Effect of a Kinect-Based Exercise on Improving Job-Related Physical Fitness Tests for Korean Firefighters

Article information

Asian J Kinesiol. 2023;25(3):30-42
Publication date (electronic) : 2023 July 31
doi : https://doi.org/10.15758/ajk.2023.25.3.30
1Division of Sports Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
2Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
3Department of Sports Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
4Department of Physical Education, Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
5Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
6School of Sport Science, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
7Department of Preventive Medicine and Genomic Cohort Institute, Yonsei Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
8Department of Sports Science, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
*Correspondence: Dong-Il Seo, Department of Sports Science, Dongguk University, 123, Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; Tel: +82-10- 8548-9229; E-mail: seodi74@dongguk.ac.kr
Received 2023 June 8; Accepted 2023 June 27.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Firefighters play a critical role in high-temperature environments that demand substantial physical strength for efficient job performance. However, South Korean firefighters face challenges in maintaining optimal fitness levels due to limited opportunities for exercise. Factors that contribute to this issue include shift work, frequent dispatches, and the absence of exercise instructors.

METHODS

At total of 20 male Korean firefighters were divided into an exercise group (EG) and a control group (CG) with ten participants each. The EG group underwent an 8-week exercise intervention at a fire academy in Busan using a kinect-based exercise device called Virtual Mate (VM), while the CG group maintained their regular lifestyle without any additional exercise. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted, including the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a physical fitness evaluation commonly used for firefighting duties in North America, the Korea Firefighter Performance Battery (KFPB), which is a modified version of CPAT, and basic physical fitness tests. The effect of exercise was analyzed using statistical methods, including repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for CPAT completion time (p = .004) and KFPB completion time (p = .012). After 8 weeks of exercise, the EG demonstrated a significant decrease in CPAT completion time (543.7 ± 93.0 sec vs. 500.8 ± 64.1 sec, p = .004) and KFPB completion time (584.1 ± 47.8 sec vs. 525.3 ± 16.2 sec, p = .001), while the CG did not show significant changes. In terms of basic physical fitness, only in EG, number of sit-ups performed in one minute significantly increased (p < .001)

CONCLUSIONS

The Kinect-based exercise device, VM, proves to be a valuable solution for addressing the practical challenges faced by Korean firefighters, ultimately enhancing their physical fitness.

Introduction

Firefighting demands a high degree of physical strength owing to strenuous job tasks (e.g., equipment transportation, hose pulling, and rescue operations) in high-temperature environments [1,2]. Previous research has consistently reported that firefighters’ heart rate reaches its maximum during firefighting tasks while wearing safety equipment [3-5]. Furthermore, a consistent increase in heart rate and oxygen uptake has been observed during both actual firefighting activities and simulation training [6-8]. This indicates that firefighting tasks involve high-intensity activities. To safely perform demanding firefighting tasks, various physical abilities such as muscular endurance, power, aerobic and anaerobic capacity are essential [9-11]. Particularly, there is a close association between cardiorespiratory fitness and a significant increase of 3 mL/kg/min in maximum oxygen uptake, which can reduce the risk of injury by as much as 14% [12]. Therefore, it is recommended to achieve a cardiorespiratory fitness level of approximately 40-45 mL/kg/min in maximum oxygen uptake for safe firefighting operations [13-15].

In many countries, regular assessments of firefighting job-related and basic physical fitness are conducted to ensure staff maintain high levels of physical readiness. Among these evaluations, the collaborative efforts of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Firefighters led to the development of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) for firefighter recruitment [16]. The CPAT has been extensively studied as a physical fitness assessment tool appropriate for assessing the capacity to perform firefighting duties [17,18]. Individuals who successfully passed the CPAT demonstrated significantly superior levels of maximum oxygen intake and grip strength compared to those who did not pass [1]. These results affirm that the CPAT serves as a comprehensive assessment of the essential physical fitness components necessary for effective performance in firefighting duties. Additionally, basic physical fitness tests (e.g., grip strength, sit-ups, standing long jumps, and shuttle runs) have been widely used [19]. Nowadays, the Korean Firefighter Performance Battery (KFPB), a recently developed assessment that simplifies the CPAT, is gaining recognition as a valuable physical fitness evaluation specifically tailored to firefighting duties [20]. The KFPB exhibits higher validity and reliability compared to the CPAT, while also providing notable advantages such as its compact size (1/100 of CPAT), lower manufacturing costs (1/30 of the cost), and excellent portability [20].

