Physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, and occupational performance in firefighters

Introduction: To perform their work efficiently and safely, firefighters should maintain all aspects of physical fitness. Cardiac-related incidents are the leading cause of duty-related deaths in firefighters, and many firefighters have poor musculoskeletal health (MSH) that hinder their occupational performance (OP). Establishing the relationship between physical fitness, cardiovascular health (CVH), MSH and OP may add new insight on the most significant factors influencing OP in firefighters, specifically in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service (CoCTFS), which had not been studied before. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether physical fitness, CVH and MSH were associated with OP in firefighters, in the COCTFRS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 283 full-time firefighters aged 20–65 years from Cape Town, South Africa. A researcher-generated questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and MSH. Physical measures were used to collect information on physical fitness, CVH, and OP [using a physical ability test (PAT)]. Linear and binary logistic regressions, adjusted for age, sex, height and weekly metabolic equivalent minutes (WMETM), multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), adjusted for age, sex, height and body mass index (BMI) and backward stepwise regressions were used to investigate the associations between the various constructs.

Results: From multivariable analyses, age, lean body mass, body fat percentage (BF%), estimated absolute oxygen consumption (abV̇O_2max), grip strength, leg strength, push-ups, sit-ups, WMETM and heart rate variability were associated with PAT completion times (all p < 0.01). The MANCOVA showed a significant difference between performance categories of the PAT based on physical fitness and CVH (both p < 0.001). WMETM, BF%, abV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength and sit-ups explained the highest proportion (50.5%) of the variation in PAT completion times.

Conclusion: Younger, non-obese, fitter and stronger firefighters, with a better CVH status, performed significantly better and were most likely to pass the PAT in firefighters, in Cape Town, South Africa. Firefighters should maintain high levels of physical fitness and a good level of CVH to ensure a satisfactory level of OP.

1. Introduction

Firefighting is a strenuous occupation that involves routine exposure of firefighters to high temperatures, hazardous chemicals and fumes, which, along with the high physical demands, present a substantial burden on the cardiovascular system (1, 2). These exposures require firefighters to wear heavy, insulated personal protective equipment (PPE), all of which, place significant strain on their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems (3, 4). In addition, in order to perform their work efficiently and safely, firefighters are required to maintain all aspects of their physical fitness (5–7).

Previous studies have reported that several firefighting tasks have an average oxygen consumption (V̇O₂) of 23.0 to 42.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (8–10), with the most strenuous tasks requiring an average of 44.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (11). In order to effectively handle these job demands, firefighters should maintain a cardiorespiratory fitness level of about 42 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (3), while also being encouraged to maintain good levels of muscular strength and muscular stamina to perform their duties adequately (12). Firefighters who are unable to perform their intense duties with sufficient competency and efficiency are at risk of underperforming while on active duty (12–14). An inability to complete required job tasks in a timely manner not only places their lives at risk, but also the lives of the civilians, while also increasing the risk of potential damage to property and infrastructure (1, 12).

Due to the strenuous nature of firefighting, firefighters who are relatively unfit may have to overexert themselves to carry out their duties to an acceptable standard (1, 2). Furthermore, firefighters that have subclinical cardiovascular disease or an unfavourable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile are particularly susceptible to cardiac incidents related to overexertion, which occur at an unacceptable rate (15, 16). In fact, cardiac-related incidents are the leading cause of duty-related deaths among firefighters, accounting for 40–50% of all line-of-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States. Many of these firefighters have underlying CVD risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and obesity (1, 15–17). This is consistent with previous findings from a study conducted on firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service (CoCTFRS), where it has been reported that firefighters had multiple CVD risk factors, most notably being dyslipidaemia (40.3%), cigarette smoking (39.5%), obesity (37.1%), and hypertension (33.1%) (18). Firefighters in Cape Town have been reported to have a good knowledge of CVD risk factors, however, had poor attitudes toward health habits related to improve CVD risk, such as physical activity and diet, which become progressively worse as they age (19, 20). This has also been shown in previous studies, indicating that attitudes progressively become worse in firefighters throughout their careers, perhaps attributable to the stressful nature of the occupation (21–23). Moreover, the stressors of firefighting also contribute to work-related musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort (24, 25). In one research study, firefighters reported that musculoskeletal pain negatively affected their work output and was associated with work limitations (26). Previous research has also shown that many firefighters report being physically inactive, despite being aware of the physical nature of their occupation (27–30). In spite of the well-known intense physical requirements of firefighting, many firefighters do not maintain the appropriate levels of physical conditioning that are required for peak performance at work (29, 31, 32). However, studies have shown that firefighters, particularly in the CoCTFRS, that are overworked are predisposed to musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort (30, 33).

Ageing and obesity predispose firefighters to musculoskeletal injuries (34, 35) and are related to reduced work performance (6, 7, 36). In addition, though firefighters may be relatively healthy, maintaining adequate muscular strength and endurance is essential, as several studies have reported significant relationships between muscular strength and endurance and occupational tasks (6, 7, 36). This may be explained by forceful repetitive movements required by firefighters, such as the forcible entry, hose drag, victim rescue, and heavy equipment carries, that, require high levels of muscular strength and endurance (5–7, 36). Furthermore, it has been consistently reported, in studies performed in different fire departments, globally, that measures of physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance, explained the most variance in occupational performance times in firefighters (3, 5–7, 37, 38). It is apparent that performing firefighting-related tasks with sufficient intensity and efficiency is based on multiple factors mainly associated with a healthy cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system (5, 7, 14, 36, 38). In the CoCTFRS there are no policies or legislations that encourage firefighters to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness and cardiovascular health to ensure optimal occupational performance, which becomes particularly worrisome given the scarcity of research on the health, wellness, physical fitness, and occupational performance of this population (18, 20).

