Effects of an intensive firefighter training program on a simulated fire-escape staircase climb

Abstract To evaluate the effects of a four-week intensive training program on weighted stair-climb performance, 18 participants (17 men, 1 woman) completed 16 training sessions combining strength, power, and endurance work. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included a loaded fire-escape staircase climb test, incremental VO₂max test, 30-s Wingate test, submaximal squat test, anthropometric measures, and the ANTI-Vea attentional task. Linear mixed models were used to assess intervention effects; effect sizes were expressed as Cohen's d . Stair-climb time decreased significantly after training (EMC: −1.26 s; d = − 0.88). Post-intervention performance was predicted by a composite Strength Score ( β std = − 0.65) and Wingate Score ( β std = − 0.35; model R ² = 0.86). High-load squat velocity and power, estimated 1RM, and Wingate mean power improved significantly (all d > 0.67), whereas VO₂max, ventilatory thresholds, and body mass remained unchanged. ANT-I mean reaction time improved ( d z = − 0.59), with a shift from a linear to a quadratic vigilance decrement pattern. In conclusion, four weeks of intensive firefighter training improved stair-climb performance primarily through neuromuscular and anaerobic adaptations. Training programs targeting this task should prioritize explosive strength at task-relevant loads and anaerobic endurance, while dedicated cognitive training may be required to improve higher-order vigilance components.