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Robitaille E, Reilly T, Heipel S, Buttici H, Chasse E, Tingelstad HC. The Value of Strength as a Predictor of Musculoskeletal Injury in Canadian Armed Forces Basic Infantry Candidates. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1675-e1682. [PMID: 38330154 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) impact military organizations by threatening their operational readiness, warranting investigation into relevant factors to inform risk reduction strategies. While several self-reported and physical performance measures have been associated with MSKI among military personnel, few have been validated and none have been reported in Canadian basic infantry candidates. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between self-reported and physical performance measures and MSKI, and determine their validity as predictors of MSKI, in Canadian basic infantry candidates. METHODS This was a planned secondary analysis of a study tracking MSKI at a basic infantry training facility in Ontario, Canada approved by Defence Research & Development Canada. Before the basic infantry training, consenting candidates completed a baseline testing session including self-reported questionnaires, measures of anthropometry, and physical performance previously associated with MSKI (ankle dorsiflexion test, Y-Balance Test, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, and the Fitness for Operational Requirements of CAF Employment (FORCE) evaluation). All MSKI reported by candidates were diagnosed by licensed healthcare providers. From a total sample of 129 candidates, 76% (n = 98) were used to determine any associations between baseline testing variables and MSKI and to develop a predictive model (Development Sample), while 24% (n = 33) were used to offer preliminary validation of the same predictive model (Validation Sample). The binary logistic regression and independent sample t-testing determined independent associations with MSKI in the Development Sample. All continuous variables and dichotomous variables previously associated with MSKI risk (Smoker Yes/No, previous history of MSKI, and physical inactivity) were entered into a backward stepwise logistic regression analysis to assess the predictive association with MSKI incidence in the Development Sample. The regression model was then applied to the Validation Sample. RESULTS A total of 35 MSKI were diagnosed by Health Services Centre staff. The majority of the MSKI were acute (63%), sustained to the hip, knee, and ankle (74%). The most common diagnoses were strains and sprains (71%). Uninjured participants performed significantly better on the Relative Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, FORCE 20 mR, FORCE ILS, and FORCE Estimated VO2peak compared to injured participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that the only variable with significant independent association with diagnosed MSKI incidence was self-reported previous history of MSKI. However, the backward stepwise logistic regression analysis retained self-reported previous history of MSKI, FORCE SBD, FORCE Estimated VO2peak, and Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Peak Force as predictors of MKSI. The logistic regression model including these variables could predict MSKI with an accuracy of 79% in the Development Sample and 67% in the Validation Sample. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary support for the value of measures of absolute muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness as predictors of MSKI in Canadian basic infantry candidates. Given the associations between physical performance measures and MSKI, and their necessity during occupational tasks, it is recommended that Canadian basic infantry training facilities integrate resistance training with external loads to best prepare their candidates to meet their occupational demands and potentially minimize MSKI. Further investigations to confirm the predictive capacity of these variables in a larger sample across additional facilities are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Robitaille
- 31 Canadian Forces Health Services Center, Meaford, Ontario N4L 0A1, Canada
| | - Tara Reilly
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Personnel Support Program, Human Performance Research & Development, Ottawa, Ontario K1J 1J7, Canada
| | - Scott Heipel
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Personnel Support Program, Fitness & Sports Centre 4CDTC, Meaford, Ontario N4L 0A1, Canada
| | - Hollie Buttici
- 31 Canadian Forces Health Services Center, Meaford, Ontario N4L 0A1, Canada
| | - Etienne Chasse
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Personnel Support Program, Human Performance Research & Development, Ottawa, Ontario K1J 1J7, Canada
| | - Hans Christian Tingelstad
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Personnel Support Program, Human Performance Research & Development, Ottawa, Ontario K1J 1J7, Canada
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Lovalekar M, Keenan KA, Steele E, Cruz DE, Allison K, McFadden BA, Arent SM, Nindl BC. Descriptive Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries During Marine Corps Recruit Training in Gender-Integrated and Male-Only Training Units. Mil Med 2024; 189:21-29. [PMID: 38920037 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) occur frequently in military personnel. U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) recruits participate in an intense 13-week training program designed to transform civilians into basically trained Marines, during which they are susceptible to MSIs. Previous injury epidemiology research with USMC recruits was conducted in a non-gender-integrated training. Data for the current study were derived from a larger study, the USMC Gender-Integrated Recruit Training study, that was initiated to provide data-driven recommendations for gender integration during USMC recruit training. The purpose of the current analysis was to describe the unique profile of MSIs during USMC recruit training and compare MSIs between female and male recruits in gender-integrated training. