Cardiopulmonary, Metabolic and Perceived Exertion Characteristics Among Portuguese Firefighters

Abstract

Background: Firefighting is a strenuous occupation that requires firefighters to be in excellent physical condition. However, some of these professionals are not sufficiently physically fit for duty, negatively impacting their performance. Objective: To cardiopulmonary characterize Portuguese firefighters at different exercise intensities to clarify if their physical fitness profile is adequate to overcome their occupational activities demands. Methodology: Twenty-four healthy Portuguese firefighters performed an intermittent running protocol (with 1 km·h1 increments and 30 s intervals) on a treadmill. Cardiorespiratory variables and core temperature were measured continuously during the exercise, while blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed during the rest periods between steps. Results: The increase in velocity along the running protocol resulted in higher values of oxygen uptake (41.5 ± 8.5 mL/min/kg), blood lactate (13.5 ± 4.6 mmol/L) and rating of perceived exertion (19 ± 1). However, there was stabilization of the respiratory quotient and heart rate from heavy to severe intensities. Discussion/Conclusions: Portuguese firefighters have a minimum level of cardiopulmonary fitness to perform their professional duties. However, given the high demands on the cardiopulmonary function of firefighting, it is essential that firefighters participate in regular training programs to maintain and develop cardiopulmonary physical fitness. (c) The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.