Previous studies have suggested relationships between physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health that, collectively, may significantly impact the occupational performance of firefighters (30, 39–42). However, these relationships have not been fully explored, with most studies opting to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and occupational performance, only. This has left a gap in the literature on what the cumulative effect of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health may have on occupational performance in firefighters, which is particularly relevant for research conducted on firefighters in South Africa. In addition, no study has investigated the determinants of occupational performance, using physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health in firefighters, in the CoCTFRS. This research will highlight the importance of physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal health on occupational performance in firefighters, in Africa, where firefighters are understudied. In addition, a better understanding of the parameters that contribute to occupational performance will enable firefighters, instructors and policymakers, particularly in South Africa, to prepare adequately for the physically demanding requirements of the profession. We hypothesise that there will be an inverse relationship between physical fitness and PAT completion times and a positive association between cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health PAT completion times. A better understanding of the determinants of occupational performance may help support the development of policies standardizing occupational requirements for an acceptable level of physical fitness and cardiovascular health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health were factors significantly associated with occupational performance in firefighters, in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service (CoCTFRS).

2. Methods

2.1. Study design and population

A cross-sectional study design was employed to determine the association between physical fitness parameters (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition), cardiovascular health (CVD risk factors, CVD risk score, HRV, cardiovascular health index), musculoskeletal health (Musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort), and occupational performance in a cohort of firefighters. The PAT was administered by the CoCTFRS and was used as the measure of occupational performance in the present study. The study took place between June and August 2022. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. In total, 1,000 firefighters are currently employed in the CoCTFRS, and using Slovin’s formula, a minimal sample size of 278 firefighters was calculated for this study. Overall, 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years from the CoCTFRS were systematically sampled and agreed to participate in the study. Due to the time constraints as a result of the testing, 309 firefighters of the total firefighter population was randomly sampled to participate in the study. However, after the initial health screening, 26 firefighters were excluded due to medical concerns. From the original 309 firefighters, 283 attempted the PAT (92% response rate), and 15 firefighters failed to complete the PAT due to exhaustion. Ethical clearance was granted by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (ethical clearance number: BM21/10/9) of the University of the Western Cape. Approval was granted by the Chief Fire Officer, as well as the departments of Research and Policy and Strategy research branch of the City of Cape Town (CCT).

2.2. Sampling and participant recruitment

Data collection took place during the annual physical fitness assessment conducted by the CoCTFRS. To ensure consistency of the testing results, a single fire station was used, located in the CCT metropolitan area, to assure the same layout of the PAT, environmental conditions and testing surface. Although the PAT was administered by the fire department, for the present study, all PAT measures were collected and recorded by trained researchers that were familiarised with all the testing instruments and research procedures. Due to time constraints and agreement with the CoCTFRS on the number of firefighters that would be allowed to participate in the study, firefighters were selected using random systematic sampling, where every third firefighter was selected to participate from the 96 platoons (32 fire stations) that participated in this study. Each of the 96 platoons consisted of 8 to 12 firefighters. All full-time firefighters between the age range of 20–65 years were considered. Firefighters excluded were those on administration duty, those on sick leave, those employed as part-time or on a seasonal basis, or those that did not participate in the PAT on the day of testing due to medical concerns or injuries impacting their ability to complete the PAT.

2.3. Physical fitness measures

Physical fitness was measured by trained researchers (43) in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines (44). Cardiorespiratory capacity was from a validated non-exercise calculation (43) to estimate oxygen consumption (V̇O₂). For muscular endurance, push-ups and sit-ups tests were used, upper and lower body strength were assessed using the handgrip and leg strength tests and to assess flexibility, the sit-and-reach test was used. Body mass and Lean body mass (LBM) were used as measures of body composition and were assessed using a Tanita^© (Tanita^©, Tokyo, Japan) BC-1000 Plus bioelectrical impedance (BIA) analyser. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated using the non-exercise method, applying the following formula: oxygen consumption (V̇O_2max) = 3.542 + (−0.014 × Age) + (0.015 × Body Mass [kg]) + (−0.011 × Resting Heart Rate) (45). Relative V̇O_2max (relV̇O_2max) was then calculated from absolute V̇O_2max (abV̇O_2max) value generated. For the push-ups and sit-ups tests, firefighters were requested to perform as many repetitions, in a minute, as possible and the test was terminated when firefighters reached volitional fatigue or were unable to maintain a good technique (44). Grip strength was measured using a Takei^® 5,401-C handgrip dynamometer and leg strength using a Takei^® back and leg strength dynamometer, following standardized protocols and given three attempts with the highest being recorded (44). To ensure accurate results, firefighters were allowed a full recovery between each test. The sit-and-reach required firefighters to reach as forward as far as possible on the ruler of a standardized sit-and-reach box. For a full description of the methods used to assess physical fitness consult the study published by Ras et al. (43).