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical record-reviewed MSI data were obtained for recruits in three models of USMC recruit training: two models of gender-integrated recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island-the older Series Track (ST) model and the newer Integrated Company (IC) model, and a Male-Only (MO) cohort at MCRD San Diego. Incidence, anatomic region and subregion, event at the time of MSI, MSI type and onset, and disposition following MSI were described for each model. Group comparisons were conducted using Fisher's exact tests or independent samples t tests, as appropriate. RESULTS MSI data were available for 584 recruits (ST: 98 female recruits, 95 male recruits; IC: 85 female recruits, 106 male recruits; MO: 200 male recruits). The cumulative incidence of MSIs was significantly higher among female compared to male recruits in the ST (59.2% vs. 29.5%, P < .001) and in the IC (25.9% vs. 12.3%, P = .023) cohorts. The most frequent anatomic location for MSIs was the lower extremity (female recruits: ST: 76.5% of MSIs, IC: 88.6%; male recruits: ST: 81.1%, IC: 80.0%, MO: 83.8%). The most frequent body part affected was the hip among female recruits (ST: 26.5% of MSIs, IC: 37.1%). The most frequent body part affected by MSIs among the male recruits was the knee in the ST (32.4%) and IC (53.3%) cohorts and the lower leg (27.0%) in the MO cohort. A significantly greater percentage of female compared to male recruits sustained a hip MSI in the ST (23.5% vs. 2.1%, P < .001) and IC (12.9% vs. 0.0%, P < .001) cohorts. There was no significant difference in knee MSI incidence between sexes in the ST (P = .323) or IC (P = .757) cohorts. A large percentage of MSIs resulted in light duty (female recruits: ST: 69.4% of MSIs, IC: 74.3%; male recruits: ST: 64.9%, IC: 73.3%, MO: 94.6%). CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to assess the burden of MSIs concurrently among female and male USMC recruits in gender-integrated training. MSIs, especially those affecting the lower extremity, continue to occur frequently in this population. Female recruits are more susceptible to MSIs during USMC recruit training compared to male recruits and are especially prone to hip MSIs. Future research should focus on identifying modifiable risk factors for MSIs in this population, with a focus on reducing lower-extremity MSIs in all recruits and hip MSIs in female recruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mita Lovalekar
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Karen A Keenan
- Exercise and Sports Science Department, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA 01420, USA
| | - Elizabeth Steele
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Debora E Cruz
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Katelyn Allison
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Bridget A McFadden
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Shawn M Arent
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bradley C Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
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Edwards CM, da Silva DF, Puranda JL, Souza SCS, Semeniuk K, Adamo KB. Associations Between Rank, Sex, and Parity With Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained During Annual Military Physical Fitness Test. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:367-373. [PMID: 37815270 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Edwards, CM, da Silva, DF, Puranda, JL, Souza, SCS, Semeniuk, K, and Adamo, KB. Associations between rank, sex, and parity with musculoskeletal injuries sustained during annual military physical fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 367-373, 2024-Musculoskeletal injuries pose a significant threat to the well-being of military personnel. Attempts to use physical employment standard test results as predictors of injury are underway, but little is known about injuries sustained during the tests. This study sought to identify body regions most likely to be reported as injured during the annual Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness evaluation. In addition, sex, rank, and parity status are explored as possible associated factors for injury. A total of 1,796 actively serving CAF members were categorized by sex (1,030 male participants; 766 female participants), rank (1,142 Non-Commissioned Members [NCM]; 638 Officers), and parity (314 parous female participants; 435 nulliparous female participants). Sex, rank, and parity were associated with body regions reportedly injured during an annual CAF fitness assessment (significance p ≤ 0.05). When compared with male participants, female participants were more likely to be injured {aOR: 1.797 (95% [confidence interval] CI: 1.45-2.23)} and more prone to injury of the wrist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.933 [95% CI: 1.20-3.12]), hip (aOR: 3.445 [95% CI: 2.07-5.728]), or lower back (aOR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.18-2.04]). Non-Commissioned Members were more likely to injure the neck (aOR: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.18-3.88]) or shoulder (aOR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.31-3.15]), when compared with Officers. Parous female participants reported pelvis/abdomen injury at a higher rate than the nulliparous group (5 vs. 1.7%, p = 0.019). Injuries sustained during an annual CAF fitness assessment differ based on sex, rank, and parity. Canadian Armed Forces female participants, NCM, and parous female participants may require specific physical fitness support in preparation for the annual physical fitness test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Margaret Edwards
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Danilo Fernandes da Silva
- Sports Studies Department, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Laura Puranda
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and
| | | | - Kevin Semeniuk
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Kristi Bree Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and
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Murphy MC, Stannard J, Sutton VR, Owen PJ, Park B, Chivers PT, Hart NH. Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in military recruits: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:144. [PMID: 37898757 PMCID: PMC10612319 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00755-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injuries are a common occurrence in military recruit training, however due to differences in the capture of training exposure, injury incidence rates are rarely reported. Our aim was to determine the musculoskeletal injury epidemiology of military recruits, including a standardised injury incidence rate. METHODS Epidemiological systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Five online databases were searched from database inception to 5th May 2021. Prospective and retrospective studies that reported data on musculoskeletal injuries sustained by military recruits after the year 2000 were included. We reported on the frequency, prevalence and injury incidence rate. Incidence rate per 1000 training days (Exact 95% CI) was calculated using meta-analysis to allow comparisons between studies. Observed heterogeneity (e.g., training duration) precluded pooling of results across countries. The Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies assessed study quality. RESULTS This review identified 41 studies comprising 451,782 recruits. Most studies (n = 26; 63%) reported the number of injured recruits, and the majority of studies (n = 27; 66%) reported the number of injuries to recruits. The prevalence of recruits with medical attention injuries or time-loss injuries was 22.8% and 31.4%, respectively. Meta-analysis revealed the injury incidence rate for recruits with a medical attention injury may be as high as 19.52 injuries per 1000 training days; and time-loss injury may be as high as 3.97 injuries per 1000 training days. Longer recruit training programs were associated with a reduced injury incidence rate (p = 0.003). The overall certainty of the evidence was low per a modified GRADE approach. CONCLUSION This systematic review with meta-analysis highlights a high musculoskeletal injury prevalence and injury incidence rate within military recruits undergoing basic training with minimal improvement observed over the past 20 years. Longer training program, which may decrease the degree of overload experienced by recruit, may reduce injury incidence rates. Unfortunately, reporting standards and reporting consistency remain a barrier to generalisability. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42021251080).
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles C Murphy
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia.
| | - Joanne Stannard
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Vanessa R Sutton
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Patrick J Owen
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendon Park
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Paola T Chivers
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Laroche MA, Chassé É, Théoret D, Lalonde F, Comtois AS. Assessment of Training Load, Sleep, Injuries, and Operational Physical Performance During Basic Military Qualification. Mil Med 2023; 188:e2018-e2025. [PMID: 36355828 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimizing training load (TL) and sleep is essential to maximize physical performance and prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) for Canadian forces recruits during the 10-week basic military qualification (BMQ) course. The purpose of this study was to assess the TL, sleep duration, the occurrence of MSKIs during the BMQ, and the operation fitness performance during the BMQ. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty Canadian recruits, eight females and 32 males, (age 24 ± 5 years; height 176.4 ± 10.4 cm), were monitored with an accelerometer (GENEActiv) on their wrist between weeks 1 and 9 to evaluate the TL and sleep duration. During weeks 2 and 10, the recruits completed an operational fitness evaluation. Injury surveillance was performed over 10 weeks. RESULTS TL intensity was significantly different (P = 0.0001) from week to week. The weekly average total time of moderate and vigorous physical activity was 189.7 ± 48.1 min and 44.7 ± 15.2 min, respectively. The average sleep duration was 5.4 ± 0.4 h per night and decreased to 4.2 h ± 0.4 during field exercises. A significant difference in sleep duration was observed between recruits with and without a MSKI. The recruits accumulated a total of 95 days under medical restrictions with an average of 3.8 consecutive days. The VO2peak estimated from the Fitness for Operational Requirements of Canadian Armed Forces Employment job-based simulation test significantly improved from weeks 2 to 10 (pre, 47.1 ± 6.3; post: 50.2 ± 5.8; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TL is of high magnitude and varies from week to week. The reported mean sleep duration per week may perhaps negatively impact the occurrence of MSKI. No significant improvement was detected in operational fitness by the end of the BMQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Andrée Laroche
- Personnel Support Program, Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Richelain, QC J0J 1R0, Canada
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Étienne Chassé
- Human Performance Research and Development, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J7, Canada
| | - Daniel Théoret
- Human Performance Research and Development, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J7, Canada
| | - François Lalonde
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Alain-Steve Comtois
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
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Factors Predicting Training Delays and Attrition of Recruits during Basic Military Training. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127271. [PMID: 35742522 PMCID: PMC9223722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring a balance between training demands and recovery during basic military training (BMT) is necessary for avoiding maladaptive training responses (e.g., illness or injury). These can lead to delays in training completion and to training attrition. Previously identified predictors of injury and attrition during BMT include demographic and performance data, which are typically collected at a single time point. The aim of this study was to determine individual risk factors for injury and training delays from a suite of measures collected across BMT. A total of 46 male and female recruits undertaking the 12-week Australian Army BMT course consented to this study. Injury, illness, attrition, and demographic data were collected across BMT. Objective measures included salivary cortisol and testosterone, step counts, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance. Perceptions of well-being, recovery, workload, fatigue, and sleep were assessed with questionnaires. Baseline and mean scores across BMT were evaluated as predictors of injury and attrition using generalized linear regressions, while repeated-measures ANOVA was used for the group comparisons. From the 46 recruits, 36 recruits completed BMT on time; 10 were delayed in completion or discharged. Multiple risk factors for injury during BMT included higher subjective ratings of training load, fatigue, and stress, lower sleep quality, and higher cortisol concentrations. Higher ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress, and more injuries were associated with a higher risk of delayed completion. Higher concentrations of testosterone and higher levels of fitness upon entry to BMT were associated with reduced risk of injury and delayed completion of BMT. Ongoing monitoring with a suite of easily administered measures may have utility in forewarning risk of training maladaptation in recruits and may complement strategies to address previously identified demographic and performance-based risk factors to mitigate injury, training delays, and attrition.
