title: The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters' Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression.
abstract: This study was designed to examine the effects of ambient heat on firefighters' physical task performance, and physiological and perceptual responses when sleep restricted during simulated wildfire conditions. Thirty firefighters were randomly allocated to the sleep restricted (n =17, SR; 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) or hot and sleep restricted (n =13, HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. Firefighters performed two days of simulated, intermittent, self-paced work circuits comprising six firefighting tasks. Heart rate, and core temperature were measured continuously. After each task, firefighters reported their rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation. Effort sensation was also reported after each work circuit. Fluids were consumed ad libitum. Urine volume and urine specific gravity were analysed. Sleep was monitored using polysomnography. There were no differences between the SR and HOT + SR groups in firefighters' physiological responses, hydration status, ratings of perceived exertion, motivation, and four of the six firefighting tasks (charged hose advance, rake, hose rolling, static hose hold). Black out hose and lateral repositioning were adversely affected in the HOT + SR group. Working in hot conditions did not appear to consistently impair firefighters work performance, physiology, and perceptual responses. Future research should determine whether such findings remain true when individual tasks are performed over longer durations.
authors.affiliation: Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Wayville 5034, Australia. g.vincent@cqu.edu.au.|School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia. g.vincent@cqu.edu.au.|Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. g.vincent@cqu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Grace E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia. brad.aisbett@deakin.edu.au.|Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. brad.aisbett@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aisbett
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia. b.larsen@griffith.edu.au.|Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. b.larsen@griffith.edu.au.|Griffith Sports Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Southport 4215, Australia. b.larsen@griffith.edu.au.
authors.forename: Brianna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia. nicky.ridgers@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Nicola D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Ridgers
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia. rod.snow@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Rod
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Snow
authors.affiliation: Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Wayville 5034, Australia. sally.ferguson@cqu.edu.au.|School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia. sally.ferguson@cqu.edu.au.|Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. sally.ferguson@cqu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Sally A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D061388:Firefighters; D006339:Heart Rate; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012892:Sleep Deprivation; D013997:Time Factors; D000066477:Work Performance
keywords: firefighting; physical performance; sleep restriction; work physiology