For relative cardiorespiratory fitness, 42 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (3) was used to indicate the minimum cardiorespiratory fitness needed for firefighting. For measures of absolute cardiorespiratory fitness, grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups and flexibility, the 50th percentile was used to classify firefighters with the minimum required strength, endurance and flexibility measures and categorized as “good.” This percentile was chosen due to the scarcity of objective measures of minimum measures of strength, endurance and flexibility needed for acceptable PAT performance. In total, to calculate the 50th percentile for the fitness measures, 304 firefighters’ data were used. Based on the 50th percentile, firefighters that had an absolute cardiorespiratory fitness of 3.40 L min or above was considered “good.” For muscular strength, a grip strength of 89.9 kg or above and leg strength of 116.5 kg or above were considered “good.” For muscular endurance, a push-ups and sit-ups capacity of 30 repetitions per minute or above were considered to be “good.” For flexibility, a sit-and-reach score of 43 cm or above was considered “good.” Firefighters that fell below the 50th percentile were considered to have a “low” level of muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.

2.4. Cardiovascular health measures

In the current study, cardiovascular health was used as an umbrella term and was investigated using several approaches. These approaches included three main subcomponents: CVD risk factors, cardiovascular health metrics and heart rate variability (HRV). Height and waist and hip circumference were assessed using a stadiometer and tape measure, using standardized techniques (44), and using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale body fat percentage (BF%) and weight were measured. CVD risk factors included age, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. Cardiovascular health metrics were used to classify firefighters’ cardiovascular health index. The cardiovascular health metrics included an ideal/good body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, non-fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, level of physical activity, diet and cigarette smoking status. In addition, cardiovascular health index was classified as “good” if firefighters had five to seven metrics rated as ideal, “intermediate” if firefighters had three to four metrics classified as ideal and “poor” if firefighters had zero to two metrics classified as ideal. The 2008 Framingham risk model, developed by D’Agostino et al. (46), was used to assess cardiovascular disease risk of firefighters. Furthermore, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 10 year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and ASCVD lifetime risk were calculated to assess the cardiovascular disease risk of firefighters (47, 48). For HRV, a Polar^™ (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) H10 heart rate monitor was used, at rest, while firefighters were in a seated position, and analyzed using the Kubio^© Software version 3.4.3. Prior to testing, firefighters were asked to remain in a seated position for at least 5 min, thereafter, HRV measures were taken for 5 min. For more information on the methods used to assess cardiovascular health, as well as the classifications of CVD risk factors and cardiovascular health metrics, please refer to the study published by Ras et al. (43).

2.5. Classification of musculoskeletal health

Musculoskeletal health was subcategorized as musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort status, which was further separated into those that sustained an injury while on duty and those that did not, as well as those who were experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort and those who did not. Thereafter, subcategories for those that reported musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort were categorized based on the location of the musculoskeletal injury or the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced, specifically upper body musculoskeletal injury, lower body musculoskeletal injury, lower back musculoskeletal injury, upper body musculoskeletal discomfort, lower body musculoskeletal discomfort and lower back musculoskeletal discomfort. Musculoskeletal injury and discomfort were measured subjectively via two validated questionnaires, namely the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (49) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (50), under the supervision of a trained researcher to ensure the questionnaires were being completed accurately. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders questionnaire comprised 11 questions, divided into three sections and nine categories. This was answered by indicating a “yes” or “no” response to the nine anatomical sites to indicate if a participant did or did not experience injury/trouble to one or more regions during their time as a firefighter. For the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, the sections were divided into the following twelve body regions: neck, shoulder, upper back, upper arm, low back, forearm and elbow, wrist and hand, hip, thigh, knee, lower leg and foot and ankle. The questionnaire also included data on the frequency of discomfort, the severity and the effect of the discomfort on the ability to do their work.

2.6. Occupational performance

2.6.1. Physical ability test

The PAT was used to assess operational performance and was conducted according to the testing protocol of the CoCTFRS. The PAT was developed by the CoCTFRS as part of the fitness and wellness programme in consultation with industry experts. The PAT consists of tasks that are designed to simulate the various duties that firefighters perform, while also attempting the simulate the physical stressors that firefighters are routinely exposed to. To simulate an emergency fire callout, the PAT was conducted while firefighters wore their full PPE equipment and breathing apparatus set. However, firefighters were not required to use the mouthpiece of the breathing apparatus set while performing the PAT to ensure a “full” tank was used for the duration of testing. The PAT consisted of six tasks, which included the step-up, charged hose drag and pull, forcible entry, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension and the rescue drag. Firefighters were required to complete the simulation protocol in under 9 min (540 s) in order to pass. Firefighters passed the PAT if the total completion time was under 540 s. If they failed to complete an individual task, they were, nevertheless, graded competent overall. However, firefighters that failed to pass a specific task were graded “not yet competent” in that task. Firefighters were required to pass the task on the next physical fitness assessment. Firefighters were allowed 20 s of recovery between tasks. The timer was restarted once the recovery period had elapsed, regardless of whether the firefighter was in the starting position. The tasks included:

2.6.2. Step-ups

Firefighters were required to perform 30 step-ups on a 200 mm platform while carrying a high-rise pack weighing 40 kg in total, which consisted of 20 kg weights, strapped together in a twin donut method. The step-up task had a time limit of 90 s to be deemed competent.

2.6.3. Charged hose drag and pull

Firefighters’ were required to place a 45 mm hose line over their shoulder or across the chest and advance the hose tied to a tyre to the 27 meter mark. Thereafter, the firefighters dropped to at least one-knee or in a seated position and pull the hose-line to the 15 meter mark. The firefighters had a time limit of 180 s to complete the test to be deemed competent.

2.6.4. Forcible entry

The forcible entry event required firefighters to pick up a 6 kg sledgehammer and strike a tyre to drive it for a distance of 600 mm. Firefighters were required to complete the task in 60 s to be deemed competent.

