Effect of Training Stimuli on Fire Ground Performance and Readiness in Firefighters.

Firefighting is an occupation that requires sufficient physical fitness levels to complete strenuous fire ground tasks. As such, regular participation in exercise is necessary to maintain physical fitness. However, we have recently demonstrated that exercise-induced fatigue reduces firefighters’ work efficiency (6). Thus, in an effort to maximize functional adaptations with minimal physiological cost, it is important to understand how various training stimuli affect subsequent fire ground performance. In a previous investigation, we have demonstrated that performing a standardized bout of circuit training decreased fire ground work efficiency immediately following exercise. Although this information is extremely valuable, we have no knowledge of how other training stimuli affect subsequent fire ground performance and the resultant time course of recovery. Identifying the time course of recovery is important as this has implications for resistance training performed off-duty. In Aim 1, we will determine what effect a single bout of heavy resistance training has on fire ground work efficiency performed immediately after and 24 and 48 hours post-exercise. According to Supercompensation Training Theory an individual is most prepared to perform work or adapt to a stress during the supercompensation phase. However, applying this theory is challenging as strength and conditioning practitioners are often left to speculate when an individual is physiologically prepared for the next training workload. Fortunately, an innovative technology, in the form of an “athlete monitoring system” (Omegawave Ltd), has emerged among elite athletic populations to objectively evaluate an individual’s physiological state of readiness to perform work. Preliminary data from our laboratory indicate that the readiness data correlate to functional power output. If the physiological readiness output from this device corresponds to the training loads and work efficiency of firefighters, this innovation will assist in designing appropriate training programs for firefighters. Therefore, in Aim 2 we will (i) determine if the Omegawave readiness output predicts fire ground work efficiency and (ii) determine the impact of firefighter training loads on readiness output. We hypothesize that the Omegawave readiness output will correlate to future work efficiency and previous training work loads, thus this instrument may be used by researchers to determine the acute and cumulative effects of training on work efficiency. Furthermore, the Fire Service may use this type of technology to determine what type of exercise is appropriate for a firefighter to perform on-duty. This scientific and innovative research project will provide practitioners and firefighters with exercise recommendations regarding appropriate training parameters for firefighters while on- and off-duty. These recommendations will enhance firefighters’ work capacity and potentially decrease their risk of injury.