Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Analysis in Determining Minimum Requirements for Occupational Performance in Firefighters.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of using cardiovascular health (CVH) and physical fitness as indicators of physical ability test (PAT) performance in firefighters. Using a cross-sectional study 282 firefighters was recruited. A researcher-generated questionnaire and physical measures were used to obtain sociodemographic, CVH, physical fitness, and PAT data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. A body fat percentage cutoff of 22.1% had a specificity of 75% of failing the PAT. An abV˙O 2max of 3.2 L·min as well as a grip and leg strength higher than 73.2 and 96.3 kg had a sensitivity of 84%, 92%, and 88%, respectively, of passing the PAT. A push-up and sit-up capacity higher than 25 repetitions had a sensitivity of 74% and 75% for passing the PAT. Measures of CVH and physical fitness could be used as indicators of PAT performance.