2.6.5. Equipment carry

Firefighters were required to remove two foam drums, each weighing 25 kg, from a 1.2 meter-high platform, one at a time, and place them on the ground. The firefighters proceeded to walk both drums, carried in each hand, 25 meters toward and around the first marked position and walk another 25 meters (50 meters in total) back to the starting position. Upon returning, the firefighters placed the foam drums back onto the platform, one at a time. In this task, firefighters were required to complete the task in 60 s to be deemed competent.

2.6.6. Ladder raise and extension

Firefighters were required to walk a seven-to-eight-meter aluminum ladder 6 meters toward the building, raise the ladder using every rung, using the hand-over-hand technique, until stationary against the wall. Immediately thereafter, the firefighters walked to the second pre-position and, using the hauling line, hoisted a 35 kg drum, pulling down the line hand-over-hand, until the fly section reached the pulley and then lower the ladder once again. The firefighters then walked back to the ladder and lowered the ladder using the hand-over-hand technique, returning the ladder it’s the original position. The firefighters were given 90 s to complete this test and deemed competent.

2.6.7. Rescue drag

This event required firefighters to grasp an 80 kg tyre on the shoulders of the harness and drag the tyre 11 meters to a prepositioned mark, perform a 180-degree turn, around the mark, and continue an additional 11 meters toward the finish line. Firefighters were required to complete this task in 60 s to be deemed competent.

2.7. Statistical analysis

The data were analysed using SPSS^® software, version 28 (Chicago, Illinois, United States). The data were collected, coded and cleaned for errors using the double entry method on Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistical analyses, such as the median and 25th and 75th percentiles were computed. Mann–Whitney U analysis was performed to determine the difference between PAT completion times based on physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health groups. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were performed to determine the independent variables associated with PAT performance as an outcome. Due to the differences in units of measurements for the exploratory and outcome variables, standardized beta coefficients were preferred to interpret the strength of the association. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the independent variables associated with PAT pass rates. In the regression analysis, independent (exploratory) variables of physical fitness variables included abV̇O_2max, relV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength, push-ups, sit-ups, and LBM. Exploratory cardiovascular health variables included age, BMI, BF%, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, non-fasting blood glucose, weekly MET minutes and Framingham risk score. Exploratory variables for musculoskeletal health included musculoskeletal injury, upper body musculoskeletal injury, lower body musculoskeletal injury, lower back musculoskeletal injury, upper body musculoskeletal discomfort, lower body musculoskeletal discomfort and lower body musculoskeletal discomfort. In the multivariable analysis on physical fitness and cardiovascular health parameters, model 2 was adjusted for age and sex and model 3 was adjusted for age, sex, height and weekly METs. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to determine the difference/degree of variance between performance categories on the PAT in terms of physical fitness and cardiovascular health. Categories included top performers (75th to 99th percentile), above average performers (50th to 75th percentile), below average performers (25th to 50th percentile), and poor performers (1st to 25th percentile), which was considered as the grouping/independent (fixed factors) variable and physical fitness and cardiovascular health parameters were considered the dependent variables list in the analysis. Covariates adjusted for included age, sex, height and BMI for physical fitness and sex, height and weekly MET minutes for cardiovascular health. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to determine the difference between performance categories and each dependent variable. Bonferroni correction (0.05/4 = 0.0125) was applied to significant ANCOVA results, and stepwise comparisons were reported. Backward stepwise linear regression models were performed to determine the factors contributing most to PAT completion times. To control for collinearity the VIF and Durbin–Watson statistics were used. A VIF <5 was used to indicate that no substantial collinearity was present and a Durbin–Watson statistic between 1.5 and 2.5 indicated that no autocorrelation was present. For data that were not normally distributed, data were fractionally ranked, and then normalized using the inverse DF, IDF.NORMAL transformation (51). A value of p of <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.

3. Results

In Table 1 we delineate the PAT times according to sex, age-group, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health, and physical fitness. The median PAT completion time was 369.5 (293.3, 488.8) seconds. It was higher in women than in men and increased with age (both p < 0.001). Firefighters with good relative cardiorespiratory fitness levels, good grip and leg strength, and good push-ups and sit-ups stamina had significantly faster completion times than firefighters with low cardiorespiratory fitness, grip and leg strength and push-ups and sit-ups stamina (all p < 0.001). Obese, physically inactive and firefighters with a poor cardiovascular health index had a significantly slower PAT completion time than non-obese physically active and those with an intermediate or good cardiovascular health index (all p < 0.001). Firefighters that reported upper body musculoskeletal injury had a slower PAT completion time than those without an injury (p = 0.048) and those that reported lower back musculoskeletal injury had a significantly slower completion time (p = 0.028).

TABLE 1

Table 1. Descriptive statistics of firefighters according to age-category, sex, physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health.

In Table 2 we describe the linear association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in relation to PAT completion times. Based on physical fitness, the univariable linear regression analysis indicated that there was a significant negative linear association between abV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength, push-ups, sit-ups, lean body mass LBM and PAT completion times in firefighters. In the multivariable analysis, after adjustment for age and sex, firefighters with a higher abV̇O_2max, grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups capacity and LBM performed the PAT significantly faster (all p < 0.001). After height and weekly MET minutes were included in the model, firefighters with a higher grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups capacity and LBM performed the PAT significantly faster (all p < 0.001). These results support the research hypothesis that occupational performance is inversely associated with physical fitness in firefighters.

