1
|
Killip SC, MacDermid JC, Thayalan N, Lomotan M, Gewurtz RE, Sinden KE. Exploring Canadian Career Firefighters' Understanding of the Return-to-Work Process After Musculoskeletal Injuries. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024; 34:582-593. [PMID: 37938435 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10147-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Firefighters perform dangerous and physically demanding work, increasing their risk of musculoskeletal injuries that can lead to work absences. Return-to-work procedures can help firefighters return-to-work sooner and safely. The purpose of this study was to explore what firefighters understand about return-to-work procedures in their workplaces, and what firefighters believe the facilitators and barriers to return-to-work are. METHODS Thirty-eight Canadian career firefighters were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Qualitative descriptive methods were used to analyze the transcripts. Two researchers performed the inductive coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS Five themes were identified: 1. Variation in the return-to-work process knowledge among firefighters based on their experiences; 2. Accessible medical resources and treatments to support injury recovery; 3. Light duties must be meaningful and suitable; 4. Pressures to return-to-work too soon may lead to negative consequences; and 5. Heavy physical demands of firefighting may become a barrier for return-to-work. 'Factors affecting RTW depended on personal experiences and context' was the overarching theme identified, as many reported facilitators for return-to-work were also reported as barriers in different contexts. There was a variation in the experiences and understanding of return-to-work. CONCLUSION There is a lack of knowledge of the return-to-work processes. Firefighters require access to clear return-to-work policies and procedures and treatments that are targeted to firefighting duties to support recovery from injuries and regain physical abilities after an injury. Firefighters must be able to perform all essential duties before returning to firefighting work, as returning to work too soon can lead to further injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon C Killip
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West IAHS 403, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada.
| | - Joy C MacDermid
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West IAHS 403, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
- Physical Therapy and Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Clinical Research Lab, Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nijaanth Thayalan
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West Ivor Wynne Centre, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Margaret Lomotan
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West IAHS 403, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Rebecca E Gewurtz
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West IAHS 403, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Kathryn E Sinden
- School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen N, Hu Y, Liang M, Qin X, Liu J. Firefighters' muscle activity change during firefighting training program. Work 2024:WOR230614. [PMID: 38995753 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yitong Hu
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Man Liang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiangnan Qin
- School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- National Earthquake Response Support Service, Beijing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wohlgemuth KJ, Conner MJ, Tinsley GM, Palmer TB, Mota JA. Strategies for Improving Firefighter Health On-Shift: A Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:105. [PMID: 38921641 PMCID: PMC11204757 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The fire service suffers from high rates of cardiovascular disease and poor overall health, and firefighters often suffer fatal and non-fatal injuries while on the job. Most fatal injuries result from sudden cardiac death, while non-fatal injuries are to the musculoskeletal system. Previous works suggest a mechanistic link between several health and performance variables and injury risk. In addition, studies have suggested physical activity and nutrition can improve overall health and occupational performance. This review offers practical applications for exercise via feasible training modalities as well as nutritional recommendations that can positively impact performance on the job. Time-efficient training modalities like high-intensity interval training and feasible modalities such as resistance training offer numerous benefits for firefighters. Also, modifying and supplementing the diet and can be advantageous for health and body composition in the fire service. Firefighters have various schedules, making it difficult for planned exercise and eating while on shift. The practical training and nutritional aspects discussed in this review can be implemented on-shift to improve the overall health and performance in firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kealey J. Wohlgemuth
- Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | | | - Grant M. Tinsley
- Energy Balance and Body Composition Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Ty B. Palmer
- Muscular Assessment Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Jacob A. Mota
- Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Edwards CM, Puranda JL, Miller É, Aboudlal M, O’Rourke N, MacDonald ML, Adamo KB. Musculoskeletal Injuries, Exercise Behaviors, and Reproductive Health Are Related to Physical Fitness of Female First-Responders and Health Care Providers. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:393-403. [PMID: 39035143 PMCID: PMC11257141 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) are the most common injury type experienced by first-responders and health care providers (HCPs), making them a significant threat to physical and mental well-being. Female reproductive health and injury history has been related to physical fitness in female members of the Canadian Armed Forces. This relationship has not been explored in Canadian protective services personnel (first-responders) or HCPs. Methods Fifty-seven females employed as firefighters, paramedics, law enforcements, or HCPs completed a physical fitness protocol to assess the following: (1) muscular power (standing long jump and medicine ball throw), (2) muscular strength (4 repetition maximum (4RM) back squats and bench press), (3) muscular endurance (Biering-Sorenson test, single-leg wall sit, and push-ups), (4) flexibility (sit-and-reach), and (5) aerobic capacity (graded treadmill VO2max test). Spearman rho correlation analyses were applied to descriptive analysis, independent-samples t-test, one-way ANCOVA (adjusted by age), and chi-square test. Spearman rho correlation analyses were used to compare physical fitness results for female reproductive health history (e.g., parity status), previous MSKi, and physical activity behaviors (e.g., sports participation). A p value of <0.05 is considered significant. Results History of childbirth, body composition, and exercise behaviors were related to physical fitness (i.e., standing long jump, Biering-Sorenson test, bench press, and back squat) in law enforcement, firefighting, paramedicine, and health care personnel. Conclusions Physical training programs aimed at supporting parous first-responders or HCPs should emphasize lower body power, lower body strength, and upper body strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. M. Edwards
