Reference Values for Body Composition, Graded Exercise Testing, Hemodynamics, and Pulmonary Function in Male and Female Firefighters.

Abstract

This analysis establishes reference values for health and performance indicators in a large sample of US firefighters. Data from 3867 firefighters (3651 males and 216 females) were analyzed to establish percentiles for anthropometrics, body composition, graded exercise, hemodynamics, and pulmonary function. The median characteristics of all male firefighters included: age, 38 years; body mass index, 29.2 kg/m 2 ; body fat percentage, 24%; and VO 2 max 32 mL/kg/min. The median characteristics of all female firefighters included: age, 33 years; body mass index, 25.7 kg/m 2 ; body fat percentage, 29%; and VO 2 max, 31 mL/kg/min. Reference values stratified by decade of age were also established. The presented values can be used to contextualize the performance of individual firefighters and fire departments and to promote evidence-based discussions regarding physical evaluations and standards for occupational readiness.