Impact of acute exercise on performance and physiological stress during simulated firefighter occupational tasks

Abstract Purpose We aimed to determine how a bout of resistance or aerobic exercise impacts physiological responses and performance during firefighting occupational tasks. Methods Thirty-two non-firefighters completed two baseline assessments, and three trials: resistance exercise (RE), aerobic exercise (AE), or rested control (CON). Trials were followed by an occupational task assessment (OTA; four rounds of 10 deadlifts (85 or 135lbs) and 0.15-mile 40lb-sandbag carry) in an environmental chamber (35°C/50% humidity). Results Time to complete by condition was not statistically different (CON: 1134 ± 261, AE: 1198 ± 214, RE: 1212 ± 302 sec;p = 0.162). Average heart rate (CON: 148.5 ± 16.2, AE: 166.3 ± 11.5, RE: 159.9 ± 13.0 bpm;p p p < 0.01) were elevated during OTA following AE and RE compared to CON, and higher following AE compared to RE. Conclusion Our findings suggest job performance may not be impacted, physiological strain during the tasks may be elevated; increasing risk for heat injury following on-shift exercise, and more prominently following aerobic exercise.