An Examination of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health-related Physical Fitness Profiles of Professional Firefighters.

Abstract

To examine racial and ethnic disparities in health-related physical fitness among professional firefighters. A retrospective analysis of annual physical fitness testing data was conducted from a large fire department. Cross-sectional (n = 1168) and longitudinal (n = 854) cohorts were analyzed. Assessments focused on aerobic capacity, muscular fitness, and body composition. Logistic regression and linear mixed-effect models assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal health-related physical fitness disparities, respectively. Cross-sectional analyses demonstrated after adjusting for all other variables, higher pull-up performance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11, P < 0.001) and pushup performance (OR = 1.02, P = 0.009) but greater body fat percentage (OR = 1.04, P = 0.002) were associated with being in the minority group. Longitudinal analyses indicated no meaningful disparities in changes in physical fitness over time. Physical fitness was largely comparable across racial and ethnic groups, suggesting equitable outcomes in this department's wellness program.