Fitness profiles of a metropolitan fire department : a comprehensive report

Introduction: The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) with support from FEMA (Federal\ud Emergency Management Agency) has put together a program to research and develop a health and fitness program. The purpose of the Program is to promote, enhance, and maintain optimal health and fitness of the men and women in the fire department. Significance: The purpose of this research study is to analyze the data collected during fitness evaluations and to create a comprehensive fitness profile of the men and women in the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). Consequently, they can use the reported data to monitor fitness trends, develop/modify various physical training programs, and offer/provide fitness consultations to their members. Participants: 1216 (1050 male; 166 females) uniformed men and women firefighters in the San Francisco Fire Department. Procedures: The following measurements were collected and used in the data analysis and report (in the order written here): Height and weight; Submaximal step mill test; Grip strength (right and left arms); Arm and leg strength; Push ups; Static plank; Sit and reach test. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics with charts and graphs were used to analyze and report all parameters separated by gender. Correlation analysis was conducted in addition to percentile conversion tables for all variables; both were separated by gender. Forward stepwise statistical analysis was also used to select the most effective independent variables to predict the dependent scores (V02max and Total Fitness Score) separated by gender Conclusion: Fire fighting consists of strenuous physical work, therefore, professional fire fighters should devote more time in developing and maintaining a high level of physical fitness. Fire departments should research, develop, and implement physical training programs for all employees and conduct annual physical fitness testing to ensure all employees have adequate "fitness for duty"