Physiological profile of professional fire fighters.

This investigation assessed the physical characteristics, functional capacities, and body composition of 45 professional fire fighters, aged 23 through 49 years. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2), Recovery Oxygen Uptake, arm and leg strength, all showed a negative linear relationship with age. On the other hand, percent body fat increased with age from 18% to 21%. Hand grip strength did not decline significantly as the grip strength values remained fairly constant for all of the fire fighters. Most of the data collected were considered to be within the normal range of the sedentary North American population. It was concluded from these data that professional fire fighters might well benefit from a training program designed to develop and maintain a higher level of personal fitness.