The effect of training interventions on the physical fitness of firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: فصلنامه ابن سینا
• Main Authors: Fereshteh Kazemi Pakdel, Khalil Alavi, Mohammadali Sazrbazi Zarandi, Tahereh Nedaei
• Format: Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Iran Air Force Health Administration 2025-03-01
• Subjects: physical fitness; firefighters; human physical training
• Online Access: http://ebnesina.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-1398-en.pdf
• ISSN: 1735-9503; 2645-4653

Background and aims: Given the nature of the firefighting profession and the necessity of optimal health and fitness for safe and effective performance, greater attention must be paid to firefighters’ physical fitness. This systematic review and and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of training interventions on firefighters' physical fitness levels. Methods: Primary data were collected from four databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. The results were analyzed by calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs), weighted mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using either random- or fixed-effects models. After screening, 12 studies involving 474 participants were included in the review. Results: The meta-analysis showed that training interventions significantly improved multiple components of fitness: aerobic endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, power, flexibility, and agility (p = 0.001). Conclusion: These findings indicate that training interventions positively affect the physical fitness of firefighters. Consequently, coaches and professionals involved in firefighter performance enhancement should incorporate targeted exercise interventions into training programs. However, few studies have explored diverse exercise interventions, and only a limited range of variables has been assessed. Comparisons with alternative methods are also scarce, underscoring the need for further research.