Impact of Active Duty Duration on Firefighters: An Analysis of Respiratory Functions and Physical Performance
Year 2025,
Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 603 - 612, 26.06.2025
Betül Ayten Karaman
,
Sena Arıcan
,
Hatice Kübra Kürk
,
Buse Baş
,
Fulya Senem Karaahmetoğlu
,
Halit Çınarka
,
Esra Pehlivan
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of active working periods on respiratory functions and physical performance in firefighters, considering the challenging conditions they face.
Fifty-five firefighters, aged 18 to 64 years, with a minimum of two years of active service, were categorized into two groups: Group A (less than 10 years of service) and Group B (10 years or more). Assessment parameters included pulmonary functions, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD), Stair Climbing Test time (SCT), and Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (CMDQ).
Group B displayed a higher average age, intervention in more fires, and increased exposure to toxic substances (p > .005). However, no significant differences were observed in pulmonary functions, respiratory muscle strength, and CMDQ scores between the groups. Group A exhibited a statistically significant increase in 6MWD, while Group B showed significantly greater SCT values. A weak and negative correlation (r = .010) was noted between work duration and forced vital capacity, and a moderate and positive correlation (r = .519) between work duration and SCT.
The findings suggest a potential decline in respiratory functions and physical performance among firefighters with increased work duration. Emphasizing public awareness of occupational health risks and implementing preventive measures are crucial for safeguarding their well-being. Further research and targeted interventions are essential to support firefighters in maintaining optimal health and performance in their demanding profession.
Project Number
1919B012205302
References
- 1. Jacobsson, A, Backteman-Erlanson, S, Brulin, C. and Hörnsten Å. (2015). ''Experiences of critical incidents among female and male firefighters''. International Emergency Nursing, 23 (2), 100-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2014.06.002
- 2. Drew-Nord, D.C, Oh, H. and Fahs, E.S. (2009). ''Cardiovascular risk factors among career firefighters''. AAOHN Journal, 57 (10), 423-424. https://doi.org/10.3928/08910162-20090928-04
- 3. Smith, D.L. (2011). ''Firefighter fitness: improving performance and preventing injuries and fatalities''.
Current Sports Medicine Reports, 10 (3), 167-172. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31821a9fec
- 4. Musk, A.W, Smith, T.J, Peters, J.M. and McLaughlin, E. (1979). ''Pulmonary function in firefighters: Acute changes in ventilatory capacity and their correlates''. British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 36 (1), 29-34. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.36.1.29
- 5. Witt, M, Goniewicz, M, Pawłowski, W, Goniewicz, K. and Biczysko, W. (2017). ''Analysis of the impact of harmful factors in the workplace on functioning of the respiratory system of firefighters''. Annals Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 24 (3), 406-410. https://doi.org/10.5604/12321966.1233561
- 6. Mathias, K.C, Graham, E, Stewart, D. and Smith, D.L. (2020). ''Decreased Pulmonary Function Over 5 Years in US Firefighters''. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62 (10), 816-819. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001944
- 7. Miedinger, D, Chhajed, P.N, Stolz, D. et al. (2007). ''Respiratory symptoms, atopy and bronchial hyperreactivity in professional firefighters''. European Respiratory Journal, 30 (3), 538-544. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00015307
- 8. Sheaff, A.K, Bennett, A, Hanson, E.D, et al. (2010). ''Physiological determinants of the Candidate Physical Ability Test in firefighters''. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24 (11), 3112-3122. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181f0a8d5
- 9. Guidotti, T.L. (1992). ''Human factors in firefighting: ergonomic-, cardiopulmonary-, and psychogenic stress-related issues''. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 64 (1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00625945
