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Pimenta LG, Molento CFM, Farah L, de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki C, Paulo AC. Work bout handling of a search dog reduces handgrip strength and increases firefighters' risk of falls. Ann Work Expo Health 2024; 68:737-747. [PMID: 38832679 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae050] [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] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Firefighters work with dogs as support for their search activities for victims. Firefighters who handle dogs supposedly have higher acute muscle pain, more stumbling, and fatigue. This study aimed to verify the influence of a mantrailing dog on the firefighter's psychophysiological and muscular responses and the number of imbalances in a simulated activity of searching for people. METHODS The sample consisted of 10 canine operators characterized by mass (92.57 ± 9.66 kg), height (1.78 ± 0.06 m), age (37.8 ± 2.1 yr), and length of service (9.5 ± 4.6 yr), who performed a search activity under 2 experimental conditions (dog condition and control condition). The simulated search activity consisted of a predefined hike of 2.5 km between the beginning of a search and the place where the sham victim was hidden. Cardiometabolic variables, pain level, and muscular performance were measured pre and postactivity (time factor). The number of imbalances suffered during hiking was also quantified. RESULTS ANOVA data indicated interactions (condition × time) related to handgrip strength (P < 0.05). Handgrip strength was reduced in the postsearch activity with the dog, and it increased the control when compared to the preactivity (-12.3% versus +9.2%). Also, the level of pain and discomfort in the neck, trunk, and hip regions was higher with dogs (P < 0.05). Under the dog and control conditions, there were 25 and 05 imbalances, respectively, during the hike. There were no significant differences between the experimental conditions for vertical jump performance and cardiovascular responses either with dog or control. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study highlight that a mantrailing dog with the firefighter increased the number of slips, trips, sudden changes in direction, and loss of body balance, accompanied by a reduction in handgrip strength, and increased acute pain in the neck, trunk, and hip. These findings may contribute to support strategies for mitigating injuries and optimizing the performance of canine operators in the fire department and other units cinotechnic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Gustavo Pimenta
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pedro Gusso St, 2601, Neoville, Curitiba, Parana, 81310900, Brazil
- Fire Department of Paraná, Nunes Machado St, 130, Centro, Curitiba, Parana, 80250000, Brazil
| | - Carla Forte Maiolino Molento
- Animal Welfare Laboratory, Federal University of Parana, dos Funcionários St, 1540, Cabral, Curitiba, Parana, 80035060, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Farah
- University Center Campos de Andrade, João Scuissiato, 001, Santa Quiteria, Curitiba, Parana, 80310310, Brazil
| | - Cintia de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pedro Gusso St, 2601, Neoville, Curitiba, Parana, 81310900, Brazil
| | - Anderson Caetano Paulo
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pedro Gusso St, 2601, Neoville, Curitiba, Parana, 81310900, Brazil
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Buoncristiani NA, Gerstner GR, Laffan MR, Trivisonno AJ, Mota JA, Giuliani-Dewig HK, Ryan ED. The impact of inter-limb leg lean tissue mass asymmetry on stair climb performance in career firefighters. ERGONOMICS 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38465900 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2327582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of inter-limb leg lean tissue mass (LTM) asymmetry on stair climb (SC) performance in firefighters. Forty-one career firefighters (age = 32.3 ± 8.2 years, body mass = 92.1 ± 18.6 kg, stature = 178.3 ± 7.9 cm) visited the laboratory on one occasion and completed a whole body and leg composition assessment followed by a timed and weighted SC task. Percent body fat (%BF) and leg LTM were determined during a DEXA scan and regional thigh analysis. Asymmetry was assessed by the percent difference between limbs (dominant limb LTM - non-dominant limb LTM)/dominant limb LTM × 100) and a ± 3% cut-off for asymmetry classification. Participants ascended and descended 26 stairs four times as quickly as possible while wearing a weighted (22 kg) vest. Point biserial correlations were used to assess the relationship of inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry and SC performance before and after controlling for age and %BF. Results indicated that inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry was associated with longer SC task time (poorer performance) both before (r = 0.432, P = 0.005) and after (r = 0.502, P = 0.001) controlling for age and %BF. Our findings indicated that inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry negatively impacts firefighter SC performance, which may be improved with appropriate exercise interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Buoncristiani
- Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Carolina Center for Healthy Work Design and Worker Well-Being, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Gena R Gerstner
- Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Carolina Center for Healthy Work Design and Worker Well-Being, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Megan R Laffan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Jacob A Mota
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
| | - Hayden K Giuliani-Dewig
- Human Performance Innovation Center, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Eric D Ryan
- Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Carolina Center for Healthy Work Design and Worker Well-Being, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Zhang X, Feng H, Liu X, Gao P, Guo P, Tang S, Nie X, Feng T, Liu W. Biomechanical characterization of firefighters running under different rescue tasks. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1813. [PMID: 38245640 PMCID: PMC10799886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52440-6] [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] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The biomechanical characteristics of runs in firefighters with different rescue tasks are unclear. This study aimed to explore the biomechanical characteristics of firefighters running in different rescue tasks and provide theoretical and practical references for firefighter training and occupational injury prevention. Eighteen professional healthy male firefighters were randomly selected as participants and tested running on different rescue tasks: wearing firefighting protective clothing (FPC), FPC+carrying a gas can (20 kg, FPC+ C), and FPC+carrying a mannequin (60 kg, FPC+M). Eight Qualisys infrared cameras and an AMTI 3D force measurement platform were used for the participant's acquisition of lower limb kinematic/kinetic data. The results showed that gait velocity and stride length of the FPC+GC and FPC+ M rescue tasks were significantly decreased compared to the FPC rescue task, while the support time was significantly increased. Compared to the FPC rescue task, the FPC+GC rescue task showed significant decreases in vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), minimum ankle dorsiflexion angle, and the maximum ankle plantarflexion power. In contrast, the FPC+M rescue task demonstrated significant increases in ankle range of motion, maximum hip extension angle, minimum knee flexion angle, maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle, maximum hip extension moment, maximum knee flexion moment, maximum hip flexion power, and hip and knee stiffness while exhibiting significant decreases in minimum ankle dorsiflexion angle. Compared to the FPC+ GC rescue task, the FPC+M rescue task exhibited significant increases in the maximum hip extension angle, minimum knee flexion angle, maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle, maximum hip flexion moment, maximum hip extension moment, maximum knee flexion moment, maximum ankle plantarflexion moment, maximum hip flexion power, maximum ankle dorsiflexion power, hip stiffness, and vGRF. Conversely, it showed significant decreases in the maximum knee flexion power. In conclusion, compared to the FPC rescue task, the FPC+GC and FPC+M rescue tasks altered the firefighter's gait performance, as evidenced by decreased gait velocity and stride length and increased support time. FPC+M rescue task would increase firefighter's risk of hip and knee injuries. Therefore, we suggest firefighters increase their strength training of the trunk, hip, and knee joint muscles as part of their daily training programs under large weight load status (60 kg and above) to reduce injury risk during rescue tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Haili Feng
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Xindai Liu
- College of International Culture and Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Pincao Gao
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Guilin Yanshan District Fire Rescue Brigade, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Shenghui Tang
- Guilin Yanshan District Fire Rescue Brigade, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Xinhe Nie
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Tianjin Feng
- College of Cotinuing Education, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Weiguo Liu
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China.