TABLE 2

Table 2. Linear regression assessing the association between physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health variables, and PAT completion times.

When evaluating cardiovascular health, univariable analysis indicated significant positive associations were found between age, BMI, BF%, diastolic blood pressure, Framingham risk score and PAT completion times, and negative relationship was found between weekly MET minutes and PAT completion times. In the multivariate analysis, after adjustment for sex, an increase in age (p < 0.001) was associated with slower PAT completion times. When height and Weekly MET minutes were included, an increase in age (p < 0.001) remained associated with slower PAT completion times. For weekly MET minutes, after adjustment for age and sex, an increase in weekly MET minutes (p = 0.004) was associated with faster associated PAT completion times. After height was included in the model, firefighters with a higher total weekly MET minutes (p < 0.001) remained associated with faster PAT completion times. The results support the hypothesis of the study, however, after robust analysis only age and weekly MET minutes remained significantly associated with PAT completion times.

When evaluating HRV, the univariable analysis indicated that firefighters that had a higher HRV, SDNN, RMSSD and LF performed the PAT significantly faster. After adjustment for age, sex, height and weekly MET minutes, an increase in HRV and SDNN remained associated with faster PAT completion times. These results support the hypothesis that cardiovascular health is positively associated with occupational performance in firefighters.

In Table 3, using logistic regression, we present the association between physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health variables and PAT performance times in firefighters. Firefighters with good absolute cardiorespiratory fitness, grip strength, leg strength, push-up capacity, and sit-up capacity had increased odds of passing the PAT (all p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and sex, a good absolute cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), grip (p < 0.012), and leg strength (p < 0.001) remained significantly associated to an increased odds of passing the PAT. In model 3, after adjustment for age, sex, height and weekly MET minutes, good absolute cardiorespiratory fitness, grip and leg strength increased the odds of firefighter passing the PAT, which support the hypothesis of the study.

TABLE 3

Table 3. Logistic regression assessing the association between physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal health variables and PAT performance (passing the PAT).

Univariable analysis found that age, obesity (p = 0.002), high BF% (p < 0.001), central obesity (p < 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.047), and physical inactivity (p = 0.018) decreased the odds of firefighters passing the PAT. After adjustment for age, height and weekly MET minutes female (p < 0.001) firefighters were less likely to pass PAT. When adjusting for sex, height and weekly MET minutes, aged firefighters were less likely to pass the PAT (p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, height and weekly MET minutes physically inactive (p = 0.018) firefighters were less likely to pass the PAT. Moreover, we found that an increase in HRV, SDNN, RMSSD and LF were significantly associated with an increase in PAT pass rates (all p < 0.01). After adjustment, only an increase in HRV was associated with an increased odds of firefighters passing the PAT (p = 0.039).

A backward stepwise multiple regression reported that the variation of abV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength, push-ups, sit-ups and LBM used in the model explained a significant proportion (49.0%) of the variation observed in PAT completion times [F(7, 256) = 40.1, p < 0.001] (Supplementary Table S1). The variation in age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and weekly MET minutes used in the model explained a significant proportion (30.1%) of the variation of PAT completion times [F(6, 256) = 18.4, p < 0.001]. The model that included both physical fitness and cardiovascular health parameters showed that the variation in weekly MET minutes, BF%, abV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength and sit-ups explained the highest proportion (50.5%) on the variation of PAT completion times [F(6, 256) = 45.6, p < 0.001]. These results are consistent with the hypothesis, indicating that physical fitness and cardiovascular health contribute significantly to the occupational performance in firefighters.

In Table 4 we explore the differences between the physical fitness and cardiovascular health of firefighters based on performance on the PAT. The results of the MANCOVA indicated that there was a significant difference between the performance categories on the PAT and physical fitness, where firefighters with higher levels of physical fitness were more likely to be better performers on the PAT, controlling for age, sex, height and BMI [F(9, 750) = 3.5, p < 0.001, Pillai’s Trace V = 0.305]. ANCOVA indicated that abV̇O_2max (p < 0.001), relV̇O_2max (p = 0.032), grip strength (p = 0.001), leg strength (p < 0.001), push-ups (p < 0.001), sit-ups (p < 0.001), and LBM (p < 0.001) was significantly different and more likely to be higher between highest and lowest performance groups on the PAT. After Bonferroni correction, abV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups remained robust to the adjustment. Notably, relV̇O_2max and LBM were no longer significant after the correction.

TABLE 4

Table 4. Multivariable comparisons evaluating the difference between physical fitness and cardiovascular health parameters based on physical ability test performance.

Based on cardiovascular health, MANCOVA indicated that there was a significant difference between the performance categories on the PAT and cardiovascular health parameters, where firefighters with worse a cardiovascular health were more likely to be poorer performers on the PAT, controlling for sex, height and weekly MET minutes [F(14, 741) = 2.7, p < 0.001, Pillai’s Trace V = 0.393]. ANCOVA indicated that age (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p = 0.031), triglycerides (p = 0.033), weekly MET minutes (p < 0.001), and Framingham risk score (p < 0.001) was significantly different and more likely to be lower between the highest and lowest performance groups. After Bonferroni correction age, weekly MET minutes and Framingham risk score remained robust to the correction. Non-fasting blood glucose and triglycerides did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction.

