(74) ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN BODY FAT PERCENTAGE, SKELETAL MUSCLE MASS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS PERFORMANCE AMONG FIREFIGHTER RECRUITS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between key anthropometric measures on fitness test performance. Methods: Anthropometric and physical fitness data were collected from 40 male fire academy recruits (age = 22.09 ± 4.31 years; body mass = 79.64 ± 16.25 kg; BF%: 19.21 ± 9.09 %) prior to the commencement of academy training. In addition to height, which was measured using a stadiometer, body fat percentage (BF%) and skeletal muscle mass (sKM), were collected using bioelectrical impedance (InBody 270). Physical performance tests included the countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), push-ups, pull-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. Shapiro-Wilk tests indicated non-normal variable distributions, so Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between anthropometric variables and fitness performance. Results: Significant negative relationships were discovered between BF% and CMJ performance (r =-.57; p =.002), push-ups (r =.56; p = .003), and pullups (r =-.72; p = < .001). sKM was strongly correlated with IMTP performance (r = .66; p < .001). Neither BF% or sKM correlated to run time. Conclusions: Fire academy students with lower BF% and greater sKM may perform better on several fitness testing protocols that relate to firefighter job task performance. Practical Applications: Fire academy recruits should focus on training strategies that emphasize attaining and maintaining a healthy BF% and increasing sKM. This approach may enhance key performance indicators critical for success in the firefighter training academy and improve operational readiness. Acknowledgements: This research was supported in part by an equipment donation from Hawkin Dynamics, Inc. (Westbrook, ME, USA). Opinions expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Hawkin Dynamics, Inc.