HOLD THE LINE: FITNESS DIFFERENCES IN FIREFIGHTERS FROM A HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM WHO SELF-REPORT INJURIES

Introduction: Firefighting requires the performance of many physically demanding tasks which can place firefighter at risk injury. Firefighters will often continue to work despite being injured. Depending on number injuries and their location, certain physical could be affected. The aim this study was determine differences in fitness test relative injury location between uninjured structural firefighters, firefighters who self-report injuries. Method: Archival data from 270 (258 males, 12 females) participated a health wellness program investigated. self-reported any current (primary secondary) by (upper-body [UBI], lower-body [LBI], back [BI]). Body composition included: body mass index (BMI); fat percentage (BF%); lean mass; waist:hip ratio; combined grip strength; predicted one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press; 90-s abdominal crunches; cadence push-ups; flexibility (trunk flexion extension; left right rotation; lateral flexion; shoulder flexion); estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max). were split into 5 groups: (UNINJ), UBI, LBI, BI, multiple (>1) (MULT). A univariate analysis variance (p<0.05), with sex age as covariates Bonferroni post hoc, determined between-group differences. Results: Of 62 (UBI: 11; LBI: 19; BI: 12; MULT: 20). MULT group significantly older, heavier, had higher BMI BF% than UNINJ (p≤0.007). groups lower absolute 1RM press compared (p≤0.026); BI V̇O2max completed fewer crunches (p=0.004). poorer trunk extension MULT, (p≤0.011), (p≤0.039). Discussion: Firefighter lead tests. greater BF%, strength fitness. Back affect endurance, range motion. Fitness indicate limitations job that require these qualities (i.e., body-strength compromise lifting, dragging, load carriage tasks). Impact: Regardless status, all still working. Strength conditioning practitioners should recognize may have existing exercise modifications maintain characteristics performance. For example, firefighters’ ability components (e.g., limit train fitness, leading V̇O2max). Low-impact modalities pool work) need adopted for firefighters. Older focus reconditioning, prevention, maintenance, career demands Conflict interest statement: authors no conflicts declare