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Aljaroudi AM, Bhattacharya A, Strauch A, Quinn TD, Williams WJ. Effect of cooling on static postural balance while wearing firefighter's protective clothing in a hot environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:1460-1466. [PMID: 36259654 PMCID: PMC10182180 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2138142] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Postural imbalance can result from hyperthermia-mediated muscular fatigue and is a major factor contributing to injuries from falling. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise-induced hyperthermia and the impact of cooling on postural balance while wearing firefighters' protective clothing (FPC) in a hot environment. Methods. A portable force platform measured postural balance characterized by postural sway patterns using center of pressure metrics. Twelve healthy, physically fit males were recruited to stand on the force platform once with eyes open and once with eyes closed before and after treadmill exercise (40% V ˙ O 2 max ) inside an environmental chamber under hot and humid conditions (30 °C and 70% relative humidity) while wearing FPC. Subjects participated in two randomly assigned experimental phases: control and cooling intervention. Results. A significant increase in physiological responses and postural balance metrics was observed after exercising in the heat chamber while wearing FPC. Cooling resulted in a significant effect only on postural sway speed after exercise-induced hyperthermia. Conclusions. Hyperthermia can negatively alter postural balance metrics, which may lead to an increased likelihood of falling. The utilization of body cooling reduced the thermal strain but had limited impact on postural balance stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Aljaroudi
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
- Department of Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, USA
- Current address: College of Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA
| | - Amit Bhattacharya
- Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Amanda Strauch
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
- Environmental Science Center, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USA
| | - Tyler D. Quinn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
| | - W. Jon Williams
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
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Li J, Wang Y, Jiang R, Li J. Quantifying self-contained breathing apparatus on physiology and psychological responses during firefighting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:77-89. [PMID: 34983320 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.2024020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. There is no consensus regarding the efficacy of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on firefighters' physiological and psychological stress responses. This study synthesized and quantified the psycho-physiological demands placed on firefighters wearing SCBA compared to a control group. Methods. Five databases were searched with English-language restrictions from inception to January 2021. As dependent variables, physiological (rectal temperature [Tre], mean skin temperature [T¯sk], heart rate [HR], maximal heart rate [HRmax], maximum oxygen uptake [VO2max], total sweat rate [TSR]) and psychological (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and thermal sensation [TS]) responses were continuously collected. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228363). Results. Nine eligible studies with 289 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates for VO2max statistically significantly decreased, whereas T¯sk, HR, HRmax, TSR and RPE increased significantly. Additionally, the Tre and TS parameters were elevated but not significant. Subgroup analysis revealed that, except for VO2max and TSR, the SCBA weight did not differ significantly between groups on any outcome measure. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis indicates that wearing SCBA elicits thermoregulatory, metabolic and psychological stress. However, this is not primarily explained by the weight of SCBA, highlighting the value of ergonomic design and physiological monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongfan Jiang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China.,Ministry of Education, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
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Kollock R, Thomas J, Hale D, Sanders G, Long A, Dawes J, Peveler W. The Effects of Firefighter Equipment and Gear on the Static and Dynamic Postural Stability of Fire Cadets. Gait Posture 2021; 88:292-296. [PMID: 34153807 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slips, trips, falls, and jumps were the second leading cause of injuries at the fireground. RESEARCH QUESTION The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of firefighter equipment and gear (EQG) on postural stability and determine if load per kg of body mass (L/BM) is associated with postural stability. METHODS 26 male fire cadets (26.15 ± 4.16 yr., 178.92 ± 6.92 cm, 86.61 ± 9.09 kg) were included in the analyses. Participants performed 3 single-leg landings (SLL) with and without EQG. The first 3 seconds of ground reaction forces following initial ground contact were used to calculate dynamic postural stability index (DPSI). Participants completed 2 static balance tasks (normal stability and limits of stability (LoS)) with and without EQG. Main outcome measures were overall LoS score (LoSS), direction-specific LoSS, and LoS distance (cm) of COP excursion (LoSD) in the anterior, posterior, right, and left directions. Separate paired-samples t-tests were run to determine the differences between load conditions for DPSI, overall LoSS, direction-specific LoSS, and LoSD in all directions. Bivariate correlations were conducted to determine the relationship of L/BM to DPSI, overall LoSS, and LoSS and LoSD in the anterior, posterior, right and left directions. RESULTS Due to the use of multiple statistical tests, a Bonferroni correction was used, and the alpha level of .05 was adjusted to .005. DPSI was significantly higher loaded than unloaded, t(25) = -13.965, p < .001, d = 7.032, 95% CI, -0.133 to -0.099. No other comparisons were significant. A significant strong positive correlation (r(24) = .665, p < .001) was observed between L/BM and DPSI. No other correlations were significant. SIGNIFICANCE This study demonstrates that firefighter EQG may significantly impact a cadet's ability to maintain postural stability while performing their duties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Kollock
- The University of Tulsa, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA.
| | - Jacob Thomas
- The University of Tulsa, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA.
| | - Davis Hale
- The University of Tulsa, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA.
| | - Gabriel Sanders
- Northern Kentucky University, Louie B Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, KY, 41099, USA.
| | - Alex Long
- The University of Tulsa, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA.
| | - Jay Dawes
- Oklahoma State University, CRC 183, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
| | - Will Peveler
- Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA, 24515, USA.
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