Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Physical Fitness in Firefighters in Cape Town, South Africa.

Objective: To assess the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and physical fitness in firefighters.

Methods: Firefighters (n = 309) were systematically recruited to participate in this study. A questionnaire and physical measures were used to collect data on firefighters' cardiometabolic health and physical fitness levels. Data were analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regressions.

Results: The prevalence of MetS was 23.0%, which was most prevalent in station and platoon commanders. Multivariable analysis showed that age (P < 0.001), lean body mass (P < 0.001), absolute aerobic capacity (P < 0.001), and leg strength (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with MetS. In addition, relative aerobic capacity (P < 0.001), push-ups (P = 0.016), and sit-ups (P < 0.001) were inversely associated with MetS.

Conclusions: Firefighters with MetS had a higher absolute aerobic capacity and strength, and healthier fighters had a higher relative aerobic capacity, muscular endurance capacity, and flexibility.