The physical fitness level of Korean firefighters, as assessed by the CPAT and basic physical fitness tests, demonstrated a low level [21,22]. The CPAT completion times exceeded the passing standard by an average of 1 min and 46 sec [21], and the grip strength in the basic physical fitness test was found to be lower compared to Canadian, American, and German firefighters [22]. This indicates that Korean firefighters do not meet the optimal levels of muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness [23,24], which are essential for the performance of firefighting activities. This can hinder the safe and efficient execution of firefighting tasks [24]. Therefore, it is crucial for Korean firefighters to improve their physical fitness through regular training. Previous studies have identified low exercise participation rates as a key contributing factor to decreased physical strength among Korean firefighters. Shockingly, less than 50% of Korean firefighters reported engaging in moderate-intensity exercise for 150 min or more per week [25].

Factors influencing inadequate physical fitness among Korean firefighters include shift work patterns, frequency of emergency dispatches, absence of an exercise instructor, and limitations related to facilities and spaces [25]. One possible solution to address these issues is the use of a kinect-based exercise device, which employs a camera to effectively track body joints and provide real-time feedback on exercise movements. It has the potential to substitute the role of exercise instructors and can be accessed round-the-clock, irrespective of the number of emergency dispatches and work shift types. The technology-driven kinect-based exercise also device facilitates the comprehensive development of all major muscle groups through a wide range of exercise movements. Meanwhile, constraints of limited facilities and space can be overcome by substituting kinect-based exercise devices. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of kinect-based exercise devices in providing efficient exercise therapy for older individuals and patients [26-28]. However, there is currently a lack of studies examining the impact of utilizing kinect-based exercise devices specifically for firefighters, who typically exhibit a higher level of physical strength than the general population.

In this study, Korean firefighters were assigned to either an exercise group (EG) or a control group (CG), and an 8-week exercise program targeting firefighting job-related physical fitness was implemented using kinect-based exercise device. CPAT, KFPB, and basic physical fitness tests served as measures to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Methods

Participants

Twenty male Korean firefighters were recruited for this study. The participants were divided into an EG (n = 10) and a CG (n = 10). The risk of physical activity was checked through the revision of the physical readiness questionnaire (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and YOU+) before physical fitness evaluation [29]. The EG engaged in exercise using the Virtual Mate (VM, Virtual mate, My Benefit Co., Ltd., Seoul, Rep. of Korea), a kinect-based exercise device known for its high level of validity and reliability [30], three days per week over an eight-week period. In addition, the EG utilized a heart rate monitor (Polar H10, Polar Electro Co., Ltd., Kempele, Finland) to monitor their heart rate during exercise. In contrast, the CG was instructed to maintain their regular lifestyles without incorporating any additional exercise during the intervention period. Pre- and postphysical assessment tests were conducted on all participants to determine the effects of exercise training after the intervention. Prior to the commencement of the study, written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Pusan National University (PNU IRB/2021_50_HR).

Exercise program

During the 8-week exercise intervention using the VM, the EG participants followed a specific training program. They engaged in 30-minute exercise sessions, three days a week, as illustrated in <Figure 1>. The VM exercise program was developed based on the CPAT guidelines and consisted of 14 exercises [31]. Each exercise was performed for 60 seconds, followed by a 15-second recovery period. The program also included a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down routine. <Table 1> shows the VM exercise training programs for weeks 1-4, while <Table 2> displays the programs for weeks 5-8. Notably, the workload for exercise selection, such as two-arm dumbbell rows, shoulder presses, straight deadlifts, deadlifts, and dumbbell floor presses, was increased by approximately 20%. For instance, during weeks 1-4, 5kg dumb-bells (10kg total) were used, whereas weeks 5-8 involved the use of 6kg dumbbells (12kg total).

Figure 1.

Virtual Mate Device.

Korean firefighter fitness program for weeks 1-4.

Korean firefighter fitness program for weeks 5-8.

Body composition

Weight (kg), body fat (kg), and skeletal muscle mass (kg) were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody620, Inbody Co., Ltd., Seoul, Rep. of Korea). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight (kg) and height (cm). There were no significant differences in age, weight, height, BMI, body fat mass, and skeletal muscle mass between the EG and CG at baseline <Table 3>.

Baseline characteristics of participants.

