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Differences in Fitness between Firefighter Trainee Academy Classes and Normative Percentile Rankings

Author

Listed:
  • Robert George Lockie

    (Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA)

  • Robin M. Orr

    (Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia)

  • Fernando Montes

    (Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA 90063, USA)

  • Tomas Jason Ruvalcaba

    (Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA)

  • J. Jay Dawes

    (School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA)

Abstract

Fire academy training classes may have trainees with a range of different fitness capabilities. Documentation of trainee fitness could indicate the need for flexibility in physical training emphases. Therefore, data from six academy classes (males = 274; females = 31) were analyzed, including: Illinois agility test (IAT), push-ups, pull-ups, leg tucks, multistage fitness test, backwards overhead 4.54 kg medicine ball throw (BOMBT), 10-repetition maximum deadlift, and 18 kg kettlebell farmers carry. A one-way ANOVA, with the Bonferroni post hoc test, calculated between-class fitness differences. Normative fitness test data were produced via percentile ranks. Classes 5 and 6 had the most females ( n = 15). Class 1 completed the IAT faster than all classes ( p ≤ 0.009). Classes 1 and 4 had a further BOMBT distance than Classes 5 and 6, and Class 3 outperformed Class 6 ( p ≤ 0.044). Class 4 completed more leg tucks than Class 5 ( p = 0.047). Class 1 had a greater deadlift than Classes 3, 4, and 6, and Class 2 outperformed Classes 3–6 ( p ≤ 0.036). Class 3 was slower in the farmers carry compared to all classes ( p ≤ 0.002). Percentile rankings showed that most females (48–100%) were in the 0–29% rank. Staff should implement individualized programs where appropriate for trainees as cohort fitness differences exist. Female trainees may need targeted maximal strength and power development.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert George Lockie & Robin M. Orr & Fernando Montes & Tomas Jason Ruvalcaba & J. Jay Dawes, 2022. "Differences in Fitness between Firefighter Trainee Academy Classes and Normative Percentile Rankings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:11:p:6548-:d:825427
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Robert G. Lockie & Joseph M. Dulla & Daniel Higuera & Kristina A. Ross & Robin M. Orr & J. Jay Dawes & Tomas J. Ruvalcaba, 2022. "Body Composition and Fitness Characteristics of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program: Relationships and Descriptive Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Robert G. Lockie & Robin M. Orr & J. Jay Dawes, 2022. "Justified Concerns? An Exploration of the Leg Tuck in a Tactical Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, October.

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