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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Effects Of Occupational Tasks And Personal Protective Equipment On Static And Functional Balance Among Career Firefighters, Petra Kis
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries are commonly incurred on the fireground among firefighters. Most injuries are attributable to overexertion, fall, jump, slip, and trip mechanisms. These injuries may be caused by many factors, including the independent and collective effects of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and the fatigue induced by performing occupational tasks. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PPE and fire suppression tasks on static and functional balance among firefighters. METHODS: 32 healthy male career structural firefighters (Age: 31.8±9.5 yr) volunteered for this study. Static and Functional Balance Tests (FBT) were performed in …
The Impact Of Gloves And Simulated Occupational Tasks On Handgrip Strength In Structural Firefighters, Sarah Lanham
The Impact Of Gloves And Simulated Occupational Tasks On Handgrip Strength In Structural Firefighters, Sarah Lanham
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Adequate handgrip strength (HGS) is important to safely and effectively perform fireground tasks. However, there is limited research describing the deleterious impact of glove use and fatigue from occupational tasks on HGS. Therefore, the aims of this investigation were to quantify the impact of glove use and occupational tasks on HGS, to explore the relationship between HGS versus the glove and task-induced decrement in HGS, and to evaluate the relationship between HGS and decrement in HGS versus occupational performance. Fourteen (Males: n=13) career structural firefighters performed a maximal isometric HGS assessment with and without gloves before and immediately following completion …
Effectiveness Of Wellness Programming To Improve Health And Fitness Metrics In Rural Firefighters, Macy Weeks
Effectiveness Of Wellness Programming To Improve Health And Fitness Metrics In Rural Firefighters, Macy Weeks
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Worksite wellness programs are an excellent option to help promote health and wellness among employees. However, there is little research discussing these benefits among firefighters. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a wellness program to improve or maintain health and fitness metrics in rural, career firefighters over a 9-month period. Methods: Thirty-six firefighters from a department in southeast Georgia participated in this wellness program. All health and fitness metrics tested were recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency. The wellness program that took place over 9-months provided basic tools and knowledge regarding exercise …