Age-Related Differences in Body Fat and Fitness of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program

Abstract Lockie, RG, Dulla, JM, Higuera, D, Ross, K, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Ruvalcaba, TJ. Age-related differences in body fat and fitness of firefighters participating in a health and wellness program. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1127–1135, 2024—Fitness tends to decline, whereas body fat increases, with age, which could impact firefighter occupational performance later in their careers. Health and wellness program participation could reduce these age-related changes. Archival data from 270 firefighters (258 men and 12 women) from a health and wellness program were analyzed. Data included body mass index; body fat percentage (BF%); waist circumference (WC); waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); sit and reach; grip strength; absolute and relative predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg press; crunches; push-ups; and estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V̇ o 2 max). Firefighters were grouped by age ≤29 ( n = 29); 30–34 ( n = 44); 35–39 ( n = 38); 40–44 ( n = 39); 45–49 ( n = 48); 50–54 ( n = 42); and 55+ ( n = 30) years. A univariate analysis of covariance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni’s post hoc adjustment, determined between-group differences. Effect sizes ( d ) were calculated. Key results included that the 55+ group had higher BF% and WC compared with the 3 youngest groups ( p ≤ 0.002; d = 0.86–1.08). The 50–54 group had higher BF% than the 30–34 group ( p = 0.010; d = 0.77). The 55+ group had a greater WHR, lower grip strength, and completed fewer crunches and push-ups than most younger groups ( p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.60–1.32). The 50–54 and 55+ groups had a lower 1RM leg press and V̇ o 2 max compared with the younger groups ( p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.77–1.79). The program appeared generally effective, with limited differences in groups below 49 years of age. Greater disparities in fat mass and fitness tended to occur in the older groups (50–54, 55+ groups). The data highlighted that older firefighters were participating in the optional program, which could lead to better health outcomes.