Physical Fitness Characteristics of Rural Firefighters on the Northern Coast of California: 342 Board #179 June 1, 11: 00 AM - 12: 30 PM.

Limited research has been conducted on the health-related physical fitness level of rural firefighters on the northern coast of California. The geographic isolation of rural firefighters creates unique challenges, including staffing shortages placing individual firefighters under unusual physiological stress. PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to examine the health-related physical fitness status of rural firefighters. METHODS:20 male firefighters (mean±sd, age = 32±7 yr, height = 180±5 cm, body mass = 96±16 kg, fire service = 9±7 yr) on the northern coast of California performed body composition, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity tests. Data were compared with age-based normative data. RESULTS:Fitness testing revealed that rural firefighters ranked above average on tests of upper body muscular strength (bench press) and aerobic capacity (VO2max) and average on tests of body composition (% fat) and flexibility (sit-and-reach). (Table 1) CONCLUSIONS:Exercise programs for firefighters should focus on improving flexibility and body composition, while maintaining muscular strength and aerobic fitness to meet the demands of firefighting.