EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS OF THE FIREFIGHTERS

Objective A series of laboratory tests including the physical quality and sport capability were conducted to study the physical fitness of the firefighters,so as to provide the basis for guiding their scientific training.Methods Male volunteer firefighters from Shanghai Fire Brigade Specific Fire Corps Detachment,(n=41,age=22.4±3.8),were divided into 3 groups by age(≤20,21~24,≥25).The basic physical qualities of subjects were tested.Their maximal oxygen uptake was measured with Bruce protocol,and anaerobic working capacity Wingate protocol.One week later,≤20 age group underwent another oxygen uptake test with a backpack of 15 kg in weight(a set of compressed air cylinder and breathing mask).Results(1)The body weight,BMI in ≤20 and 21~24 age group were in normal range,and the performances of body quality test in both group were also good and excellent.The body weight,BMI,and body fat percentage in ≥25 age group were higher;whereas the score of sit-ups lower than ≤20,and 21~24 age group(P0.05).(2) The relative average power,and fatigue index in ≥25 age group were lower than in the other two groups(P0.05),but the other parametrs in 3 groups were not different from each other(P0.05).(3) The relative value of VO2max,time to VO2max,and velocity of treadmill during exhaustion in ≥25 age group were lower than in the othoer two groups(P0.05).(4) The time to exhaustion in the subjects under loading condition was 2 min shorter than the control,and their VO2max,velocity of treadmill,maximal exercise heart rate during exhaustion were lower than the control(P0.05).Conclusion: The physial fitness of firefighters at the age of ≤20~24 are good or excellent,but it declines in firefighters of aged ≥25.Overload has marked effect on the physical fitness of firefighters.