4. Discussion

Our results indicated that younger, non-obese firefighters, with a higher physical fitness and lower cardiovascular disease risk score, had significantly faster PAT completion times (better occupational performance) and higher pass rates. In addition, the top performing (highest quartile) firefighters had significantly higher abV̇O_2max, grip and leg strength and push-ups and sit-ups capacity compared to the poorest performers and, unsurprisingly, firefighters with a higher physical fitness level performed best on the PAT, while having the highest pass rates. The results were consistent with what has been reported in the literature, which consistently shows that firefighters that have a higher cardiorespiratory fitness level, muscular strength and endurance, and a more favourable body composition perform best on the occupational performance simulation protocols (5, 13, 14, 52). Physically fit firefighters are likely able to sustain a high work-rate for the duration of the occupational testing, completing the sequence of tasks faster. We found that firefighters aged 45 years or older, with a BMI of 30 kg·m⁻² or higher had the slowest times on the PAT, especially those with other comorbidities. These results are consistent with previous studies, which indicated that age and obesity are significant predictors of occupational performance in firefighters (5, 13, 53–55). This is likely due to the age-related decline in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and lean body mass, that is often accompanied by the accumulation of fat mass (32, 56–58). The association between a better overall cardiovascular health status and better occupational performance may be indirectly related to these participants, generally, being more physically active and having a better physical fitness level, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, which has been shown to be significantly associated in the literature (29, 59, 60). The results may inform policy makers and fire department heads in Cape town on the importance of firefighters maintaining an acceptable level of physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health in order to perform their duties with sufficient rigor and efficiency, which will also contribute toward their overall health and wellbeing while in the fire service. These results also highlight the importance of annual health screenings and physical fitness testing for firefighters.

The current results indicated that higher absolute cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly related to faster occupational completion times in firefighters. Firefighters who had the highest estimated cardiorespiratory fitness levels, were the top performers. This is supported by previous literature which reported that measured cardiorespiratory fitness is essential for occupational performance in firefighters (13, 61, 62). After adjustment for covariates, the differences in absolute and relative cardiorespiratory fitness were small, perhaps due to cardiorespiratory fitness being estimated in the present study, rather being measured using physical testing. Previous studies (3, 7, 63) have recommended that firefighters should maintain a cardiorespiratory standard of 42 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. However, in the present study, meeting the minimum cardiorespiratory fitness standard of 42 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ was not a significant factor in passing the PAT, rather absolute cardiorespiratory fitness played a more central role in PAT performance. Siddall et al. (52, 63) noted that in firefighters in the United Kingdom, the required oxygen consumption (and thus the percent of V̇O_2max needed) fluctuates significantly based on the task performed, which may explain why this standard was not related to passing the current PAT. Although meeting the standard of 42 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ was not needed to pass the PAT in the current study, firefighters with a higher absolute and relative V̇O_2max completed the PAT significantly quicker. In the current results, after adjustment, the top performers and poorest performers showed a mean absolute cardiorespiratory fitness level of 3.59 vs. 3.36 L·min⁻¹ and 43.2 vs. 42.1 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, and a median completion time of 250.0 s vs. 601.0 s. Fitter firefighters may be able to sustain a high physical work rate for an extended period of time (52, 64), allowing firefighters to complete the tasks swiftly. Firefighters were allowed a 20 s full recovery period between tasks, which may account for the absence of significance between firefighters that met the requirement of 42 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ and those that did not. A similar observation was made by Rhea et al. (13) which noted that providing firefighters a full recovery period between tasks lessened the cardiovascular fitness level required for each task. However, the study used a 10 min recovery, which is significantly higher than the present study.

We found that an increase in grip and leg strength were significantly associated to faster PAT completion times. Similarly, Rhea et al. (13) reported that in a cohort of 20 full-time firefighters from the Unites States, bench press (r = −0.66), squat (r = −0.30), and grip strength (r = −0.71) were inversely related to occupational performance. Moreover, higher strength levels in either the upper or lower body enhanced the performance on specific tasks that taxed either the upper body or lower body more. In addition, firefighters who performed best on tasks, such as the hose drag and pull, which equally taxed the upper and lower body, were those that had the highest upper and lower body strength levels (13). This was supported by studies conducted by Michaelides et al. (5, 6) that reported that in a cohort of 72 firefighters from Arkansas, United States, abdominal (r = −0.53), bench press (r = −0.31), and squat (r = −0.22) strength were inversely related to ability test performance, performing the ability test quicker than weaker firefighters. Chizewski et al. (7) corroborates these findings where the study noted that in 89 full-time from Illinois, United States, firefighters an increase in bench press strength significantly reduced the total occupational performance completion time and for each task in the battery. A study noted that between the fastest and slowest performers there was a 13% difference in strength levels (3). von Heimburg et al. (38) reported that in firefighters from Trondheim, Norway, a minimum muscular strength level is required to perform tasks efficiently and beyond this point little benefit is gained for an increase in muscular strength capacity. The PAT test used in the present study required firefighters to have the ability to produce substantial force, particularly in the step-up and hose drag and pull tasks, which is designed to exhaust the lower extremities. This is not exclusive to the current study, as previous studies have noted that leg strength and grip strength have been related to the stair climb and hose drag tasks, respectively (13, 65–67). Notably, in the current study, an increase in leg strength was associated with an increase in the likelihood (OR = 4.97) of passing the PAT, more so than the other physical fitness variables. In contrast, though studies have found leg strength was significantly associated with occupational performance, these studies did not report similar strengths in the association between leg strength and occupational performance, as in the present study (5, 6, 13, 14). It is likely that different occupational performance testing protocols tax different aspects of physical fitness and put emphasis on different muscle groups, making them very particular to the fire departments testing protocols (7, 36, 38).

