RESUMEN
Tactical populations face increased risk on the job, and it is known that firefighters have high levels of cardiac-related death. Aerobic fitness is a modifiable cardiac risk factor, but many fire stations lack the proper equipment to easily assess aerobic fitness levels of their firefighters. Additionally, many fire stations lack wellness programs to hold firefighters accountable for maintaining their fitness levels. Purpose: We assessed the validity of the submaximal 6-minute walk test (6MWT) as a measure of aerobic capacity compared to a maximal treadmill test and the submaximal Gerkin protocol. Methods: Twenty-four firefighters (19 male, 5 female, 34.8 ± 9.7 years; 38.1 ± 3.6 kg·m-2) completed the 6MWT, the submaximal Gerkin protocol, and a maximal treadmill test. Data were analyzed with Bland-Altman plots and correlation analysis. Results: We found equivalence between the 6MWT and directly measured VO2max and between the 6MWT and Gerkin protocol using Bland-Altman plots. In our cohort, the 6MWT underestimated VO2max (31.57 ml·kg-1·min-1) compared to directly measured VO2max (38.1 ml·kg-1·min-1) by 17% and to the Gerkin (40.48 ml·kg-1·min-1) by 22%. Conclusion: Considering its equivalence, using the 6MWT could be a more accessible way to quantify aerobic capacity in firefighters. Despite underestimation, having an easy to administer protocol may encourage more fire stations to assess pre- and post- fitness levels regularly.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between physical activity, cardiovascular fitness and body size among children with Down syndrome. METHOD: Physical activity, cardiovascular fitness and body size were measured by accelerometry, maximal fitness test and anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference), respectively. RESULTS: Fourteen children with Down syndrome (8 boys, 6 girls; mean age 12.9 years) participated. There was no significant correlation between physical activity and cardiovascular fitness or physical activity and body size. Children with Down syndrome who were fitter, had lower BMIs (r = -0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.41 to -0.93) and smaller waist circumference (r = -0.75, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.92). CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence suggests physical activity may not be associated with either body size or fitness in children with Down syndrome. Body size appears to be inversely related to fitness in children with Down syndrome.