- 10. Roorda, L.D, Roebroeck, M.E, Van Tilburg, T, Lankhorst, G.J. and Bouter, L.M. (2004). ''Measuring activity limitations in climbing stairs: development of a hierarchical scale for patients with lower-extremity disorders living at home''. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85 (6), 967-971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2003.11.018
- 11. Bean, J.F, Kiely, D.K, LaRose, S, Alian, J. and Frontera, W.R. (2007). ''Is stair climb power a clinically relevant measure of leg power impairments in at-risk older adults?''. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 88 (5), 604-609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2007.02.004
- 12. Modai, G, Sharon, B, Bar-Haim, S. and Hutzler, Y. (2015). ''Stair climbing test post-stroke: feasibility, convergent validity and metabolic, cardiac, and respiratory responses''. NeuroRehabilitation, 22 (4), 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1179/1074935714Z.0000000021
- 13. Swain, D.P, Onate, J.A, Ringleb, S.I, Naik, D.N. and Demaio, M. (2010). ''Effects of training on physical performance wearing personal protective equipment''. Military Medicine, 175 (9), 664-670. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-09-00198
- 14. Kamansky, D. and Mottram, C. (2002). ''ATS/ERS Statement on respiratory muscle testing''. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 166 (4), 518-624. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.166.4.518
- 15. Rasekaba, T, Lee, A.L, Naughton, M.T, Williams, T.J. and Holland, A.E. (2009). ''The six-minute walk test: a useful metric for the cardiopulmonary patient''. International Medicine Journal, 39 (8), 495-501. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-5994.2008.01880.x
- 16. Brooks, D, Solway, S. and Gibbons, W.J. (2003). ''ATS statement on six-minute walk test''. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 167 (9), 1287. https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.167.9.950
- 17. CUergo. (2022). ''Cornell Ergonomics Web Ergonomics Tools''. Cornell Ergonomics Web Ergonomics Tools. https://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cutools.html(Accessed October 29, 2022).
- 18. Erdinc, O, Hot, K. and Ozkaya, M. (2011). ''Turkish version of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and validation''. Work, 39 (3), 251-260. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2011-1173
- 19. Choi, J.H, Shin, J.H, Lee, M.Y. and Chung, I.S. (2014). ''Pulmonary function decline in firefighters and non-firefighters in South Korea''. Annals Occupational Environmental Medicine, 26 (1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-26-9
- 20. Gündüzöz, M, İritaş, S.B, Tutkun, L. et al. (2018). ''A new potential biomarker in early diagnosis of firefighter lung function impairment: Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis''. Central European Journal of Public Health, 26 (3), 190-194. https://doi.org/10.21101/cejph.a4972
- 21. Adetona, O, Hall, D.B. and Naeher, L.P. (2011). ''Lung function changes in wildland firefighters working at prescribed burns''. Inhalation Toxicology, 23 (13), 835-841. https://doi.org/10.3109/08958378.2011.617790
- 22. Williams-Bell, F.M, Boisseau, G, McGill, J, Kostiuk, A. and Hughson, R.L. (2010). ''Air management and physiological responses during simulated firefighting tasks in a high-rise structure''. Applied Ergonomics, 41 (2), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2009.07.0099
- 23. Lindberg, A.S, Oksa, J, Gavhed, D. and Malm, C. (2013). “Field tests for evaluating the aerobic work capacity of firefighters”. PLOS ONE, 8 (7), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0068047
- 24. Lindberg, A.S, Oksa, J, Antti, H. and Malm, C. (2015). “Multivariate statistical assessment of predictors of firefighters’ muscular and aerobic work capacity”. PLOS ONE, 10 (3), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0118945
- 25. Kang, S.K. and Kim, W. (2008). “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in firefighters”. Journal of the Korean Medical Association, 51 (12), 1111-1117. https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.12.1111
- 26. Kodom-Wiredu, J.K. (2019). “The relationship between firefighters’ work demand and work-related musculoskeletal disorders: the moderating role of task characteristics”. Safety and Health at Work, 10 (1), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2018.05.004
- 27. Liyana, N, Azmi, A.M. and Masuri, M.G. (2019). “Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) and functional status of firefighters in Klang Valley”. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 267.