Candidate physical ability test

The CPAT comprises eight consecutive sections: Stair Climbing, Hose Dragging and Pulling, Equipment Carrying, Ladder Raising and Extending, Forced Entry, Search, Rescue, and Ceiling Breaking and Pulling. The test is performed while wearing a weighted vest, and the objective is to complete all sections within 620 sec to pass the test [19]. During the stair climbing section, participants utilize step-mill equipment to ascend the stairs at a rate of 60 steps per minute for 3 min, with an additional 10 kg weight applied solely during this section. In the hose dragging and pulling section, participants carry a fire hose weighting approximately 10 kg, with a length of 60 m and a diameter of 44 mm. They move the drum 22.9 m, rotate it 90°, and proceed to move an additional 7.6 m. Within a designated area measuring 1.52 m in length and 2.13 m in width, participants kneel with one knee on the floor and pull the hose for a distance of 15.24 m. The equipment carrying section entails extracting two pieces of equipment from a cabinet, gripping one in each hand, and transporting them a distance of 91.4 m to return them inside the cabinet. In the ladder raising and extending section, participants begin by positioning a ladder against a wall from its initial floor placement. They then extend the ladder to its full length before repositioning it. The forced entry section involves striking a measuring instrument with a 4.54 kg hammer until a buzzer signal is triggered. In the search section, participants navigate through a maze-like tunnel with dimensions of 91.44 m in height, 121.92 m in width, and 19.51 m in length, while contending with restricted lighting conditions. During the Rescue section, participants employ a harness to lift a 50 kg dummy and transport it a distance of 42.6 m. Finally, the ceiling breaking and pulling section comprises three repetitions of lifting a 27.2 kg ceiling using a 1.8 m bar, followed by five repetitions of lowering a 36.3 kg ceiling. Participants alternate between pushing and pulling movements, completing a total of four cycles.

Korean firefighter performance battery

The specific method of performing the KFPB involves consecutively performing all eight sections of the step box up and down, walking and sitting dumbbell row, dumbbell walking, arm walking and dumbbell push press, side kettlebell swing, side knee-up and full plank posture, barbell sumo squats, and barbell push and barbell rows while wearing a weighted vest [20]. The KFPB evaluation criteria are categorized into four levels. The first level ranges from 441 sec to 497 sec, the second level ranges from 498 sec to 521 sec, the third level ranges from 522 sec to 599 sec, and the fourth level ranges from 560 sec to 751 sec. In the step box exercise, participants wore an additional weight of 10 kg specifically for this section. They performed step-ups and step-downs on a 30 cm high step box for a duration of 3 min, following a metronome set at a speed of 120 beats per minute. During the walking and seated dumbbell row exercise, participants walked in place with a 10 kg dumbbell placed on one shoulder. They then held a 5 kg dumbbell in both hands and assumed a seated position with one knee on the floor. They performed a total of 30 arm pulls, alternating between each arm. In the walking with dumbbell section, participants engaged in stationary walking exercise while holding a pair of 13 kg dumbbells in each hand. The arm walking and dumbbell push press sections involved starting from a standing position and performing a floor touch exercise by placing hands on the floor, lowering the chest until it touched the floor, and returning to a standing position twice. Participants then held a pair of 5 kg dumbbells in each hand and completed 20 shoulder presses, alternating between arms. In the side kettlebell swing section, participants performed 10 swings with a 4.54 kg kettlebell, starting from the floor on the outside of one foot and swinging it up to the top of the opposite shoulder. During the side knee-up with full plank position exercise, participants performed 40 repetitions of alternating raising and lowering their body until their right knee touched their right elbow in the same direction. The barbell sumo squat section involved participants performing 10 repetitions of squats with a 30 kg barbell placed on the floor. For the barbell push press and barbell row segments, participants executed three shoulder-level overhead lifts using a 9 kg barbell in each hand. Additionally, they performed five rows using a 24 kg barbell. These two movements were alternated for a total of four cycles.

Basic physical fitness test

The evaluation of basic physical fitness included muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and muscular endurance, which are currently regularly conducted by firefighters in Korea. Initially, the grip strength of the dominant hand was measured. Next, participants performed a standing long jump to assess their agility. The third test involved a sit-and-reach exercise to evaluate flexibility. Finally, participants performed sit-ups to assess their muscular endurance.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and the mean and standard deviation of all data were calculated. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed with a group variable (EG and CG) as a between-subject factor and a time variable (pre- and post-intervention) as a within-subject factor to evaluate the interaction. Paired t-tests were used to compare the mean difference between the pre- and post-exercise values in each group. Independent t-tests were performed to compare the baseline differences between the EG and CG. To confirm the effect of the intervention, the ES was calculated. The level of significance was set at p < .05.

Results

Participant characteristics

The changes in body composition after 8 weeks of exercise are shown in <Table 4>. Both groups showed no significant decreases in body weight, body fat mass, BMI and skeletal muscle mass. Also, there were no significant interactions between the groups.

