The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks
<b>Background:</b> Fitness is relevant for firefighter occupational performance, but its influence on exertion and cognition during occupational tasks remains unclear. We aim to determine fitness’s influence on performance, exertion, and cognition during simulated firefighter occupationa...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/129 |
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| author | Philip J. Agostinelli Nicholas C. Bordonie Braxton A. Linder Ann M. Robbins Parker L. Jones Lee F. Reagan C. Brooks Mobley Matthew W. Miller William M. Murrah JoEllen M. Sefton |
| author_facet | Philip J. Agostinelli Nicholas C. Bordonie Braxton A. Linder Ann M. Robbins Parker L. Jones Lee F. Reagan C. Brooks Mobley Matthew W. Miller William M. Murrah JoEllen M. Sefton |
| author_sort | Philip J. Agostinelli |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <b>Background:</b> Fitness is relevant for firefighter occupational performance, but its influence on exertion and cognition during occupational tasks remains unclear. We aim to determine fitness’s influence on performance, exertion, and cognition during simulated firefighter occupational tasks. <b>Methods:</b> Two baseline fitness assessments occurred to measure aerobic fitness, strength, power, and body composition in 33 non-firefighter participants (females/males: 15/18; 25.18 ± 4.06 years; 174.01 ± 9.77 cm; 75.94 ± 13.18 kg). A third visit involved participants completing an occupational task assessment (OTA; four rounds of deadlifts, sandbag carries, and a cognitive assessment at 35 °C/50% humidity) to the best of their ability. Multiple linear regression models, including strength and power, aerobic capacity, and body composition, were used to predict OTA performance and exertion. Our outcomes included time to complete, exertion, and cognitive performance during the OTA. <b>Results:</b> The model predicted OTA time, RPE, skin temperature, and blood lactate (<i>p</i>s < 0.02), but not core temperature (<i>p</i> > 0.24). The model did not predict cognitive errors (<i>p</i>s > 0.06). <b>Conclusions:</b> These metrics of fitness provide meaningful predictive insight into firefighters’ occupational readiness during simulated occupational tasks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e47c547c2d4b4cf395bb2b893ff144fe |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2411-5142 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| spelling | doaj-art-e47c547c2d4b4cf395bb2b893ff144fe2025-08-20T03:27:19ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology2411-51422025-04-0110212910.3390/jfmk10020129The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational TasksPhilip J. Agostinelli0Nicholas C. Bordonie1Braxton A. Linder2Ann M. Robbins3Parker L. Jones4Lee F. Reagan5C. Brooks Mobley6Matthew W. Miller7William M. Murrah8JoEllen M. Sefton9Warrior Research Center, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USAWarrior Research Center, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USANeurovascular Physiology Laboratory, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USAWarrior Research Center, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USAWarrior Research Center, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USAWarrior Research Center, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USANutrabolt Applied and Molecular Physiology Lab, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USAPerformance and Exercise Psychophysiology Lab, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USADepartment of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 38649, USAWarrior Research Center, Auburn University, 301 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 38649, USA<b>Background:</b> Fitness is relevant for firefighter occupational performance, but its influence on exertion and cognition during occupational tasks remains unclear. We aim to determine fitness’s influence on performance, exertion, and cognition during simulated firefighter occupational tasks. <b>Methods:</b> Two baseline fitness assessments occurred to measure aerobic fitness, strength, power, and body composition in 33 non-firefighter participants (females/males: 15/18; 25.18 ± 4.06 years; 174.01 ± 9.77 cm; 75.94 ± 13.18 kg). A third visit involved participants completing an occupational task assessment (OTA; four rounds of deadlifts, sandbag carries, and a cognitive assessment at 35 °C/50% humidity) to the best of their ability. Multiple linear regression models, including strength and power, aerobic capacity, and body composition, were used to predict OTA performance and exertion. Our outcomes included time to complete, exertion, and cognitive performance during the OTA. <b>Results:</b> The model predicted OTA time, RPE, skin temperature, and blood lactate (<i>p</i>s < 0.02), but not core temperature (<i>p</i> > 0.24). The model did not predict cognitive errors (<i>p</i>s > 0.06). <b>Conclusions:</b> These metrics of fitness provide meaningful predictive insight into firefighters’ occupational readiness during simulated occupational tasks.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/129training statusexercisetactical athletesfire servicesfitness assessmentfitness screening |
| spellingShingle | Philip J. Agostinelli Nicholas C. Bordonie Braxton A. Linder Ann M. Robbins Parker L. Jones Lee F. Reagan C. Brooks Mobley Matthew W. Miller William M. Murrah JoEllen M. Sefton The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology training status exercise tactical athletes fire services fitness assessment fitness screening |
| title | The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks |
| title_full | The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks |
| title_fullStr | The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks |
| title_short | The Effect of Fitness on Performance, Exertion, and Cognition During Simulated Firefighter Occupational Tasks |
| title_sort | effect of fitness on performance exertion and cognition during simulated firefighter occupational tasks |
| topic | training status exercise tactical athletes fire services fitness assessment fitness screening |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/129 |
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