Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Several studies reported physical inactivity in up to two-thirds of firefighters; however, firefighters’ job tasks, such as carrying heavy equipment or climbing stairs, require strong aerobic fitness, anaerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and strength. Due to the high recommended physical ability, firefighters are required to participate in physical activity to enhance job performance and lower injury risk (Smith, 2011). Beitia et al. (2022) reported that physical ability test performance and anaerobic systems are significantly correlated. A recent study conducted by the author indicated that firefighter job tasks correlate with push-ups and 300-yard shuttle runs the most (Byun, 2024). PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if 300-yard shuttle run performance can predict performance on firefighter job tasks. METHODS: 85 firefighter cadets (2 eliminated as outliers, N = 83) completed both a 300-yard shuttle run and a simulated firefighter job tasks physical ability test (PAT) on two different days. The PAT tasks were performed in sequential order, while wearing full firefighter protective clothing, and consisted of equipment carry, stair climb, ladder carry and raise, bear crawl, kneeling hose drag, over shoulder hose drag, tire strike, hose deploy, victim drag, and charged line carry. Times were recorded to complete each task. Linear regression was used to analyze 300-yard shuttle run (IV) and PAT task times (DV) at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 300-yard shuttle run significantly predicted ladder carry and raise (r = 0.38, R^2 = 0.14, β = 0.79, p < 0.001), over shoulder hose drag (r = 0.36, R^2 = 0.12, β = 0.73, p < 0.001), and tire strike (r = 0.24, R^2 = 0.05, β = 0.71, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The 300-yard shuttle run is a significant predictor of performance in several simulated firefighter job tasks, particularly in ladder carry and raise and over shoulder hose drag. However, compared to the recent study conducted by the author, a weaker correlation is observed with a larger sample size. Firefighters, instructors, and strengthening coaches should note the importance of enhancing anaerobic fitness to improve job task performance effectively. Future projects will investigate the role of muscular strength in firefighter job tasks.
Recommended Citation
Byun, Chaehyun; Martinez, Cheyenne; Tousant, Marshall; Bernhardt, Vipa; Oldham, Michael D.; and Jabai, Hussien
(2025)
"Anaerobic Capacity Predicts Firefighter Job Tasks,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 16.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/16
