Firefighters' Physical Activity and Waist Circumference as Predictors of VO2max.

Abstract

To examine associations among objectively measured physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in firefighters. Career firefighters (n = 29; male = 100%) wore accelerometers to assess PA. BMI and WC classified obesity. Each participant completed a stage-graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)). Two linear regression models were used to investigate whether PA intensities, step count, BMI, or WC were predictive of "true" (Equation is included in full-text article.). Vigorous physical activity (VPA) was predictive of "true" (Equation is included in full-text article.)(F[1,27] = 7.89, R = 0.23, P < 0.01). Additionally, when BMI and WC were added, only WC was predictive of "true" (Equation is included in full-text article.)(F[1,27] = 11.76, R = 0.30, P < 0.01). Fire departments should be cognizent of ways to increase PA levels, decrease excess weight gain, and maintain CRF to adequately perform job-specific tasks.