Aeronautical firefighters are in charge of attending all emergencies at airports and surroundings. These emergencies include air and ground emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and fires, among others. Their job is characterized for the development of activities during long periods of low intensity and short periods of high intensity. According to these, is necessary that aeronautical firefighters have a good physical capacity. The maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 máx) as an indicator of aerobic capacity is essential for the performance of firefighters at work. The objective of this research is to determine the aerobic capacity of aeronautical firefighters and its determinants. Therefore a descriptive cross-sectional study was developed in a sample of 23 male firefighters. The information collected about socio-demographic variables, VO2 máx and ventilatory threshold (VT) was determined through the analysis of expired gases during a protocol maximal exercise on treadmill, body composition adipometry was assessed and the level of physical activity was determined according with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ. It was found that the sample had an age of 32.6 ± 4.8 years, weight 78.4 ± 9.8 kg, body fat percentage of 14.8 ± 3.8%, mass body index of 25.7 ± 2.7 and VO2 máx 44.6 ± 6. No significant changes were found with age, but with physical activity, body fat percentage and body mass index. It is suggested that the training of aeronautical firefighters during their working day have high intensity intervals and to monitor their level of physical activity and body composition.
publication date
2014-03-26
Research
keywords
Aeronautical Firefighters oxygen consumption ventilatory threshold body composition
