THE FIRST TWENTY EXERCISE TRAINING PROGRAM AND FIRE ACADEMY RECRUITS ...

142 Pages·2016·1.61 MB·English

THE FIRST TWENTY EXERCISE TRAINING PROGRAM AND FIRE ACADEMY
RECRUITS’ FITNESS AND HEALTH

by

BRITTANY S. HOLLERBACH

B.S., Kansas State University, 2015

A THESIS

submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Department of Kinesiology
College of Human Ecology

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Manhattan, Kansas

2016

Approved by:

Major Professor
Dr. Katie M. Heinrich
Copyright
BRITTANY S. HOLLERBACH
2016
Abstract
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous occupation with high rates of injuries and
fatalities, with the majority of line of duty fatalities due to cardiovascular events. Additionally,
firefighters struggle with poor health and low levels of fitness, including very high (>80%) rates
of overweight and obesity likely related to the culture of the fire service. Limited resources exist
for fire departments that are sensitive to the culture and work requirements of these “tactical
athletes”. Though there has been increasing interest in circuit-type high intensity exercise
training programs, key research data are lacking for the firefighter population and few studies
have focused on training firefighter recruits. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot investigation
was to examine a novel physical training program on fire academy recruits’ health, fitness, and
performance, in addition to examining the programs’ acceptability, feasibility, and future
efficacy. METHODS: Thirteen participants were recruited from an entry level fire academy and
were randomly assigned to either the control (CG, n=6) or intervention exercise group (TF20,
n=7). Due to attrition within the first two weeks of the study, 10 male fire recruits (23±3 years)
completed the study (CG, n=3, TF20, n=7). The CG were asked to continue their current exercise
habits. TF20 were provided an online-based training program (The First 20) that included
periodized workouts, nutritional information, and mental readiness education. All participants
completed baseline and post-intervention assessments and 10-weeks of exercise training. Health
assessments included resting and post-exercise heart rate and blood pressure and estimated
VO . Anthropometric measures included height, weight, % body fat, % lean mass, and BMI.
2max
Performance was measured using the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Psychosocial
measures were assessed by a short questionnaire. A feasibility analysis was also completed for
those in TF20 group. Due to the small sample size and group differences at baseline, descriptive
statistics were calculated and each participant was reviewed as an individual case study. The
Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to test for significance among TF20 group. RESULTS:
This pilot investigation provided effect sizes and parameter estimates necessary for the design of
a larger randomized controlled trial. Even with a small sample size, TF20 group showed
improvement on numerous outcome measures including CPAT performance (40% passing at
baseline to 86% passing post-intervention). Of five TF20 participants completing the CPAT at
baseline and post-intervention, four improved their passing time. TF20 participants significantly
increased estimated VO (p=0.028) and significantly improved body composition (decreased
2max
fat mass (kg) and % fat mass, p=0.028). TF20 participants also significantly improved grip
strength (p=0.018). The CG saw no statistically significant differences from baseline to post-
intervention. TF20 group completed approximately 75% of the assigned workouts. Participants
reported enjoying the workouts and stated a program like this should be offered for fire academy
recruits in the future.
CONCLUSION: While TF20 participants showed significant fitness gains, the small sample size
limited comparisons to the control group or other covariates. TF20 program was well-received
although there may be a better way to implement the intervention to increase participation.
Participants mentioned they would like group workouts led by a certified strength and
conditioning coach/peer fitness trainer as opposed to self-guided workouts. This investigation
provides promising results for the efficacy of high-intensity training programs in firefighter
recruits. Additionally, this study provides alternative guidance for exercise prescription designed
specifically for the firefighter population.
Table of Contents
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... vii
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... viii
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ ix
Dedication ....................................................................................................................................... x
Chapter 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
Research Problem ....................................................................................................................... 1
Significance ................................................................................................................................ 1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Defining Physical Fitness ........................................................................................................... 3
Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Chapter 2 - Background .................................................................................................................. 5
Tactical Occupational Interventions ........................................................................................... 9
Chapter 3 - Methods...................................................................................................................... 14
Subjects ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 15
Measures ................................................................................................................................... 16
Body Composition ................................................................................................................ 16
Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Aerobic Capacity .............................................................. 16
Fitness ................................................................................................................................... 17
Performance .......................................................................................................................... 20
Questionnaire and Feasibility Analysis................................................................................. 20
Intervention ........................................................................................................................... 21
Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 23
Chapter 4 - Results ........................................................................................................................ 25
Performance .............................................................................................................................. 30
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) .............................................................................. 30
Cardiovascular Measures .......................................................................................................... 32
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) ............................................................................................. 32
RESTING HR ....................................................................................................................... 32
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RESTING RPP ...................................................................................................................... 33
POST CPAT RPP ................................................................................................................. 34
Anthropometric Measures ......................................................................................................... 35
WEIGHT ............................................................................................................................... 35
FAT % ................................................................................................................................... 36
FAT MASS KG .................................................................................................................... 36
FFM KG ................................................................................................................................ 37
BMI ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Fitness Measures ....................................................................................................................... 38
GRIP STRENGTH – UNADJUSTED .................................................................................. 38
GRIP STRENGTH – ADJUSTED ....................................................................................... 39
SIT & REACH (cm) ............................................................................................................. 39
VERTICAL JUMP (m) ......................................................................................................... 40
PUSH-UPS ............................................................................................................................ 41
SIT-UPS ................................................................................................................................ 41
AGILITY (T-TEST) ............................................................................................................. 42
EST. VO (ml/kg/min) ..................................................................................................... 43
2max
Feasibility Analysis ................................................................................................................... 44
Chapter 5 - Discussion .................................................................................................................. 46
Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 50
Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 50
Feasibility .............................................................................................................................. 52
Self-report Bias ..................................................................................................................... 53
Recruitment ........................................................................................................................... 53
Selection Bias ........................................................................................................................ 53
Chapter 6 - Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 54
Chapter 7 - References .................................................................................................................. 56
Appendix A - Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)............................................ 60
Appendix B - Informed Consent ..................................................................................................... 1
Appendix C - Image Acknowledgement......................................................................................... 1
Appendix D - Baseline Questionnaire ............................................................................................ 2
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Appendix E - Post-Intervention Questionnaire ............................................................................... 1
Appendix F - Agility (T-test) .......................................................................................................... 1
Appendix G - Candidate Physical Ability Test Description ........................................................... 3
Appendix H - Aerobic Capacity (VO ) ...................................................................................... 6
2max
Appendix I - BMI Classification ................................................................................................... 11
Appendix J - VO2max Fitness Categories .................................................................................... 12
Appendix K - Feasibility Analysis ................................................................................................ 13
Appendix L - Feasibility Analysis Responses .............................................................................. 14
Appendix M - TF20 Workout ....................................................................................................... 18

