Analysis of Exercise Intensity Based on Cardiorespiratory Response in a Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program for Firefighter Physical Fitness Enhancement

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Current regulations for Korean firefighters primarily emphasize exercise during working hours without specifying particular exercise methods. This study aims to evaluate the exercise intensity of the stepwise Korean Firefighter Fitness Program (KFFP) using Kinect-based mixed reality device (Virtual mate, VM), considering the demanding 24-hour shift work and high physical strength requirements. The objective is to assess its potential as one of the exercise methods and provide valuable insights.METHODS CResearchers recruited 30 participants to evaluate the exercise intensity based on the cardiopulmonary responses induced by the Stepwise Korean Firefighter Fitness Program (KFFP) using Virtual Mate (VM). Initially, the participants' resting heart rate, maximum heart rate (HR_max), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max) were measured. Subsequently, researchers monitored the participants' cardiopulmonary responses by employing portable gas analyzers and wireless heart rate monitors while implementing the Stepwise KFFP with VM. Exercise intensity related to cardiopulmonary responses was recorded using both absolute parameters (VO₂, HR) and relative parameters (%VO_2max, %HRR, %HR). Researchers utilized repeated measures analysis of variance for statistical analysis.RESULTS The analysis of the stepwise KFFP using VM showed significant increases all parameters as the program advanced(<i>p</i><.001). VO₂ increased from around 19.4 ml/kg/min in Step 1 to approximately 22.8 ml/ kg/min in Step 3. Similarly, %HRR rose from roughly 40.6% in Step 1 to about 53.9% in Step 3.CONCLUSIONS Upon evaluating the stepwise KFFP based on the exercise intensity levels recommended by ACSM, it is confirmed that the stepwise KFFP using VM comprises both moderate-intensity and highintensity exercises. This approach is deemed effective and can serve as a fitness management method for firefighters working in 24-hour shift patterns that demand high fitness levels.