Aerobic Capacity and Obesity Ratio of Korea Firefighters by Job Duties:Implications for Fitness Management
10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.1.23
- Author:
Ji-Been KIM
1
;
Min-Geon JE
;
Chae-Been KIM
;
Jung-Jun PARK
;
Hyun-Joo KANG
;
Wook SONG
;
Chung-Gun LEE
;
Yeon-Soon AHN
;
Han-Joon LEE
;
Dong-Il SEO
Author Information
1. Department of Sports Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Clinical Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine
2024;42(1):23-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
