Lifestyle factors predicting changes in aerobic capacity of aging firefighters at 3- and 13-year follow-ups.

Abstract

To describe changes in aging firefighters' aerobic capacity at 3- and 13-year follow-ups, and to investigate the lifestyle factors predicting them. We evaluated the sufficiency of aerobic capacity for the demands of rescue diving. We studied 78 male Finnish firefighters aged 30 to 44 years at baseline. The outcome variable was aerobic capacity (L·min(-1) and mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). The predictors were exercise, smoking, and drinking habits. The average annual change (range) in absolute and relative aerobic capacity was -1.12% (-3.43 to 1.39) and -1.33% (-3.98 to 1.63). Exercising at least 4 to 5 times a week was the best protective factor, and regular smoking and more than 15 units of alcohol a week were risk factors for decline in aerobic capacity. To prevent the excessive decline of aerobic capacity related to work demands, we must pay particular attention to exercise regularity.