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Chassé É, Théoret D, Poirier MP, Lalonde F. Physiological Demands of Basic Fire Management Tasks in Members of the Canadian Armed Forces: A Pilot Study. Mil Med 2021; 188:e942-e948. [PMID: 34652444 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are required to meet the minimum standards of the Fitness for Operational Requirements of CAF Employment (FORCE) job-based simulation test (JBST) and must possess the capacity to perform other common essential tasks. One of those tasks is to perform basic fire management tasks during fire emergencies to mitigate damage and reduce the risk of injuries and/or death until professional firefighters arrive at the scene. To date however, the physiological demands of common firefighting tasks have mostly been performed on professional firefighters, thus rendering the transferability of the demands to the general military population unclear. This pilot study aimed to quantify, for the first time, the physiological demands of basic fire management tasks in the military, to determine if they are reflected in the FORCE JBST minimum standard. We hypothesized that the physiological demands of basic fire management tasks within the CAF are below the physiological demands of the FORCE JBST minimum standard, and as such, be lower than the demands of professional firefighting. MATERIALS AND METHODS To achieve this, 21 CAF members (8 females; 13 males; mean [SD] age: 33 [10] years; height: 174.5 [10.5] cm; weight: 85.4 [22.1] kg, estimated maximal oxygen uptake [$\dot V$O2peak]: 44.4 (7.4) mL kg-1 min-1) participated in a realistic, but physically demanding, JBST developed by CAF professional firefighting subject matter experts. The actions included lifting, carrying, and manipulating a 13-kg powder fire extinguisher and connecting, coupling, and dragging a 38-mm fire hose over 30 m. The rate of oxygen uptake ($\dot V$O2), heart rate, and percentage of heart rate reserve were measured continuously during two task simulation trials, which were interspersed by a recovery period. Rating of perceived exertion (6-no exertion; 20-maximal exertion) was measured upon completion of both task simulations. Peak $\dot V$O2 ($\dot V$O2peak) was estimated based on the results of the FORCE JBST. RESULTS The mean (SD) duration of both task simulation trials was 3:39 (0:19) min:s, whereas the rest period in between both trials was 62 (19) minutes. The mean O2 was 21.1 (4.7) mL kg-1 min-1 across trials, which represented 52.1 (12.2) %$\dot V$O2peak and ∼81% of the FORCE JBST. This was paralleled by a mean heart rate of 136 (18) beats min-1, mean percentage of heart rate reserve of 61.2 (10.8), and mean rating of perceived exertion of 11 ± 2. Other physical components of the JBST consisted of lifting, carrying, and manipulating a 13-kg load for ∼59 seconds, which represents 65% of the load of the FORCE JBST. The external resistance of the fire hose drag portion increased up to 316 N, translating to a total of 6205 N over 30 m, which represents 96% of the drag force measured during the FORCE JBST. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the physiological demands of basic fire management tasks in the CAF are of moderate intensity, which are reflected in the CAF physical fitness standard. As such, CAF members who achieve the minimum standard on the FORCE JBST are deemed capable of physically performing basic fire management tasks during fire emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Étienne Chassé
- Human Performance Research and Development, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - Daniel Théoret
- Human Performance Research and Development, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - Martin P Poirier
- Human Performance Research and Development, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - François Lalonde
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Quebec in Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H2X 1Y4, Canada
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