Comparative analysis of characteristics of participants.

Heart rate response of exercise

The HR response of the participants in each week is shown in <Table 5>. During the eighth week of the study, a decrease was observed in heart rate during exercise (HRexercise) and the percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) estimated by a formula [32].

Descriptive statistics of heart response.

Job-related physical fitness test in firefighting occupations

CPAT time at baseline were 543.7 ± 93.0 sec and 545.1 ± 47.0 sec in the EG and CG, respectively, and there was no statistical difference between the groups. After 8 weeks of exercise, the EG showed a significant decrease in CPAT complete time to 500.8 ± 64.1 sec (p = .004), while the CG did not <Figure 2>. There was a significant interaction between the groups in CPAT completion time (p = .004, η2 = 0.371).

Figure 2.

Comparative Analysis of Job-Related Physical Fitness Test in Firefighting Occupations.

CPAT, candidate physical ability test; KFPB, Korean firefighter performance battery; EG, exercise group; CG, control group; ** Significant difference pre vs. post at p < .01; # Significant interaction between the group and the change in KFPB time at p < .05; ## Significant interaction between the group and the change in CPAT time at p < .01.

KFPB time at baseline were 584.1 ± 47.8 sec and 595.1 ± 67.4 sec in the EG and CG, respectively, and there was no statistical difference between the groups. After 8 weeks of exercise, the EG showed a significant decrease in KFPB time to 525.3 ± 16.2 sec (p = .001), whereas the CG did not <Figure 2>. There was a significant interaction between the groups and an increase in KFPB completion time (p = .012, η2 = 0.301).

Basic physical fitness test

Fitness tests were conducted at baseline for both the EG and CG, and the results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. After eight weeks of exercise, among the basic fitness tests, the EG showed an improvement of approximately 10% only in sit-ups. There was a significant interaction between groups in sit-up and showed significant improvement over time <Table 6>.

Comparative analysis of basic physical fitness test.

Discussion

This study aimed to propose a strategy for enhancing the physical strength of Korean firefighters who experience lower physical fitness levels due to limited exercise opportunities caused by shift work, frequent dispatches, and a lack of exercise instructors. To address these challenges, an exercise intervention utilizing a kinect-based exercise device was conducted over a period of eight weeks, and its impact on the physical strength of domestic firefighters was examined. The effectiveness of the exercise interventions was assessed through physical fitness and firefighting assessments.

Surprisingly, the exercise participation rate was exceptionally high (99%), and no cases of exercise discontinuation or injury were reported. This is because VM provides convenient access and flexibility to exercise equipment, allowing firefighters to perform physical activities at their own convenience. Additionally, schedule flexibility allows managers to easily incorporate exercise sessions into firefighter shift schedules. The exercise program implemented on the VM demonstrated a high-intensity aerobic workout, with an intensity ranging from 77.2-79.5% of HRmax [33]. Considering that the intensity of firefighting tasks falls within the range of 79-88% of maximum heart rate [35,36], it can be concluded that the exercise program intensity in this study is suitable. The exercise program in this study was specifically designed to meet the required fitness levels of firefighters and promote significant improvements in cardiovascular function [34]. Furthermore, since cardiovascular diseases account for nearly half of the major causes of firefighter fatalities, the implementation of such a program could potentially reduce the associated risks [37,38]. Consequently, The Kinect-based exercise program employed in this study proved to be an effective solution for Korean firefighters, as it provided suitable exercise intensity to maintain their required fitness levels and addressed the difficulties in maintaining regular exercise routines.

The CPAT is a firefighting-related physical fitness assessment that requires completing eight consecutives’ sections within 620 sec. This demonstrates that the CPAT accurately reflects the essential fitness components required for firefighters, including cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. In this study, the baseline CPAT performance times for the EG and CG were 543.7 ± 93.0 sec and 545.1 ± 47.8 sec, respectively. Both groups successfully completed the CPAT within the designated time-frame of 620 sec, indicating that they possessed an appropriate level of physical fitness for firefighting duties. In contrast, a previous study conducted with Korean firefighters reported a CPAT performance time of 726.6 ± 84.6 sec, indicating a failure to meet the CPAT criteria [21]. The significant difference in CPAT performance times between this study and those of a previous study despite both being conducted with Korean firefighters, can be attributed to differences in participant characteristics [21]. While the previous study focused on newly recruited firefighters, this study included firefighters with an average work experience of approximately nine years. As the CPAT is designed based on firefighting tasks, firefighters with more experience are likely to be more familiar with the specific movements required in CPAT, resulting in faster performance times. It is important to highlight that after an 8-week exercise intervention using the VM, the experimental group showed an approximate 8% improvement in CPAT performance time.