We noted that sit-ups and push-ups were inversely associated to PAT completion times. Michaelides et al. (6) reported that sit-ups (r = −0.27) and push-ups (r = −0.31) were inversely related to occupational performance in firefighters. Another study by Michaelides et al. (5) reported that muscular endurance was significant in the prediction model for occupational performance in firefighters. Similarly, Chizewski et al. (7) reported that sit-ups (r = −0.407) and push-ups (r = −0.380) were inversely related to occupational performance and, together, explained 45% of the variance in occupational performance times when entered into the regression model. Rhea et al. (13) further supports this where the study reported that higher endurance capacity in the row (r = −0.61), bench press (r = −0.71), shoulder press (r = −0.73), biceps curl (r = −0.69), squat (r = −0.47), abdominal curl (r = −0.24), and handgrip (r = −0.25) tests were inversely related to occupational performance times. This was also supported by Williford et al. (36) who found that in a cohort of firefighters from Alabama, United States, push-ups (r = −0.38) and sit-ups (r = −0.32) were negatively correlated with occupational performance in firefighters. However, did not contribute significantly to the prediction model. The PAT, and other occupational performance tests, require firefighters to sustain a minimum amount of muscular force for a number of repetitions (12). Inherently, firefighters with high levels of muscular stamina would perform better without experiencing substantial levels of fatigue. The results of the present study indicated that flexibility was not significantly associated with occupational performance, which is consistent to previous literature (6, 7, 14). In contrast, Michaelides et al. (5) noted that higher flexibility, using the sit-and-reach test, was not significantly associated with occupational performance, however, flexibility added significantly to their prediction model. Williford et al. (36) reported that higher flexibility did not improve overall occupational performance but improved the performance on the stair climb (r = −0.25). Although flexibility may not consistently be significantly related to occupational performance, good flexibility may be important for reducing the incidence of injuries in firefighters (68), and, possibly, in the performance of certain tasks, such as the stair climb (12, 36).

We found that age, obesity, Framingham risk score and physical activity levels of firefighters were significantly associated with PAT completion times and PAT pass rates. Michaelides et al. (6) noted that age was negatively related (r = −0.42) to ability test completion times. Similarly, Myhre et al. (61) reported that, in 222 full-time firefighters from the United States consisting of one army and seven air force base fire departments, age (r = 0.38) was positively related to occupational performance. Studies by Chizewski et al. (7), skinner et al. (14), and Williford et al. (36) reported that, although age was not related to total completion times, aging was positively related to the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) crawl (r = 0.359), the dummy drag (r = 0.389), and the stair climb (r = 0.48) in each study, respectively. Michaelides et al. (6) reported that BMI (r = 0.34) and BF% (r = 0.57) was positively related to completion times in firefighters. Another study by Michaelides et al. (5) reported that BF% (r = 0.41) was positively correlated with occupational performance completion times. Similarly, Schonfeld et al. (62) reported that in a cohort of 20 full-time firefighters from the Kennedy Space centre Florida, United States, BF% (0.467) was moderately related to occupational performance times in firefighters. This was supported by Williford et al. (36) who reported that BF% (r = 0.30) was positively related to total occupational performance completion times and related to the completion of all tasks, except the hose advance. Skinner et al. (14) noted that in a cohort of 42 Australian full-time firefighters, BMI was not related to occupational performance, however, BF% was positively related to completion times (r = 0.481). Chizewski et al. (7) reported that BMI was not related to total occupational performance completion times, however, BMI was negatively related to the performance of specific tasks, such as the SCBA crawl (r = −0.276), and negatively related to the hose advance (r = −0.272), and ladder raise (r = −0.274). The combination of the general attrition in physical fitness and accumulation of fat mass that is associated with aging (32, 56–58), increases the non-functional weight firefighters are required to overcome (12), providing a possible explanation for the reduction in their occupational performance. Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and weekly physical activity has been linked to a favourable cardiovascular health profile and cardiovascular functioning (69, 70), which may directly relate to better occupational performance in firefighters (12, 64, 71).

The current study found that HRV, SDNN, RMSSD and LF were significantly and inversely associated with occupational completion times in firefighters. This was supported in a study by Lesniak et al. (72) who reported that HRV was correlated with occupational performance in firefighters. Porto et al. (73) noted that SDNN and RMSSD were higher and LF was dominant in fitter firefighters. Similarly, a systematic review conducted by Tomes et al. (74) noted that HRV was a reliable indicator of key physical fitness and occupational performance parameters (74). The results of the current study and previous research suggests that firefighters with higher parasympathetic dominance, who are in a more relaxed state, may perform better on occupational performance tasks (74, 75). This measure may be an important indicator for firefighters’ overall cardiovascular health and fitness levels, particularly in relation to firefighters’ work performance (72, 74, 76).

