Effect of On-Duty Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Function in Structural Firefighters

Participation in on-duty exercise is critical to enhance firefighter safety and readiness. However, these sessions are often interrupted with emergency responses and require firefighters to work in a fatigued state that may increase injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of on-duty resistance training on neuromuscular function. A sample of 18 firefighters (Age: 38.8±8.0yr; Body fat: 24.9±7.0%) completed 3 testing sessions, separated by at least 72 hr to compare the effects of circuit (CT) versus heavy resistance training (HRT) fatigue on neuromuscular function. During Session 1, anthropometrics and familiarization trials of balance and neuromuscular function were completed, which included single-leg drop landing (SLDL), postural sway (PS), and modified Functional Balance Test (mFBT). Sessions 2 and 3 were randomized, where participants completed either HRT or CT session. Isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), long jump (LJ) lower body power (LBP), static and dynamic balance assessments were conducted pre- and 10 min post-exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA, effect sizes, and difference scores were used to analyze the effects of condition and time. Level of significance was set at p