Physical, Motoric and Cardiovascular Status In selected Groups of Firefighters in the Czech Republic - Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the physical, motoric and cardiovascular status of selected Czech professional and volunteer firefighters aged 25 to 35 years. Firefighters (especially professionals) were chosen as a template for Czech male population because they are considered the most physically fit among the adult population. Moreover, physical training is a part of the job description for professionals, their motoric performance is regularly checked, and a decline in fitness is grounds for termination of employment. Since volunteer firefighters assist professionals in emergencies, they tend to be under the same physical and mental stress and their motivation to maintain excellent physical condition is considerable. The somatic characteristics, body composition, motoric performance tests as an indicator of the level of speed, power and endurance abilities, blood pressure and heart rate measurements and the Ruffier test as an information about the status of the cardiovascular system were performed. This study used handgrip dynamometry to determine muscle strength as well. The results of our investigation showed that professional and volunteer firefighters have good physical, motoric and cardiovascular status and do not differ significantly in body height and adiposity, in body composition, in motoric performance, in cardiovascular characteristics, but do differ significantly only in hand-grip dynamometry (higher mean values in professionals).