Investigation of Maximal Aerobic Capacity and Associated Factors in Firefighters

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) represents physical work capacity. Therefore in physically demanding jobs like firefighting, precise evaluation of employee's aerobic capacity is critical in order to ensure their physical capabilities and fitness for work duties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maximal aerobic capacity and its associated factors in firefighters. In this cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study, 31 firefighters from suppression division of Tehran Fire Department were selected randomly. Socio-demographic questionnaire and also Tuxworth and Shahnavaz step test method were applied as research tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS19 software. The obtained results showed that the mean VO2max in firefighters was 36.18 ± 3.28 ml/kg/min. VO2max had a significant negative correlation with weight (P=0.017, r= -0.43). There was no significant relationship between VO2max and marital status, having another job, smoking status, height, age group, BMI, and job title (α= 0.05). The mean value of VO2max in firefighters was determined to be at average level according to its norm values (34- 42 ml/kg/min for age group of 20- 29 years old, 31- 38 ml/kg/min for 30- 39 years old and 27- 35 ml/kg/min for 40- 49 years old), and higher than the other job group's reported values in other studies but, in comparison with firefighters of other countries, their VO2max was less. Due to the importance of firefighter's job and according to the results of our study, making effort to enhance firefighter's VO2max is really important. In addition, conducting similar research using other methods for evaluating VO2max such as treadmill and ergo cycle is suggested.