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DETERIORATION OF LIPID METABOLISM DESPITE FITNESS IMPROVEMENTS IN WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS

Abstract

P.S. Dodds1, A.M. Rosales1, W.S. Hailes1, J.A. Sol1, R.H. Coker2, FACSM, J.C. Quindry1, FACSM, B.C. Ruby1, FACSM

1University of Montana, Missoula, MT; 2University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

Wildland fire suppression presents a working environment that often exceeds an energy expenditure of 20 MJ/day. However maladaptive seasonal responses in adiposity and blood lipid profiles have been noted. PURPOSE: To determine changes in clinical health metrics and serum lipids resulting from 5 months of seasonal wildland fire suppression. METHODS: We recruited wildland firefighters (WLFF), (n=100, 92 males, 8 females) from seven crews (5 Hotshot crews, 1 Initial Attack crew) based in MT and CA. After an overnight fast, nude body mass, blood pressure (BP), grip strength, and step test heart rate (HR) (~VO2=20.7 mL/kg/min) were recorded. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum total cholesterol (CHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides (TG). A 2-tailed dependent t-test was used to compare pre and post-season values. Statistical significance was established at pRESULTS:Body mass was increased (pre 77.4±9.7, post 78.4±9.5 kg, p0.05). Grip strength remained unchanged (pre 56±11, post 56±11 kg, p>0.05). HR response decreased during the step test (pre 102±13, post 96±9 BPM, pCONCLUSIONS:Despite favorable changes in systolic BP and aerobic fitness, there were maladaptive changes in serum lipids that occurred in conjunction with an increase in body mass.

Supported by the United States Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program.

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