In the KFPB development study, specific evaluation criteria were established for each grade: grade 1 (441-497 sec), grade 2 (498-521 sec), grade 3 (522-599 sec), and grade 4 (560-751 sec) [20]. Initially, both the EG and CG participants in this study were categorized as grade 4. However, following the 8-week training period, the EG group exhibited significant progress, achieving grade 3 with an impressive 11% enhancement in their performance records. These findings provide additional evidence supporting the beneficial impact of the exercise program utilizing the VM.

However, in the current regular basic physical fitness assessments conducted on Korean firefighters, only sit-ups showed improved results after exercise intervention using VM. This can be attributed to the fact that the exercise intervention program did not include exercise movements that specifically targeted handgrip strength and sit-and-reach. Additionally, although the experimental group exhibited an increase in the absolute value of the standing long jump, it was not statistically significant, suggesting that a longer intervention period than the one used in this study may be necessary to demonstrate improvement. However, even if significant improvements were not observed in most items in the basic fitness assessment, it is difficult to conclude that exercise interventions using VM are ineffective for firefighters. The reason for this is that, as a result of evaluating the current Korean firefighters’ physical fitness test criteria on a scale of 1 to 10, the CG group showed a slight improvement in all items, while the EG group showed remarkable progress. Specifically, grip strength improved from 3 points to 4 points, sit-ups improved from 4 points to 9 points, and forward bends improved from 0 points to 2 points. Nevertheless, the results of firefighting tasks (hose deployment, forced entry, salvage, lifesaving, stair climbing, etc.) and basic physical fitness indicators (grip strength, sit-up, forward bending, long jump in place, etc.) showed significant but low to moderate correlations (r=.378-.624) [39]. Therefore, it seems unrealistic to evaluate the firefighting job ability only with the results of the basic physical fitness test. This is because, as proven in numerous previous studies, as demonstrated in numerous previous studies, the physical fitness level required for firefighting activities involves complex physical abilities that are difficult to measure solely through basic fitness assessments [40,41]. Furthermore, in a suitability survey of fitness assessments conducted on domestic firefighters, 44% of current firefighters and 57% of new recruits reported that simple basic fitness assessments were unsuitable for evaluating firefighter fitness [42], lending support for the argument that it is difficult to claim that the exercise program based on firefighting movements in this study was ineffective.

It has been reported that firefighters with obesity perform firefighting tasks 70-80% slower compared to those with appropriate body composition levels [43]. Furthermore, obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for subsequent disability, with each unit increase in BMI associated with a 5% increase in the risk of job disability [44,45]. Evidence also suggests that firefighters with high BMIs have impaired vascular function and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease [46]. The BMI of the participants in this study was approximately 25 kg/m2, within the normal range and comparable to firefighters abroad [47]. While they currently maintain appropriate body composition, further efforts are necessary to ensure smooth and safe job performance. In this study, exercise was implemented without imposing dietary restrictions. However, according to the recommendations of the ACSM, for clinically significant weight loss without dietary restrictions, an exercise program using 1200-2000 kcal of energy per week and engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercises for 150-250 min is advised [48]. Previous studies have shown an 8% weight loss over 12 weeks with daily energy expenditure of 700 kcal through exercise [49]. In this study, although high-intensity exercise was conducted, the duration of 90 min per week might have limited the potential for improvements in body composition without dietary restrictions.

This study demonstrated that the use of a technical method utilizing a kinect-based device can enhance the effectiveness of improving the physical fitness of Korean firefighters by eliminating realistic obstacles. These findings can serve as foundational data for evaluating firefighting job-related physical fitness among Korean firefighters through assessments such as CPAT and KFPB. However, the modified CPAT used in this study had slightly reduced weights (approximately 10%) in specific sections, such as rescue, ceiling breach, and pulling, compared to the original CPAT. This adjustment was made based on a pilot test conducted prior to the experiment, which revealed that completing the CPAT with the original intensity was not feasible. It is important to note that physical activity, apart from diet and intervention, could not be restricted, which remains a limitation of the study. Moreover, the low proportion of female firefighters in Korea (9.4%) hinders the generalizability of the study’s results. Further research focusing on the recruitment and physical fitness of female firefighters is needed [50].

