Respiratory Responses during Exercise in Self-contained Breathing Apparatus among Firefighters and Nonfirefighters.
10.1016/j.shaw.2018.02.002
- Author:
David HOSTLER
1
;
David R PENDERGAST
Author Information
1. SUNY University at Buffalo, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE), USA. dhostler@buffalo.edu
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Carbon dioxide retention;
Exercise;
Protective equipment;
Self-contained breathing apparatus
- MeSH:
Exercise Test;
Firefighters*;
Heart Rate;
Humans;
Hypoventilation;
Mechanics;
Oxygen Consumption;
Protective Clothing;
Respiration*;
Respiratory Rate
- From:Safety and Health at Work
2018;9(4):468-472
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Firefighters are required to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which impairs ventilatory mechanics. We hypothesized that firefighters have elevated arterial CO₂ when using SCBA. METHODS: Firefighters and controls performed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer and two graded exercise tests (GXTs) at 25%, 50%, and 70% of their maximal aerobic power, once with a SCBA facemask and once with protective clothing and full SCBA. RESULTS: Respiratory rate increased more in controls than firefighters. Heart rate increased as a function of oxygen consumption (V.(O₂)) more in controls than firefighters. End-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) during the GXTs was not affected by work rate in either group for either condition but was higher in firefighters at all work rates in both GXTs. SCBA increased ETCO₂ in controls but not firefighters. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that when compared to controls, firefighters’ hypoventilate during a maximal test and GXT. The hypoventilation resulted in increased ETCO₂, and presumably increased arterial CO₂, during exertion. It is proposed that firefighters have altered CO₂ sensitivity due to voluntary hypoventilation during training and work. Confirmation of low CO₂ sensitivity and the consequence of this on performance and long-term health remain to be determined.
