Performance differences between males and females on simulated firefighting tasks

Abstract

Males and females were compared on several physical performance test items. The tests included five tasks used by the City of Chicago to select firefighters as well as four new test items that were designed to reflect recent changes in firefighting procedures. Sixty-two subjects (37 males, 25 females) 17-31 years of age were tested twice with 1 week intervening on a battery of tests that included measurements of body size and composition and the nine physical performance tests. Results indicated that the tests were reliable, but substantial improvement was observed on all items from the first test to the second test. Also, fatness was found to have a negative influence on physical tasks in which the body weight was translocated either vertically or horizontally; conversely, fat-free weight had a positive influence on performance in tasks requiring application of force such as lifting, carrying, and striking activities. Finally, females demonstrated lower scores than males on all physical performance items.