We found that weekly MET minutes, BF%, abV̇O_2max, grip strength, leg strength and sit-ups explained 50.5% of the variance in PAT completion times in firefighters. Similarly, Michaelides et al. (5) noted that the fitness parameters, which included flexibility, sit-ups, push-ups, BF%, 1-RM bench press and squat explained 59% of the variance in occupational performance completion times in firefighters. Davis et al. (37) supported this and noted that push-ups, sit-ups, and grip strength explained 54% of the variability in occupational performance completion times in firefighters. In addition, Davis et al. noted that BF%, LBM and cardiorespiratory fitness were significantly associated with fatigue resistance in firefighters. Furthermore, the study found that aging, LBM and grip strength explained 60.6% of the variance in PAT pass rates. Williford et al. (36) reported that run time, pull-ups and fat free weight explained 53% of the variance in occupational performance completion times. In contrast, Siddal et al. (52) noted that age and LBM did not contribute to the strength of the regression models and that abV̇O_2max, fat mass/BF% accounted for the most variance in occupational performance with 56.7 and 57.2%, respectively. Williams-Bell et al. (77) reported that abV̇O_2max or relV̇O_2max, body mass and handgrip strength were significantly associated with occupational performance in firefighters and accounted for 65–71% of the variance in occupational performance completion times. Furthermore, the final model removed push-ups from the equation, which also seen in the final model in the current study (77). Moreover, in the current study, grip and leg strength remained significant in the regression model. In contrast, Williams-Bell et al. (77) reported that measures of strength and power were no longer significant predictors after absolute cardiorespiratory fitness was included. However, the study indicated that when relative cardiorespiratory fitness was used as the only measure of cardiorespiratory fitness, grip strength was significantly related to occupational performance. The result of the backward stepwise multivariable regression suggests that fitter and stronger firefighters, with a higher muscular endurance and favourable body composition perform best on the PAT and are more likely to pass the occupational performance test.

The current results found that musculoskeletal health was not a significant contributing factor in the model to predict firefighters’ performance on the PAT. This was supported by MacDermid et al. (78), where the study noted no relationship between task performance and self-reported work limitations in firefighters from Ontario, Canada. The study noted that those who reported lower limb discomfort took 10 s longer to complete the stair climb task. It is intuitive to anticipate that that there would be an association between occupational performance and musculoskeletal health in firefighters. The failure to find a significance may indicate that firefighters were completely recovered from any injury, or the discomfort may not have been significant enough to cause a decrease in absolute performance. Perhaps, having discomfort in specific regions may limit performance of tasks that tax that specific region that firefighters are experiencing discomfort in. However, firefighters may make up for this by performing well in the other tasks, which may have been the case in the present study.

This is the first study of its nature to be conducted in this population. Therefore, the results of the present study may contribute meaningfully toward informing policy makers on the need for the development of new policies and legislation aimed at encouraging firefighters to either maintain or improve their levels of physical fitness, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health in the CoCTFRS. The absence of research on firefighters in Africa, and particularly in South Africa, presumably contributed to the stagnated development of new policies focused on the occupational health and wellbeing of firefighters (18). This arguably has led to the progressive deterioration in firefighter health and wellness that has become problematic in firefighters in South Africa (18, 30). This research highlights the need for annual health screening and physical fitness testing of firefighters and emphasizes the value that routine testing may provide for the fire and rescue service in Cape Town. Firefighters have reported that two primary barriers to physical activity were a lack of resources, such as facilities and equipment to exercise regularly, and the lack of energy to exercise while on- or off-duty (79). While many firefighters reported that they opted for unhealthy snacks, because of the unpredictable nature of emergency callouts and the need for quick meals (21, 22). Policy makers and fire department heads in Cape Town should take this into consideration when implementing policies to ensure that firefighters remain sufficiently active in order to either maintain or improve their physical fitness. While also ensuring that they are educated on the benefits of opting for healthier diets while on- or off-duty. In addition, implementing minimum requirements for cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength and endurance are necessary to ensure that firefighters are physically capable of performing their duties (33, 80). This will also help maintain good CVH in firefighters to ensure that they are not at risk for CVD-related events while on duty (4, 81).

4.1. Strengths and limitations

This was the first study investigating the association between physical fitness, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health and occupational performance in Africa. The measures for physical fitness, cardiovascular health and occupational performance were objectively measured using standardized and validated instruments (43). Furthermore, this paper adds novel information into an area which has been understudied in firefighters, particularly in a South African context. There are, however, several limitations of the present study. Firstly, this study used a cross-sectional study design, which precludes the inference of causal relationships. Secondly, musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomforts were self-reported, which may have introduced reporting bias. Thirdly, cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated using a non-exercise calculation (and we found little variability in relative V̇O_2max among groups), which may have reduced the expected associations between relative cardiorespiratory fitness and other variables. Lastly, female firefighters were under-represented, limiting the generalizability of our findings to the female firefighter population.

5. Conclusion

The present study provides evidence that multiple parameters of physical fitness and cardiovascular health are related to overall occupational performance in firefighters. The findings show that younger, leaner, fitter and stronger firefighters with a favourable cardiovascular health profile performed significantly better and were most likely able to pass each individual task. The results emphasize the need for firefighters to maintain high levels of physical fitness and a good cardiovascular health profile to ensure they maintain an acceptable level of occupational performance. This study adds novel research into the field, highlighting the factors that contribute significantly to occupational performance in firefighters, particularly in a South African context, where firefighters are understudied. The results of this study may be used by municipal fire departments to highlight the need for developing physical fitness standards to ensure the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health of firefighters, to improve the career longevity and occupational performance of firefighters. By implementing regular physical activity programmes and promoting minimum fitness standards, fire departments could improve the services provided by firefighters, protect firefighters’ health, reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties and secure essential infrastructure.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (ethical clearance number: BM21/10/9) of the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.

Author contributions

JR, DS, ES, AK, and LL contributed to the conception and design of the study, proofread, and edited the drafts of the manuscript. JR organized the database, performed the statistical analysis, collected the data, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Funding

This research was funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) (grant number 141282) and The Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (SLYFF). Neither funding bodies were involved in the study design, data collection or interpretation of the data.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all firefighters that consented to voluntarily participate in the study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241250/full#supplementary-material

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