Firefighters’ muscle activity change during firefighting training program

BACKGROUND: Research on muscle activity to reduce injuries during firefighting training has getting increasing attention. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the activity changes in nine muscles of firefighters during the seven firefighting training programs, and to analyze the influence of different firefighting training programs on muscle activity. METHODS: Ten healthy male firefighters were recruited to measure the field surface electromyographic activities (including the percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction electromyography (% MVC) and the integrated electromyography value (iEMG)) during all the firefighting training programs. RESULTS: The results showed that the electromyographic activity of gastrocnemius (GA) was stronger in climbing the hooked ladder and climbing the six-meter long ladder training programs. Arms, shoulders, and lower limb muscles were more activated, myoelectric activities were more intense, and fatigue in these areas was more likely to occur during climbing five-story building with loads. Compared with other muscles, erector spine (ES) had a higher degree of activation during different postures of water shooting. The Borg scale scores of shoulders, trunk, thighs and calves were also higher. CONCLUSION: After completing all training programs, GA, tibialis anterior (TA), trapezius (TR), and ES were strongly activated, and all muscles had obvious force. The % MVC and iEMG analyses correspond well with the Borg Scale score. The results can provide certain reference for reducing the musculoskeletal injury of firefighters, carrying out scientific training and formulating effective injury prevention measures for them.