Objective: To examine associations among objectively measured physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in firefighters.Methods: Career firefighters (n=29; male=100%) wore accelerometers to assess PA. BMI and WC classified obesity. Each participant completed a stage-graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (<(V)over dot>O-2max). Results: Two linear regression models were used to investigate whether PA intensities, step count, BMI, or WC were predictive of "true" <(V)over dot>O-2max . Vigorous physical activity (VPA) was predictive of "true" <(V)over dot>O-2max (F[1,27]=7.89, R-2=0.23, P<0.01). Additionally, when BMI and WC were added, only WC was predictive of "true" <(V)over dot>O-2max (F[1,27]=11.76, R-2=0.30, P<0.01). Conclusion: Fire departments should be cognizent of ways to increase PA levels, decrease excess weight gain, and maintain CRF to adequately perform job-specific tasks.

Physical inactivity, coupled with increasing obesity levels, in firefighters plays a key role in aggregated cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to investigate device-measured physical activity (PA) for firefighters while on- and off-duty to have a clearer understanding of their overall PA level. Methods: Twenty-nine career firefighters participated in this non-experimental, within-subjects study by wearing an accelerometer to assess PA intensities and step-count. Obesity was classified using body mass index (BMI). Dependent t-tests were used to examine mean differences in PA intensities when on- and off-duty. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to assess the association between PA intensities when on and off-duty. Results: According to the World Health Organization BMI categorizations, 20 firefighters were overweight, 9 were obese, and, thus, none were normal weight. Only light PA (LPA) was statistically significant (p = 0.026) for on- and off-duty days with a small-to-medium effect size (d = 0.47), meaning that on average, firefighters performed more minutes of LPA when on-duty compared to off. There was a significant difference between on- (9060.2 ± 2636.4) and off-duty (7495.3 ± 2835.8) daily step counts (p = 0.011). Conclusion: As the results demonstrate, there is a dire need for increased PA levels in firefighters while on- and off-duty.

Objective: The aim of the study is to objectively assess if firefighters are meeting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association physical activity (PA) guidelines. Methods: Two independent fire departments from the Midwest participated in the study. Firefighters wore an accelerometer to track PA and associated intensities. In addition, firefighters completed a stage-graded exercise test TO determine their maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O_2max). Results: A total of 43 career firefighters completed the study (fire department 1 [FD1]: n = 29, FD2: n = 14). Almost half (44.8% FD1 and 42.9% FD2) met the NFPA CRF guidelines. Compared with the American College of Sports Medicine PA Guidelines of 30 min/d of moderate-to-vigorous PA, more than half of FD2 (57.1%) met the recommended amount of PA, whereas FD1 had less than half (48.3%). Conclusions: These data demonstrate the need to improve firefighters’ PA levels, CRF, and overall health.

Background: Testing and evaluating athletes is necessary and should include performance, body composition, and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to report assessments of dietary intake, $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max, and body composition in D1 collegiate athletes and examine relationships between these assessments. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed with 3-day recalls and compared to recommendations, and body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (n = 48). $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max was evaluated using a graded exercise test (GXT) with a verification bout (n = 35). Reliability between “true” $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max and verification was determined. Correlations and regressions were performed. Results: Energy, carbohydrate, and micronutrient intake was lower than recommendations. Mean $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max was 47.3 and 47.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ for GXT and verification, respectively. While correlations were apparent among dietary intake, $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max, and body composition, percent fat-free mass (%FFM) predicted 36% of $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max. Conclusions: Collegiate athletes are not meeting energy and carbohydrate recommendations and exceed fat recommendations. Vitamin D and magnesium were low in all sports, and iron and calcium were low in females. $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max ranged from 35.6 to 63.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, with females below average and males meeting typical values for their designated sport. Assessing D1 athletes can provide guidance for sports dietitians, coaches, and strength and conditioning specialists to track and monitor nutrition in athletes.

Background: Firefighters experience sudden on-duty tasks that challenge the cardiovascular system, and with increased prevalence of poor fitness, lead to risk of adverse cardiac events. This study investigated why firefighters may be inactive when occupational performance relies on fitness. Methods: Perceptions of exercise behaviors in career and volunteer firefighters were compared using the Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise (HBSE-E). A MANCOVA investigated differences in model constructs between groups. Results: The survey was completed by 138 participants. There were significantly higher perceived severity (p = 0.009) and self-efficacy levels (p < 0.001) in career firefighters, while volunteer firefighters had significantly higher objective (p < 0.001) and subjective barriers (p = 0.020). Conclusions: Utilizing the HBMS-E may help departments know what barriers they need to focus on when developing a wellness initiative.