Author(s): Arasta Wahab
Mentor(s): Joel Martin, Marcie Fyock-Martin; Kinesiology
C:UsersarastOneDriveDocuments9. Summer 2022ResearchPoster Presentation.mp4
AbstractThe firefighter (FF) profession is a demanding job that requires cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and endurance. Evidence indicates that muscular fitness and body composition are related to the ability to perform their occupational duties. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between age and years of service on FF fitness. 96 professional firefighters volunteered for the study. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. The fitness assessment was 30 minutes and consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, curl-ups, and 3-minute step test. In the regression model, examining influence of age and years of service on pull-ups was statistically significant (R2 = 0.04, F(2, 269) = 6.104, p < 0.01). The regression model for pull-ups reveals that years of service was a significant predictor (β = -0.08, p < 0.001). The model investigating the influence of age and years of service on curl-ups was statistically significant (R2 = 0.03, F(2, 269) = 3.625, p < 0.03). The regression model for curl-ups shows that age was a significant predictor (β = -0.35, p < 0.03). For push-ups, the regression model was not significant for age and years of service (R2 = 0.01, F(2, 269) = 1.605, p < 0.20). The regression model for step-ups was not significant (R2 = 0.004, F(2, 269) = 0.556, p < 0.57). The model for body fat percentage was statistically significant (R2 = 0.04, F(2, 269) = 5.489, p < 0.01). The regression model for body fat percentage reveals that age was a significant predictor (β = 0.77, p < 0.001). There is a decline in the number of pull-ups, curl-ups, and increase in body fat percentage. These findings suggest that promoting FF fitness may help address the decline in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness that comes with age and years of service.[/expand] [expand title="Audio Transcript"]Hello, my name is Arasta Wahab, and I am a senior at George Mason University majoring in Kinesiology. This summer 2022 I was involved in OSCAR's Impact Project where my supervisors, peers, and I conducted research on firefighters. My poster is about ‘The Effect of Age and Years of Service on Firefighter Fitness.' To introduce my topic, the firefighter profession is a physiologically demanding job that requires cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and endurance. Due to the high physical nature of this occupation, it may be advantageous to have greater levels of fitness. Consequently, the National Fire Protection Association has placed a minimum standard of 42 ml/kg/min for cardiorespiratory fitness. Despite these recommendations, about 70% of fire departments do not require firefighters to meet this level of aerobic capacity. Furthermore, current evidence indicates that upper body fitness, and body composition are all related to the ability of firefighters to perform their occupational duties. Better understanding the effects of age and years of service on firefighters may lead to improved fitness and occupational performance. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between age and years of service on firefighter fitness. For methods of retrospective studies, the total sample of participants were 96 firefighters. The demographics consisted of all males, a median age of 52 years old, years of service of 9 years, and a body fat of 26%. For fitness parameters, body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. The duration of the fitness assessment was 30 minutes and consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, curl-ups, and a 3-minute step test. For statistical purposes, linear regression models were used to examine the influence of age and years of service on fitness measures. Looking at the results table, it displays the effect of age and years of service on firefighter fitness. The variables consisted of body fat percentage, pull-ups, push-ups, curl-ups, and step-ups. Below are the models of age and years of service. In the regression model, examining influence of age and years of service on pull-ups, curl-ups, and body fat percentage was statistically significant. The regression model for push-ups and step-ups were not statistically significant. In conclusion, as these individuals progress into their career, there is a decline in the number of pull-ups, number of curl-ups, and increase in body fat percentage. However, due to the low variance there may be other variables that may influence firefighter performance. These findings suggest that the promotion of firefighter fitness may help address the decline in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness that comes with age and years of service. With further research, the effects of age and years of service on firefighter fitness can be used to target their specific needs. Guidance and implementing health programs may provide a call to action for engagement in physical activity. And here are my references for the articles I have used. Thank you and I hope you enjoyed my presentation.[/expand]