Aptidão Física de Bombeiros Portugueses

Abstract

They fight fires until the last man, but the work of Portuguese firefighters is not limited to extinguishing flames. They provide emergency assistance, transport patients, respond to hazardous situations, and even unlock doors when someone forgets their house keys. Currently, firefighters are the primary agents of the National Authority for Civil Protection. The daily routine of a firefighter is filled with emergencies, both in urban and rural areas, requiring these professionals to be physically and mentally prepared to meet the demands of their profession. In this context, monitoring the physical fitness levels of these professionals is crucial for effective job performance and for maintaining their health and physical integrity. Objectives: To identify the profile and potential associations between body composition and bone mineral density, general strength (handgrip strength), and lung function (spirometry) in firefighters from the Porto district. Methods: Sixtyeight professional firefighters (ANEPC, Porto District, Portugal) underwent a forced spirometry protocol to assess forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. A handgrip strength test was performed to determine peak values and assess risk thresholds (according to age, height, and gender), and body composition and bone mineral density were evaluated using DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) to determine lean mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density. Results and Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of body composition for the health and physical performance of firefighters, demonstrating the relationship between maintaining lean mass and reducing body fat with muscle strength and lung function. Excess fat was associated with decreased muscle strength, negatively impacting firefighters' physical fitness. Handgrip strength, used as a global strength indicator, was positively associated with better lung function values. Weight control and muscle-strengthening programs are recommended to improve performance and safety. The use of tools like DEXA, dynamometers, and spirometers validated the findings. Future studies should include lifestyle factors and functional stratification, as well as assess the impact of strength and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.