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Perroni F, Cardinali L, Cignitti L, Amatori S, Rocchi MBL, Stocchi V, Piccoli G, Baldari C, Sisti D, Guidetti L, Vetrano M, Nusca SM. Sex differences in muscle quality of firefighter recruits: a new exploratory approach to evaluation. Sport Sci Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-01005-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Perroni F, Cardinali L, Cignitti L, Gobbi E, Grugni F, Amatori S, Rocchi MBL, Grandinetti L, Lunetta F, Stocchi V, Baldari C, Sisti D, Guidetti L. Are there sex differences in physiological parameters and reaction time responses to overload in firefighters? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249559. [PMID: 33939690 PMCID: PMC8092788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Male and female firefighters work side-by-side in the same in strenuous and risky conditions. Anthropometrics, physiological, and reaction time (mean of reaction time -MRT-, and errors made -E) parameters of 12 Female and 13 Male firefighters were compared. Effect of overload (step test with and without equipment) on the MRT and E were analyzed on 3 trials (T1 = 1-1s, T2 = 0.5-1s, T3 = 0.5–0.5s), compared with a pre-test condition (basal). T-test between males and females was applied to assess differences (p<0.05) in all parameters. ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni on 3 conditions of step test between males and females was applied in reaction time variables. Between MRT and E, in T1, T2 and T3 trials and the 3 test conditions, ANCOVA models with interactions were used. Differences (p<0.05) in anthropometric, physiological and reaction time data emerged across groups, and on the 3rd trials (T3 vs T1 and T2) in reaction time parameters of each group. ANCOVA showed differences (p<0.001) in E among trials. Post hoc showed significant differences in T1vsT3 and T1vsT2. MRT x trial interaction was extremely significant (P<0.001). Implementing fitness and reaction time exercise programs is important to decrease the injury risk and increase work capacity in firefighters with reference to female workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Perroni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cardinali
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Erica Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Amatori
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Service of Biostatistics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Bruno Luigi Rocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Service of Biostatistics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | | | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Carlo Baldari
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Como, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Service of Biostatistics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Laura Guidetti
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
- Department Unicusano, University "Niccolò Cusano", Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Perroni F, Cignitti L, Cortis C, Capranica L. Physical fitness profile of professional Italian firefighters: differences among age groups. Appl Ergon 2014; 45:456-461. [PMID: 23849328 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters perform many tasks which require a high level of fitness and their personal safety may be compromised by the physiological aging process. The aim of the study was to evaluate strength (bench-press), power (countermovement jump), sprint (20 m) and endurance (with and without Self Contained Breathing Apparatus - S.C.B.A.) of 161 Italian firefighters recruits in relation to age groups (<25 yr; 26-30 yr; 31-35 yr; 36-40 yr; 41-42 yr). Descriptive statistics and an ANOVA were calculated to provide the physical fitness profile for each parameter and to assess differences (p < 0.05) among age groups. Anthropometric values showed an age-effect for height and BMI, while performances values showed statistical differences for strength, power, sprint tests and endurance test with S.C.B.A. Wearing the S.C.B.A., 14% of all recruits failed to complete the endurance test. We propose that the firefighters should participate in an assessment of work capacity and specific fitness programs aimed to maintain an optimal fitness level for all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Perroni
- School of Exercise and Sport Sciences (SUISM), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Piazza Bernini 12, Turin, Italy.
| | | | - Cristina Cortis
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Italy
| | - Laura Capranica
- Department of Human Movement and Sport Science, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Italy
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Abstract
Firefighters perform strenuous muscular works in hazardous environments and chaotic conditions, under time
pressure and psychological stress. Various studies have shown high values of oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate
concentrations and salivary cortisol and A-Amylase in laboratory test, in real-life and simulated interventions of
firefighters. These high values have been attributed to the combined effect of the metabolically active muscle,
thermoregulatory strain and fatigue resulting from the protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus in addition
to further supplementary overweight (i.e., lifting weights, rescuing victims). In order to protect health and safety of
firefighters and victims during emergencies, high levels of cardiovascular endurance and strength in firefighters are
strongly recommended. In fact, high levels of physical fitness showed to increase firefighters’ work ability, safety and
decreased risk of injury.
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Perroni F, Cortis C, Minganti C, Cignitti L, Capranica L. Maximal oxygen uptake of Italian firefighters: laboratory vs. field evaluations. Sport Sci Health 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-013-0142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Perroni F, Tessitore A, Cortis C, Lupo C, D'Artibale E, Cignitti L, Capranica L. Energy Cost and Energy Sources During a Simulated Firefighting Activity. J Strength Cond Res 2010; 24:3457-63. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181b2c7ff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Perroni F, Tessitore A, Cibelli G, Lupo C, D'Artibale E, Cortis C, Cignitti L, De Rosas M, Capranica L. Effects of simulated firefighting on the responses of salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase and psychological variables. Ergonomics 2009; 52:484-491. [PMID: 19401900 DOI: 10.1080/00140130802707873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a simulated firefighting intervention on salivary alpha-amylase (sA-A), free cortisol (sC), anxiety (STAI), and profile of mood states (POMS) in 20 male firefighters (age 32 +/- 1 years, VO(2peak): 43 +/- 5 ml/kg per min). During the 12-min firefighting intervention (ambient temperature: 13 +/- 1 degrees C; relative humidity: 63 +/- 1%), individuals spent 63 +/- 28% of the time working at heart rate (HR) >85% of individual HR(max), [La] (peak) 9.2 +/- 2.9 mM and ratings of perceived exertion 16 +/- 2. At 30 min post-intervention significant (p < 0.001) increases in sA-A (174%) and sC (109%) were found with regard to values recorded before and after 90 min of the firefighting intervention. Since no differences emerged between pre-intervention and post intervention for STAI and POMS values, the hormonal changes were attributable to the intense physical stress of the simulated intervention. Further research is needed during real firefighting activities, where high emotional stress may also be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Perroni
- Department of Human Movement and Sport Science, IUSM, Rome, Italy
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