Predicting firefighting simulation tasks performance from firefighters’ specific fitness tests

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have examined the correlation between fitness characteristics and firefighter's job performance.

Objective

This study was to examine the ability of firefighters’ specific fitness tests to predict firefighter's job performance.

Methods

Fifty fire academy trainees (48 males and 2 females, age = 27.3 ± 3.8) participated in the firefighting simulation tasks and firefighters’ specific fitness tests (which included standing long jump, backward overhead medicine ball throw, 6-meter shuttle run, trap bar deadlift, leg tuck, farmer's walk, 1500-meter run). Participants wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to complete firefighting simulation tasks (which included 12 structural firefighting tasks). Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed.

Results

The results demonstrated that standing long jump (r = −0.290, p < 0.05), backward overhead medicine ball throw (r = −0.657, p < 0.05), 6-meter shuttle run (r = −0.318, p < 0.05), trap bar deadlift (r = −0.760, p < 0.05), leg tuck (r = −0.392, p < 0.05), farmer's walk (r = 0.701, p < 0.05), and 1500-meter run (r = 0.536, p < 0.05) were significantly correlated with the firefighting simulation tasks. In addition, the multiple regression models identified that 78.8% of the variance in performing the firefighting simulation tasks were related to 1500-meter run, trap bar deadlift, farmer's walk, and backward overhead medicine ball throw.

Conclusions

Measures of strength, load-carriage capacity, power and aerobic capacity best predict firefighting simulation tasks performance. Regular assessment and maintenance of these specific fitness levels enhances work capacity within firefighting.