Conclusions

In this study, Korean firefighters who face challenges (e.g., irregular physical activity due to shift work, frequent dispatches, and lack of exercise guidance) engaged in exercise using a kinect-based exercise device to examine its impact on firefighting job-related physical fitness. The findings revealed 8% and 11% improvements in the CPAT and KFPB, respectively. These results indicate that using VM for exercise is beneficial for enhancing firefighters’ physical strength.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Emergency Response to Disaster Sites Research and Development Program, funded by the National Fire Agency (20013968, Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology, KEIT).

Notes

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

1. Williams-Bell FM, Villar R, Hughson RL. Physiological demands of the firefighter candidate physical ability test. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009;41(3):653–62.
2. Michaelides MA, Parpa KM, Henry LJ, Thompson GB, Brown BS. Assessment of physical fitness aspects and their relationship to firefighters’ job abilities. J Strength Cond Res 2011;25(4):956–65.
3. Phillips DB, Scarlett MP, Petersen SR. The influence of body mass on physical fitness test performance in male firefighter applicants. J Occup Environ Med 2017;59(11):1101–8.
4. Elsner KL, Kolkhorst FW. Metabolic demands of simulated firefighting tasks. Ergonomics 2008;51(9):1418–25.
5. Louhevaara V, Tuomi T, Smolander J, Korhonen O, Tossavainen A, Jaakkola J. Cardiorespiratory strain in jobs that require respiratory protection. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1985;55(3):195–206.
6. O’Connell ER, Thomas PC, Cady LD, Karwasky RJ. Energy costs of simulated stair climbing as a job-related task in firefighting. J Occup Med 1986;:282–4.
7. Sothmann MS, Saupe K, Jasenof D, Blaney J. Heart rate response of firefighters to actual emergencies. Implications for cardiorespiratory fitness. J Occup Med 1992;34(8):797–800.
8. Sothmann MS, Saupe KW, Jasenof D, et al. Advancing age and the cardiorespiratory stress of fire supression: determining a minimum standard for aerobic fitness. Hum Perform 1990;3(4):217–36.
9. Abel MG, Mortara AJ, Pettitt RW. Evaluation of circuit-training intensity for firefighters. J Strength Cond 2011;25(10):2895–901.
10. Abel MG, Sell K, Dennison K. Design and implementation of fitness programs for firefighters. J Strength Cond 2011;33(4):31–42.
11. Abel MG, Palmer TG, Trubee N. Exercise program design for structural firefighters. J Strength Cond 2015;37(4):8–19.
12. Poplin GS, Roe DJ, Peate W, Harris RB, Burgess JL. The association of aerobic fitness with injuries in the fire service. Am J Epidemiol 2014;179(2):149–55.
13. Davis PO, Dotson CO, Santa Maria DL. Relationship between simulated firefighting tasks and physical performance measures. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1982;14(1):65–71.
14. Gledhill N, Jamnik VK. Characterization of the physical demands of firefighting. Can J Sport Sci 1992;17(3):207–13.
15. Lemon PW, Hermiston RT. The human energy cost of firefighting. J Occup Med 1977;19:558–62.
16. International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) [Internet]. The IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Candidate Physical Ability Test Program Summary; http://www.iafc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=389. (Accessed May 8, 2022).
17. Gilman WD, Davis PO. Firefighting demands aerobic fitness. NFPA Journal 1993;2:68–73.
18. Manning JE, Griggs TR. Heart rates in fire fighters using light and heavy breathing equipment: similar near-maximal exertion in response to multiple workload conditions. J Occup Med 1983;25:215–8.
19. International Association of Firefighters. Candidate Preparation Guide Washington, DC: IAFF; 2007. p. 16–29.
20. Kim JB, Kim CB, Xiang YY, et al. Development of the Korean firefighter performance battery: Job-related physical fitness assessment. J Occup Edu Med 2023;65(5)e346.
21. Kim JB, Kim KT, Cho YS, et al. Evaluation of Korean Firefighters’ Fitness Using Candidate Physical Ability Test: Pilot study. Asian J Kinesiol 2022;24(3):31–8.
22. Noh KM, Lee KH, Jamrasi P, et al. W. Physical fitness levels of South Korean national male and female firefighters. J Exerc Sci Fit 2020;18(3):109–14.
23. Dreger RW, Petersen SR. Oxygen cost of the CF-DND fire fit test in males and females. Applied Physiology. Nutrition and Metabolism 2007;32(3):454–62.
24. Rhea MR, Alvar BA, Gray R. Physical fitness and job performance of firefighters. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 2004;18(2):348–52.
