Determinants of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in fire fighter testing.
The aim of this study was to evaluate current daily practice of aerobic capacity testing in Belgian fire fighters. The impact of personal and test-related parameters on the outcome has been evaluated. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) results of 605 male fire fighters gathered between 1999 and 2010 were analysed. The maximal cardio respiratory exercise tests were performed at 22 different centres using different types of tests (tread mill or bicycle), different exercise protocols and measuring equipment. Mean VO2 max was 43.3 (SD = 9.8) ml/kg.min. Besides waist circumference and age, the type of test, the degree of performance of the test and the test centre were statistically significant determinants of maximal oxygen uptake. Test-related parameters have to be taken into account when interpreting and comparing maximal oxygen uptake tests of fire fighters. It highlights the need for standardization of aerobic capacity testing in the medical evaluation of fire fighters.
Groep IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. Electronic address: lieve.vandersmissen@idewe.be.
G J M
GJ
Vandersmissen
Groep IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
R A J R
RA
Verhoogen
Groep IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
A F M
AF
Van Cauwenbergh
Groep IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Occupational, Environmental and Insurance Medicine, Kapucijnenvoer 35/5, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
L
L
Godderis
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D061388:Firefighters; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult
Aerobic capacity; Fire fighters; Maximal oxygen uptake; Medical evaluation