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Impact of an 11-Week Strength and Conditioning Program on Firefighter Trainee Fitness

Author

Listed:
  • Brandon L. Stone

    (High Performance Department, Toronto Blue Jays, 1700 Solon Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698, USA)

  • Brent A. Alvar

    (Department of Kinesiology, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA)

  • Robin M. Orr

    (Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

  • Robert G. Lockie

    (Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA)

  • Quincy R. Johnson

    (School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA)

  • Jonathan Goatcher

    (United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO 80840, USA)

  • J. Jay Dawes

    (School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA)

Abstract

Physical fitness is an important aspect of physical health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 11-weeks of formal strength and conditioning training conducted during fire academy training on the physical fitness characteristics of firefighter trainees. Archived physical fitness data for 23 male fire academy trainees (age: 27.6 ± 4.3 y; height: 178.5 ± 6.9 cm; body mass [BM]: 83.9 ± 1.8 kg; BM index [BMI]: 26.8 ± 2.8 kg/m 2 ) were analyzed for this study. These data included vertical jump height, maximum pull-up repetitions, hand grip strength, lower-body strength (3RM Hexbar) and aerobic fitness. Trainees performed three sessions per week (two resistance training sessions and one aerobic conditioning session) in addition to fire academy training. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant ( p < 0.05) pre-post decreases in BM and BMI and significant increases in upper- and lower-body strength, and aerobic fitness. Strength and conditioning programs are beneficial for improving firefighter trainees’ physical fitness even when run concurrently with fire academy training and with limited space and equipment. This increased fitness may aid in mitigating known occupational injury risks to this population and improve task performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Brandon L. Stone & Brent A. Alvar & Robin M. Orr & Robert G. Lockie & Quincy R. Johnson & Jonathan Goatcher & J. Jay Dawes, 2020. "Impact of an 11-Week Strength and Conditioning Program on Firefighter Trainee Fitness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-9, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:16:p:6541-:d:398387
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    Cited by:

    1. Petr Miratsky & Tomas Gryc & Lee Cabell & Frantisek Zahalka & Matej Brozka & Matej Varjan & Tomas Maly, 2021. "Isokinetic Strength, Vertical Jump Performance, and Strength Differences in First Line Professional Firefighters Competing in Fire Sport," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-13, March.

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