The Influence of Body Mass on Physical Fitness Test Performance in Male Firefighter Applicants.

OBJECTIVE

The influence of body mass on test performance was investigated in 414 male firefighter applicants who completed a maximal treadmill test and five task-simulation tests while dressed in fire protective ensemble.

METHODS

Subjects were assigned to six mass categories from less than 70 kg to more than 110 kg, in 10 kg increments (n = 69 in each).

RESULTS

Treadmill performance was lower (P < 0.05) in the two heaviest groups. Charged hose advance time was slower in the two lightest groups. The lightest group had slower times for weighted sled pull, forcible entry, and victim rescue tests. The heaviest group was slower on the ladder climb test.

CONCLUSION

Lighter subjects had a small advantage in endurance-oriented tests while higher mass appeared to improve performance slightly in strength-oriented tests. However, mass explained only 4% to 19% of the variance in performance.