25. Kwon JS, Park CG, Lee CG, et al. The effects of number of fire dispatches and other situational factors on voluntary exercise training among Korean firefighters: A multilevel logistic regression analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020;17(16):5913.
26. Brauner P, Ziefle M. Serious motion-based exercise games for older adults: evaluation of usability, performance, and pain mitigation. JMIR serious games 2020;8(2)e14182.
27. Osgouei RH, Soulsby D, Bello F. Rehabilitation exergames: Use of motion sensing and machine learning to quantify exercise performance in healthy volunteers. JMIR Rehab Assist 2020;7(2)e17289.
28. Kayama H, Okamoto K, Nishiguchi S, Yamada M, Kuroda T, Aoyama T. Effect of a Kinect-based exercise game on improving executive cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly: case control study. J Med Internet Res 2014;16(2)e3108.
29. Thomas S, Reading J, Shephard RJ. Revision of the physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q). Can J Sport Sci 1992;17(4):388–45.
30. Ahn SY, Sung YH, Bae JH, Lim BG, Song W. Reliability and Validity of the Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Device: Pilot Study. The Asian Journal of Kinesiology 2022;24(2):2–11.
31. IAFF, ; IAFC. CPAT Candidate Physical Ability Test Washington DC, United States: 2007. p. 5–25.
32. Gellish RL, Olson RE, McDONALD AUDRY, Russi GD, Moudgil VK. Longitudinal modeling of the relationship between age and maximal heart rate. Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2007;39(5):822–29.
33. Pollock ML, Gaesser GA, Butcher JD, et al. ACSM position stand: the recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults. Journals AZ. Medicine & Science 1998;30(6)
34. Cornelissen VA, Fagard RH. Effects of endurance training on blood pressure, blood pressure regulating mechanism and cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension 2005;46:667–75.
35. Lusa S, Louhevaara V, Smolander J, Kivimaki M, Korhonen O. Physiological responses of firefighting students during simulated smoke-diving in the heat. Am Ind Hyg Assoc 1993;54:228–31.
36. Sothmann MS, Saupe K, Jasenof D, Blaney J. Heart rate response of firefighters to actual emergencies: Implications for cardiorespiratory fitness. JOEM 1992;34(8):797–800.
37. Durand G, Tsismenakis AJ, Jahnke SA, Baur DM, Christophi CA, Kales SN. Firefighters’ physical activity: relation to fitness and cardiovascular disease risk. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2011;43(9):1752–9.
38. Age-related decline in cardiorespiratory fitness among career firefighters: modification by physical activity and adiposity. J Obes 2012;:p 710903.
39. Ko BG. The Relationship between Firefighting Performance and Physical Fitness. Korean J Sport Sci 2006;17(1):66–74.
40. Noh KM, Song W, Lee CG, et al. The study of Korea national firefighters’ physical fitness over 6-year period 2011~ 2016. Int J Hum Mov Sci 2018;12:103–116.
41. Gledhill N, Jamnik VK. Development and validation of a fitness screening protocol for firefighter applicants. Can J Sport Sci 1992;17(3):199–206.
42. FPN 119 PULS MAGAZINE. (2021). I saw the results of the service of the Fire Department, ‘Research on improving the physical fitness test and physical examination of firefighters’; https://www.fpn119.co.kr/151441. (Accessed Jul 2, 2022).
43. Dennison KJ, Mullineaux DR, Yates JW, Abel MG. The effect of fatigue and training status on firefighter performance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 2012;26(4):1101–9.
44. Soteriades ES, Hauser R, Kawachi I, Liarokapis D, Christiani DC, Kales SN. Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in firefighters: a prospective cohort study. Obes Res 2005;13:1756–63.
45. Kukić F, Heinrich KM, Koropanovski N, et al. Differences in body composition across police occupations and moderation effects of leisure time physical activity. Int J Env Res Pub He 2020;17(18):6825.
46. Fahs CA, Smith DL, Horn GP, et al. Impact of excess body weight on arterial structure, function, and blood pressure in firefighters. Am J Cardiol 2009;104:1441–5.
47. Perroni F, Cignitti L, Cortis C, Capranica L. Physical fitness profile of professional Italian firefighters: Differences among age groups. Applied Ergonomics 2014;45(3):456–61.
48. Donnelly JE, Blair SN, Jakicic JM. al. Appropriate physical activity intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009;41(2):459–471.
49. Ross R, Dagnone D, Jones PJ, Smith H, Paddags A, Hudson R, Janssen I. Reduction in obesity and related comorbid conditions after diet-induced weight loss or exercise-induced weight loss in men: a randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine 2000;133(2):92–103.