- 28. Baur, D.M, Christophi, C.A, Cook, E.F. and Kales, S.N. (2012). “Age-related decline in cardiorespiratory fitness among career firefighters: Modification by physical activity and adiposity”. Journal of Obesity, 2012, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/710903
- 29. Hrysomallis, C. (2011). ''Balance ability and athletic performance''. Sport Medicine, 41 (3), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.2165/11538560-000000000-00000
- 30. Visser, M, Goodpaster, B.H, Kritchevsky, S.B. et al. (2005). ''Muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle fat infiltration as predictors of incident mobility limitations in well-functioning older persons''. The Journals of Gerontology - Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 60 (3), 324-333. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/60.3.324
İtfaiyecilerin Meslekte Geçirdikleri Aktif Dönem Uzunluğunun Solunum Fonksiyonları ve Merdiven Tırmanma Performansına Etkisinin İncelenmesi
Year 2025,
Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 603 - 612, 26.06.2025
Betül Ayten Karaman
,
Sena Arıcan
,
Hatice Kübra Kürk
,
Buse Baş
,
Fulya Senem Karaahmetoğlu
,
Halit Çınarka
,
Esra Pehlivan
Abstract
Bu çalışma, itfaiyecilerin karşılaştıkları zorlu koşullar dikkate alınarak aktif çalışma sürelerinin solunum fonksiyonları ve fiziksel performans üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktadır.
Yaşları 18 ile 64 arasında değişen ve en az iki yıl aktif hizmet deneyimi olan elli beş itfaiyeci iki gruba ayrıldı: Grup A (10 yıldan az hizmet veren) ve Grup B (10 yıl veya daha fazla hizmet veren). Değerlendirme parametreleri arasında solunum fonksiyonları, maksimum inspiratuar ve ekspiratuar basınçlar (MIP, MEP), 6 dakikalık yürüme testi mesafesi (6DYT), Merdiven Tırmanma Testi süresi (SCT) ve Cornell Kas-İskelet Bozuklukları Anketi (CMDQ) yer aldı.
Grup B'de daha yüksek ortalama yaş, daha fazla yangına müdahale ve toksik maddelere daha fazla maruz kalma görüldü (p > 0,005). Ancak gruplar arasında solunum fonksiyonları, solunum kas gücü ve CMDQ skorları açısından anlamlı farklılık gözlenmedi. Grup A'da 6DYT'de istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir artış görülürken, Grup B'de 6DYT değerleri anlamlı derecede yüksek bulundu. Çalışma süresi ile zorlu yaşamsal kapasite arasında zayıf ve negatif bir korelasyon (r = 0,010), çalışma süresi ile 6DYT arasında ise orta ve pozitif bir korelasyon (r = 0,519) tespit edildi.
Bulgular, itfaiyecilerde çalışma süresinin artmasıyla birlikte solunum fonksiyonlarında ve fiziksel performansta potansiyel bir düşüş olabileceğini düşündürmektedir. Kamuoyunun iş sağlığı riskleri konusundaki farkındalığının vurgulanması ve önleyici tedbirlerin uygulanması, onların refahının korunması açısından çok önemlidir. İtfaiyecilerin zorlu mesleklerinde optimum sağlık ve performansı korumalarını desteklemek için daha fazla araştırma ve hedefe yönelik müdahaleler gereklidir
Ethical Statement
HAMİDİYE BİLİMSEL ARAŞTIRMALAR ETİK KURULU
Evrakı Doğrulamak İçin : https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/sbu-ebys?eD=BSD5LA070B&eS=12447
Toplantı Tarihi : 30.09.2022
Toplantı Sayısı : 2022/22
Karar Sayısı : 22/4
Kurulumuza değerlendirilmek üzere sunulan, Doç. Dr. Esra PEHLİVAN'ın sorumlu,
Betül Ayten KARAMAN, Buse BAŞ, Hatice Kübra KÜRK ve Sena ARICAN'ın yardımcı
araştırmacı olduğu 22/471 kayıt numaralı "İtfaiyecilerin Meslekte Geçirdikleri Aktif Dönem
Uzunluğunun Solunum Fonksiyonları ve Merdiven Tırmanma Performansına Etkisinin
İncelenmesi" başlıklı proje önerisi kurulumuzun 30.09.2022 tarihli toplantısında
değerlendirilmiş ve etik açıdan uygun bulunmuştur.
