during which we measured performance, respiratory gas exchange, heart rate (HR), perceived exertion and blood lactate concentrations. Males were significantly faster than females for all tasks of the FST (p < 0.01); however, final performance score (16.5 ± 2.9 and 14.5 ± 2.6 points for males and females, respectively), HR (94.0 ± 2.0% and 93.7 ± 2.3% of HR_max) and perceived exertion (8.1 ± 0.9 and 7.1 ± 1.3) were not significantly different. Prediction of FST performance by LASSO regression revealed a model that included mainly aerobic capacity and maximal strength. In conclusion, FST challenged both aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolisms for both males and females and requires various physiological abilities to perform. Practitioner Summary: For the safety of firefighters and victims, firefighters must meet minimum physical requirements. 37 firefighters performed physical tests and a new firefighting test implemented for the recruitment of firefighters in France. The results revealed that this test is strenuous and that performance is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength. Abbreviations: V̇O₂: oxygen consumption; V̇CO₂: carbon dioxyde production; V̇_E: expired ventilation; RER: respiratory exchange ratio; FST: firefighting simulation test; MAS: maximal aerobic speed; HR: heart rate; RPE: rating of perceived exertion; MVC: maximum voluntary contraction; IMTP: isometric mid-thigh pull; TTE: time to exhaustion; P_peak: peak power; P_mean: mean power; LASSO: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator; La-: blood lactate concentration.

Keywords: Firefighter; gender; performance prediction; physical employment standards; physiological demands.