Assessment Of Body Roundness Index And Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity Amongst First Responders

PURPOSE: This study assessed the relationship between estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), body roundness index (BRI), and several conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, fitness, and body composition parameters and compared these variables between sub-first responder groups. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one (n = 171) first responders (98 firefighters [FF] and 73 law enforcement officers [LEO]) completed a battery of clinical testing during an annual physical assessment, including: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, Waist and hip measurements, Resting hemodynamics (blood pressure), Fasted (≥12 hours) blood bio-sample (blood lipids and glucose), Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPXT)ePWV was calculated from resting hemodynamics; BRI used waist circumference and height. Bivariate Pearson correlation matrix analysis examined relationships between variables. Shapiro-Wilk Test assessed normality. Independent sample T-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests compared FF and LEO groups. Effect sizes calculated as Cohen's d. RESULTS: ePWV positively correlated with age and blood glucose, negatively with CPXT time and VO2max (p < 0.05)BRI negatively correlated with CPXT time, VO2max, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05) FF vs LEO Comparisons:FF had higher waist-to-hip ratio (0.95 ± 0.06 vs. 0.89 ± 0.08, d = 0.792), FF had lower ePWV (6.91 ± 0.74 m/s vs. 7.23 ± 0.82 m/s, d = -0.419), FF had smaller hip circumference (38.5 ± 4.5 in vs. 41.5 ± 3.42 in, d = -0.725) CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that first responders should aim to maintain their fitness to counter increases in CVD risk parameters, such as ePWV and BRI. Although the LEO demonstrated a higher ePWV than the FF, the values were within the low-risk range (i.e., 5 to 15 m/s). Both first responder groups should benefit from structured aerobic and resistance training programming to improve their fitness. Future work should explore the impact of these fitness programs on ePWV and BRI.