Article information Continued

Figure 1.

Virtual Mate Device.

Figure 2.

Comparative Analysis of Job-Related Physical Fitness Test in Firefighting Occupations.

CPAT, candidate physical ability test; KFPB, Korean firefighter performance battery; EG, exercise group; CG, control group; ** Significant difference pre vs. post at p < .01; # Significant interaction between the group and the change in KFPB time at p < .05; ## Significant interaction between the group and the change in CPAT time at p < .01.

Table 1.

Korean firefighter fitness program for weeks 1-4.

Table 2.

Korean firefighter fitness program for weeks 5-8.

Table 3.

Baseline characteristics of participants.

Variables EG (n = 10) CG (n = 10) pa
Age (years) 36.80 (5.63) 40.10 (8.03) .302
Height (cm) 174.58 (3.77) 174.50 (4.40) .966
Weight (kg) 77.10 (6.94) 77.32 (8.27) .949
Body mass index (kg/m2) 25.27 (1.79) 25.39 (2.45) .902
Body fat (kg) 16.04 (3.20) 16.08 (4.06) .981
Skeletal muscle mass (kg) 34.50 (3.63) 34.78 (3.33) .860

Data are expressed as mean (standard deviation). EG, exercise group; CG, control group.

a

Independent t-test

Table 4.

Comparative analysis of characteristics of participants.

Variables Group Pre Post t-test a
ANOVA b
t p ES c F p ES d
Weight (kg) EG 77.10 (6.94) 76.77 (6.39) 0.438 .672 2.382 0.487 .494 0.026
CG 77.32 (8.27) 77.63 (7.79) -0.593 .568 1.653
Body mass index (kg/m2) EG 25.27 (1.79) 25.18 (1.60) 0.351 .734 0.811 0.421 .525 0.023
CG 25.39 (2.45) 25.50 (2.41) -0.644 .536 0.540
Body fat (kg) EG 16.04 (3.20) 16.07 (3.18) -0.062 .952 1.521 0.547 .469 0.029
CG 16.08 (4.06) 16.58 (4.19) -1.204 .259 1.313
Skeletal muscle mass (kg) EG 34.50 (3.63) 34.26 (3.73) 0.759 .467 1.000 0.000 1.000 0.000
CG 34.78 (3.33) 34.54 (2.86) 0.908 .387 0.8356

Values are presented as the mean (standard deviation). ES, effect size; EG, exercise group; CG, control group.

a

Paired t-test;

b

Repeated-measures ANOVA;

c

Cohen’s d;

d

Partial ETA squared.

Table 5.

Descriptive statistics of heart response.

Period Week HRexercise (beats/min) % HRmax (%)
1 – 4 weeks Week 1 145.2 (10.6) 79.5 (5.1)
Week 2 144.9 (9.9) 79.4 (5.0)
Week 3 142.4 (11.9) 78.0 (6.1)
Week 4 138.2 (95.0) 75.7 (8.0)
5 – 8 weeks Week 5 143.1 (9.3) 78.4 (4.8)
Week 6 139.3 (11.8) 76.3 (6.3)
Week 7 137.4 (11.9) 75.3 (6.5)
Week 8 140.9 (12.1) 77.2 (± 6.5)

Data are expressed as mean (standard deviation).

Table 6.

Comparative analysis of basic physical fitness test.

Variables Group Pre Post t-test a
ANOVA b
t p ES c F p ES d
Hand grip strength (kg) EG 50.64 (6.99) 52.18 (3.06) 1.021 .334 0.323 0.063 .805 0.003
CG 52.03 (5.49) 53.10 (7.99) 0.963 .361 0.304
Sit-up (reps) EG 45.20 (5.33) 50.30 (4.79) 9.000 <.001 2.846 22.300 <.001 0.553
CG 44.70 (6.70) 45.20 (6.23) 0.631 .544 0.200
Sit and reach (cm) EG 14.90 (7.92) 17.79 (6.81) 2.689 .025 0.850 5.304 .033 0.228
CG 17.02 (4.58) 17.10 (4.01) 0.138 .893 0.044
Standing long jump (cm) EG 214.60 (21.82) 218.90 (17.43) 0.872 .406 0.276 0.396 .537 0.022
CG 226.80 (19.05) 227.60 (20.04) 0.310 .763 0.098

Values are presented as the mean (standard deviation). ES, effect size; EG, exercise group; CG, control group.

a

Paired t-test;

b

Repeated-measures ANOVA;

c

Cohen’s d;

d

Partial ETA squared.