Aslı Gibidir
Doç. Dr. Yasemin AYDIN KARTAL
Başkan
Doç. Dr. Muzaffer AKDOĞAN
Başkan Yardımcısı
Prof. Dr. Derya BÜYÜKKAYHAN
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Prof. Dr. Abubekir ELTAS
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Prof. Dr. Recep KEŞLİ
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Doç. Dr. Erhan ALABAY
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Doç. Dr. Eray Metin GÜLER
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Doç. Dr. Selda RIZALAR
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Doç. Dr. Bahar Başak KIZILTAN
ELİAÇIK
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Tuğçe ÖZYAZICI
Etik Kurul Üyesi
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Gamze TEMİZ
Etik Kurul Üyesi
05.10.2022 Memur Ali CEYLAN
Supporting Institution
Bu çalışma TÜBİTAK 2209-A (Proje No:1919B012205302) tarafından desteklenmiştir.
Project Number
1919B012205302
Thanks
Yazarlar olarak Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hamidiye Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Bölümüne, İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi Avrupa Yakası İtfaiye Daire Başkanlığına, TÜBİTAK 2209-A Üniversite Öğrencileri Araştırma Projeleri Destekleme Programına teşekkür ediyoruz.
References
- 1. Jacobsson, A, Backteman-Erlanson, S, Brulin, C. and Hörnsten Å. (2015). ''Experiences of critical incidents among female and male firefighters''. International Emergency Nursing, 23 (2), 100-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2014.06.002
- 2. Drew-Nord, D.C, Oh, H. and Fahs, E.S. (2009). ''Cardiovascular risk factors among career firefighters''. AAOHN Journal, 57 (10), 423-424. https://doi.org/10.3928/08910162-20090928-04
- 3. Smith, D.L. (2011). ''Firefighter fitness: improving performance and preventing injuries and fatalities''.
Current Sports Medicine Reports, 10 (3), 167-172. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31821a9fec
- 4. Musk, A.W, Smith, T.J, Peters, J.M. and McLaughlin, E. (1979). ''Pulmonary function in firefighters: Acute changes in ventilatory capacity and their correlates''. British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 36 (1), 29-34. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.36.1.29
- 5. Witt, M, Goniewicz, M, Pawłowski, W, Goniewicz, K. and Biczysko, W. (2017). ''Analysis of the impact of harmful factors in the workplace on functioning of the respiratory system of firefighters''. Annals Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 24 (3), 406-410. https://doi.org/10.5604/12321966.1233561
- 6. Mathias, K.C, Graham, E, Stewart, D. and Smith, D.L. (2020). ''Decreased Pulmonary Function Over 5 Years in US Firefighters''. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62 (10), 816-819. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001944
- 7. Miedinger, D, Chhajed, P.N, Stolz, D. et al. (2007). ''Respiratory symptoms, atopy and bronchial hyperreactivity in professional firefighters''. European Respiratory Journal, 30 (3), 538-544. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00015307
- 8. Sheaff, A.K, Bennett, A, Hanson, E.D, et al. (2010). ''Physiological determinants of the Candidate Physical Ability Test in firefighters''. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24 (11), 3112-3122. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181f0a8d5
- 9. Guidotti, T.L. (1992). ''Human factors in firefighting: ergonomic-, cardiopulmonary-, and psychogenic stress-related issues''. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 64 (1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00625945
- 10. Roorda, L.D, Roebroeck, M.E, Van Tilburg, T, Lankhorst, G.J. and Bouter, L.M. (2004). ''Measuring activity limitations in climbing stairs: development of a hierarchical scale for patients with lower-extremity disorders living at home''. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85 (6), 967-971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2003.11.018
- 11. Bean, J.F, Kiely, D.K, LaRose, S, Alian, J. and Frontera, W.R. (2007). ''Is stair climb power a clinically relevant measure of leg power impairments in at-risk older adults?''. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 88 (5), 604-609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2007.02.004
- 12. Modai, G, Sharon, B, Bar-Haim, S. and Hutzler, Y. (2015). ''Stair climbing test post-stroke: feasibility, convergent validity and metabolic, cardiac, and respiratory responses''. NeuroRehabilitation, 22 (4), 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1179/1074935714Z.0000000021
- 13. Swain, D.P, Onate, J.A, Ringleb, S.I, Naik, D.N. and Demaio, M. (2010). ''Effects of training on physical performance wearing personal protective equipment''. Military Medicine, 175 (9), 664-670. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-09-00198
- 14. Kamansky, D. and Mottram, C. (2002). ''ATS/ERS Statement on respiratory muscle testing''. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 166 (4), 518-624. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.166.4.518
- 15. Rasekaba, T, Lee, A.L, Naughton, M.T, Williams, T.J. and Holland, A.E. (2009). ''The six-minute walk test: a useful metric for the cardiopulmonary patient''. International Medicine Journal, 39 (8), 495-501. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-5994.2008.01880.x
- 16. Brooks, D, Solway, S. and Gibbons, W.J. (2003). ''ATS statement on six-minute walk test''. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 167 (9), 1287. https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.167.9.950
- 17. CUergo. (2022). ''Cornell Ergonomics Web Ergonomics Tools''. Cornell Ergonomics Web Ergonomics Tools. https://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cutools.html(Accessed October 29, 2022).
