Korean J Sports Med.  2024 Mar;42(1):23-30. 10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.1.23.

Aerobic Capacity and Obesity Ratio of Korea Firefighters by Job Duties: Implications for Fitness Management

• Kim JB
• Je MG
• Kim CB
• Park JJ
• Kang HJ
• Song W
• Lee CG
• Ahn YS
• Lee HJ
• Seo DI

• KMID: 2553553
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.1.23

Abstract

Purpose
Firefighting duties range from field roles such as suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS) to various administrative tasks. Despite these differences, they face uniform fitness standards in Korea. This study seeks to define distinct fitness needs for each duty and provide data for customized standards.
Methods
One hundred seventy-six Korean male firefighters participated, categorized into suppression (n=76), rescue (n=22), administrative (n=27), and EMS (n=51) roles. All underwent maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) tests for aerobic capacity, with body composition measured using bioelectrical impedance and height recorded with a stadiometer.
Results
The VO₂ max (mL/kg/min) among Korean male firefighters varied across different job duties: suppression (39.96±5.84), rescue (44.84±4.85), administration (40.27±7.01), and EMS (40.51±6.75). Rescue had the highest VO₂ max, which was significantly higher (p=0.013). The body mass index (BMI, kg/m² ) values were as follows: suppression (25.07±2.55), rescue (24.95±1.71), EMS (24.33±3.21), and administration (25.10±2.48). There was no statistically significant difference in BMI values (p=0.464).
Conclusion
This study evaluated the VO₂ max and BMI of South Korean male firefighters according to their job duties. It found that 54.5% did not meet the recommended VO₂ max standard of 42 mL/kg/min for their activities, and 77.5% had a BMI indicating overweight or higher. However, it is important to note that not every firefighting duty requires high fitness levels. The key is ensuring firefighters possess the fitness necessary for their specific roles to maintain safety and efficiency. The study aims to provide data for creating fitness management guidelines tailored to the diverse duties of firefighters.

Keyword

Body composition; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Firefighter; Obesity

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