Performance Testing
The purpose of our 1583 Performance Testing Program is to provide fitness related services to members of participating fire departments that are designed to enhance the member fire fighters quality of life and ability to perform occupational activities efficiently and safely and reduce the risk of injury, disease, premature death.
Program components:
Assessment of department’s members:
Program Components
Readiness to exercise refers to the multitude of experiences and beliefs an individual experiences leading up to the decision to exercise. What an individual believes exercise does for them, how difficult it is for them to engage in the activity, and whether a fire fighter “believes” they can do what is necessary are three areas that affect their readiness to exercise. Readiness to exercise will be measured through the administration of 3 questionnaires. The first will include a single question with 5 possible answers. The second will include 28 questions, the third 24 questions, both of which will be answered using a 1 to 5 scale. All of the assessments are developed from work done by Porcheska, Marcus, B.H, and Nigg, C.R. The results of the readiness to exercise assessment will be used for individual counseling in the Personal Fitness Consultation. Aggregate results will used for developing and delivering Group educational seminars and tracking progress of the program in general.
Energy System Performance refers to an individual’s ability to produce energy for work. In our bodies we have two major energy systems, Aerobic and Aerobic. Since fire fighting is challenging “All-Body” work, tests need to be relevant and challenge the member’s ability to produce work in an all-body manner. Testing for aerobic and anaerobic performance will be done using a SCIFIT Pro II Sport, All Body Ergometer. In the past, exercise test have been done with the final result being reported in the members maximal work output as either VO2 or METs. Modern technology now gives use the ability to test and measure other more relevant physiological markers. These markers provide more relevant training results in a much better format. The aerobic or cardiovascular test will done using a stepped exercise protocol. The test will begin at a work level that is very low and progress upward. Data will be collected that includes continuous heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the members expired respiratory gases. Our primary objective of this test is to establish the highest sustainable workload that the member can maintain, and the member’s peak workload. The heart rates and work wattage’s will be valuable to member for establishing training goals and appropriate workloads.
Following the cardiovascular test the member will be giving an opportunity to recover. Once recovered the member will be tested on the Pro II Sport using a modified Wingate protocol to determine Anaerobic capacity.
The Muscular Strength assessment will include measurements of grip strength using a grip strength dynamometer and all-body strength using the Jackson Bicep Curl Test . These tests are consistent with section C.2.1.1.2 of NFPA 1582 and the IAFF Wellness-Fitness Initiative
Physical Mobility will be measured using flexibility tests that include, modified sit-and-reach, total body rotation, and shoulder rotation test. Additional individual mobility will be measure using a Movement Screen. While only the sit-and-reach test is mentioned in 1582, 1583 or IAFF WFI, the assessment recommended here represent the state-of-the-art in flexibility and mobility programming and are consistent with section B.7 or NFPA 1583.
Body Composition will be measured using skin fold calipers or other appropriate modalities. The results will be reported in terms of Lean Mass and volume of body fat.
Results of the testing will be compiled into individual reports for the members. Aggregate data will be compiled for educational and departmental use.
Personal Fitness Consultation Upon completion of all testing, individual members will be provided with a report of the testing results with individual exercise prescriptions included. The results of the tests and exercise prescription will be reviewed with each member and a personal exercise program will be developed based on the goals and physical capacities of each person.
Group Educational Seminars A series of group educational and training sessions will be scheduled following the completion of the testing. The initial session will cover the findings of the testing program. Subsequent training program will be based on information gained from the assessment process.