Abstract
Objective
For a cohort of operational firefighters, we assessed the effects of workplace-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness.
Methods
Fifteen firefighters performed HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous training for 4 weeks. Outcomes were peak oxygen uptake, time trial performance, and affective (pleasure/displeasure) responses to exercise.
Results
There was an increase in peak oxygen uptake for both conditions, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.06, η
2 = 0.26) and time trial performance improved for both groups (2%, P < 0.01, η
2 = 0.51). Affective responses were more favorable for HIIT, but both conditions avoided excessive sensations of displeasure.
Conclusion
Results suggest that workplace-based HIIT improved fitness and performance to a similar magnitude to moderate-intensity continuous training while avoiding overly negative affective responses and could improve occupational health of firefighters, despite reduced time commitment.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
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