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List of Figures
Figure 1 Randomization of Eligible Participants (TF20, The First Twenty intervention; CG,
control group.) ....................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 2 Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) ....................................................................................... 32
Figure 3 Resting Heart Rate .......................................................................................................... 33
Figure 4 Resting Rate Pressure Product (RPP) ............................................................................. 34
Figure 5 Post-CPAT Rate Pressure Product (RPP)....................................................................... 35
Figure 6 Weight (kg) ..................................................................................................................... 35
Figure 7 Percent Fat ...................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 8 Fat Mass (kg) .................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 9 Fat Free Mass (kg) .......................................................................................................... 37
Figure 10 Body Mass Index (BMI) ............................................................................................... 38
Figure 11 Grip Strength (Unadjusted) .......................................................................................... 39
Figure 12 Grip Strength (Adjusted) .............................................................................................. 39
Figure 13 Sit & Reach (cm) .......................................................................................................... 40
Figure 14 Vertical Jump (m) ......................................................................................................... 40
Figure 15 Push-Ups....................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 16 Sit-Ups .......................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 17 Agility T-Test ............................................................................................................... 42
Figure 18 Estimated VO ......................................................................................................... 44
2max

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List of Tables
Table 1 Individual Participant Demographics at Baseline ............................................................ 26
Table 2 Mean Participant Demographics ...................................................................................... 26
Table 3 Fitness and Performance Variables with Statistical Significance (TF20 group only) ..... 27
Table 4 Fitness and Performance Variables with Statistical Significance (CG only) .................. 28
Table 5 Absolute Means for Both Groups .................................................................................... 29
Table 6 Average Change Scores for Both Groups ........................................................................ 30
Table 7 CPAT PASS/FAIL SCORES & TIMES ......................................................................... 31
Table 8 Agility (T-Test) ................................................................................................................ 43

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Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals for their
dedicated work on this project: Katie Heinrich, Sara Jahnke, Carlos Poston, Andrew Alexander,
Jesse Stein, Ingrid Pond, Richard Lehmann, Ainslie Kehler, Bryan Heinrich, Katelyn Gilmore,
Taran Carlisle, Victor Andrews, Cale Hepler, Andrew Nation.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank Kansas State University for the opportunity
to apply for the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS) Small Grant Program. Through
this program we were awarded $1000 toward our work on this project.

ix
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this work to my grandmother, Betty. She is the inspiration and
drive behind all that I do. No accomplishment is as worthy as when she tells me how proud of
me she is. This is for you, Gram.

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