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J. L. Puranda
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - É. Miller
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M. Aboudlal
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - N. O’Rourke
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M. L. MacDonald
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - K. B. Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khoshakhlagh AH, Yazdanirad S, Al Sulaie S, Mohammadian-Hafshejani A, Orr RM. The global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among firefighters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024; 30:272-291. [PMID: 38105113 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2294627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to explore the global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among firefighters. A systematical search was performed in three international academic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science). Overall, 31 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of total MSDs in firefighters was identified as 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] [33, 50]). The prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, upper extremity and lower extremity was 9% (95% CI [7, 10]), 11% (95% CI [8, 15]), 8% (95% CI [5, 12]), 31% (95% CI [27, 34]), 13% (95% CI [9, 17]) and 16% (95% CI [14, 18]), respectively. No statistically significant relationship was observed between prevalence of MSDs and year of study, mean age, size of sample, duration of prevalence, region or income level. Demographic, occupational and medical condition factors were identified that can create these disorders among firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeid Yazdanirad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Saleh Al Sulaie
- College of Engineering in Al-Qunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
MacDermid JC. Scoping review and systematic reviews are both valuable, but serve different purposes. J Hand Ther 2024; 37:1-2. [PMID: 38490770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
|
7
|
Gong C, Gao W, Zhang B, Tang H, Xie Y. Investigation and analysis of training injury and its psychological effects on firefighters in Beijing A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35179. [PMID: 37747013 PMCID: PMC10519485 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Firefighters' high-intensity training often leads to injuries in the musculoskeletal system. Studies have found that these injuries in the musculoskeletal system may contribute to poor psychological issues. At the same time, low psychological well-being increases the risk of injuries, illness, and mortality. According to research reports, firefighters generally have a good psychological state. So this study aims to survey and analyze the training-related injuries and psychological states of firefighting and rescue personnel in Beijing. This cross-sectional study employed a questionnaire survey to gather data from a total of 214 firefighters in a certain city. The participants were required to complete a questionnaire about musculoskeletal injuries and psychological status, and then these data were statistically analyzed. The incidence of training-related injuries is relatively high among firefighting and rescue teams, with the highest proportions observed in the lower back, knees, and ankles. Overweight and obese firefighters are more prone to ankle injuries. In the group with injuries, the subjective well-being index is lower compared to the group without injuries. Firefighters experiencing moderate to severe pain due to injuries exhibit lower subjective well-being indices compared to those with mild pain. Psychological resilience and the impact of pain on training and sleep can predict the subjective well-being index of firefighters. It is recommended that firefighting and rescue teams enhance preventive measures for musculoskeletal injuries during training to elevate the subjective well-being of firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Gong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wentao Gao
- Combat Training Service, Beijing Dongcheng District Fire and Rescue Detachment, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Tang
- School of Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kling HE, Koru-Sengul T, Solle NS, Louzado-Feliciano P, Lee DJ, Kobetz EN, Caban-Martinez AJ. Weight Status and Binge Drinking Among Male and Female Florida Firefighters. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e565-e570. [PMID: 37253243 PMCID: PMC10524551 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to examine the association between weight status and binge drinking among Florida firefighters. METHODS Health survey data collected between 2015 and 2019 among Florida firefighters participating in the Annual Cancer Survey were analyzed for weight class (healthy, overweight, obese) and binge-drinking behaviors. Binary logistic regression models were fit and stratified by sex while controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. RESULTS Among 4002 firefighter participants, 45.1% binge drink, 50.9% are overweight, and 31.3% are obese. Among male firefighters, being overweight (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34; 95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.64) or obese (1.29; 1.04-1.61) was significantly associated with binge drinking compared with healthy weight counterparts. In female firefighters, being obese (2.25; 1.21-4.22) was significantly associated with binge drinking but being overweight was not. CONCLUSIONS Being overweight or obese is selectively associated with binge drinking among male and female firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Kling
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tulay Koru-Sengul
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine and University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Paola Louzado-Feliciano
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David J. Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Erin N. Kobetz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Medicine and University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alberto J. Caban-Martinez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|