- 18. Erdinc, O, Hot, K. and Ozkaya, M. (2011). ''Turkish version of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and validation''. Work, 39 (3), 251-260. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2011-1173
- 19. Choi, J.H, Shin, J.H, Lee, M.Y. and Chung, I.S. (2014). ''Pulmonary function decline in firefighters and non-firefighters in South Korea''. Annals Occupational Environmental Medicine, 26 (1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-26-9
- 20. Gündüzöz, M, İritaş, S.B, Tutkun, L. et al. (2018). ''A new potential biomarker in early diagnosis of firefighter lung function impairment: Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis''. Central European Journal of Public Health, 26 (3), 190-194. https://doi.org/10.21101/cejph.a4972
- 21. Adetona, O, Hall, D.B. and Naeher, L.P. (2011). ''Lung function changes in wildland firefighters working at prescribed burns''. Inhalation Toxicology, 23 (13), 835-841. https://doi.org/10.3109/08958378.2011.617790
- 22. Williams-Bell, F.M, Boisseau, G, McGill, J, Kostiuk, A. and Hughson, R.L. (2010). ''Air management and physiological responses during simulated firefighting tasks in a high-rise structure''. Applied Ergonomics, 41 (2), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2009.07.0099
- 23. Lindberg, A.S, Oksa, J, Gavhed, D. and Malm, C. (2013). “Field tests for evaluating the aerobic work capacity of firefighters”. PLOS ONE, 8 (7), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0068047
- 24. Lindberg, A.S, Oksa, J, Antti, H. and Malm, C. (2015). “Multivariate statistical assessment of predictors of firefighters’ muscular and aerobic work capacity”. PLOS ONE, 10 (3), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0118945
- 25. Kang, S.K. and Kim, W. (2008). “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in firefighters”. Journal of the Korean Medical Association, 51 (12), 1111-1117. https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.12.1111
- 26. Kodom-Wiredu, J.K. (2019). “The relationship between firefighters’ work demand and work-related musculoskeletal disorders: the moderating role of task characteristics”. Safety and Health at Work, 10 (1), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2018.05.004
- 27. Liyana, N, Azmi, A.M. and Masuri, M.G. (2019). “Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) and functional status of firefighters in Klang Valley”. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 267.
- 28. Baur, D.M, Christophi, C.A, Cook, E.F. and Kales, S.N. (2012). “Age-related decline in cardiorespiratory fitness among career firefighters: Modification by physical activity and adiposity”. Journal of Obesity, 2012, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/710903
- 29. Hrysomallis, C. (2011). ''Balance ability and athletic performance''. Sport Medicine, 41 (3), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.2165/11538560-000000000-00000
- 30. Visser, M, Goodpaster, B.H, Kritchevsky, S.B. et al. (2005). ''Muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle fat infiltration as predictors of incident mobility limitations in well-functioning older persons''. The Journals of Gerontology - Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 60 (3), 324-333. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/60.3.324