Physiological Determinants Of Firefighter Physical Ability Test Performance: A Follow-Up Investigation Into Anaerobic Fitness Parameters

The Physical Ability Test (PAT) is essential for assessing firefighters' fitness for occupational tasks. While aerobic fitness's role in PAT is established, anaerobic fitness's contribution remains uncertain. This study builds upon previous research to explore the relationship between specific anaerobic fitness (AF) parameters and PAT performance. PURPOSE: To determine if specific anaerobic fitness parameters can effectively predict PAT performance, shedding light on the physiological factors influencing firefighters' occupational fitness. METHODS: Sixty-two male firefighters from two southern Florida Fire departments participated in a two-day data collection process. On the first day, firefighters completed the PAT, consisting of occupationally-specific tasks while wearing full gear. On the second day, they performed a series of anaerobic fitness assessments, including handgrip dynamometry (HG), maximal vertical jump (VJ), Margaria-Kalamen staircase test (MK), and the 300-yard shuttle run (300YD), all while wearing full gear. A Pearson-product moment correlation coefficients and linear regression analysis were employed, using R statistical packages in Jamovi version 2.4.8 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The findings reveal significant negative correlations between PAT and HG (r = -0.67, p < 0.001), VJ (r = -0.60, p < 0.001), and the MK (r = -0.47, p < 0.001), with a notable positive correlation with the 300YD (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). These AF parameters elucidate 65% of the variation in PAT (F4, 57 = 26.6, p < 0.001). Specifically, PAT performance is predicted by HG (β = -3.38, p < 0.001, 95%CI [-5.27,-1.50]), VJ (β = -0.03, p = 0.02, 95%CI [-0.05,-0.00]), and 300YD (β = 1.05, p < 0.001, 95%CI [0.48,1.61]). CONCLUSION: This study reaffirms the significance of specific anaerobic subsystems in PAT performance among firefighters. It emphasizes the need to optimize anaerobic fitness training to enhance occupational performance during the PAT.