Reference Values for Body Composition, Graded Exercise Testing, Hemodynamics, and Pulmonary Function in Male and Female Firefighters
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This analysis establishes reference values for health and performance indicators in a large sample of US firefighters. METHODS: Data from 3867 firefighters (3651 males and 216 females) were analyzed to establish percentiles for anthropometrics, body composition, graded exercise, hemodynamics, and pulmonary function. RESULTS: The median characteristics of all male firefighters included: age, 38 years; body mass index, 29.2 kg/m 2 ; body fat percentage, 24%; and VO 2 max 32 mL/kg/min. The median characteristics of all female firefighters included: age, 33 years; body mass index, 25.7 kg/m 2 ; body fat percentage, 29%; and VO 2 max, 31 mL/kg/min. Reference values stratified by decade of age were also established. CONCLUSIONS: The presented values can be used to contextualize the performance of individual firefighters and fire departments and to promote evidence-based discussions regarding physical evaluations and standards for occupational readiness.
Institution: Texas Tech University
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410344358