Impact of Team-Based Training on Compliance and Physical Fitness in Firefighters

Research Objectives: This study aims to develop a team-based training model specifically tailored for firefighters, focusing on improving their cardiovascular fitness, physical attributes, and fostering sustainable health behaviors. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk of injuries associated with the physically demanding tasks they perform during their duties.

Research Hypotheses:

Firefighters participating in the team-based training model will demonstrate significant improvements in key fitness parameters, such as cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, endurance, and body composition compared to those engaged in traditional training.

The team-based approach will enhance adherence to physical training among firefighters, leading to more consistent participation and improved health outcomes.

This clinical study is a randomized controlled trial that involved 42 firefighters who were divided into two groups: one receiving a team-based training intervention for six months and the other continuing with conventional exercises. The team training incorporated aerobic, resistance, and functional exercises, emphasizing teamwork and peer support to motivate participants. Key fitness measures, including cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, endurance, flexibility, and body mass index (BMI), were assessed before and after the intervention.

The study hypothesized that the team-based training model would not only enhance fitness levels but also improve adherence to training routines among firefighters, ultimately contributing to better health and safety during their demanding work.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Physical Fitness Deficits in Firefighters; Exercise Adherence Challenges; Injury Risk Associated with Firefighting Tasks
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Intervention group：Conducted a 6-month team training intervention; Behavioral: Control group： Maintaining old exercise habits

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• China
  • Hunan
    • Changsha, Hunan, China, 410000
      • Changsha Fire Brigade

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Firefighters aged 18 to 50 years. Currently active duty within the selected brigade. Capable of performing physically demanding tasks without medical restrictions. Written informed consent provided by participants.

Exclusion Criteria:

Firefighters with any cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions that could hinder participation or affect fitness outcomes.

Individuals recovering from recent injuries or surgeries. Firefighters enrolled in external training programs that may impact baseline health assessments.

Any participant who refuses to provide informed consent.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Team-Based Training Intervention for Firefighter Fitness and Adherence; This arm involves a six-month team-based training intervention designed to improve firefighters' physical fitness and exercise adherence. The program includes aerobic, resistance, and functional exercises tailored to the demands of firefighting tasks. Sessions are conducted in small groups to foster teamwork and peer support, with participants receiving real-time feedback and guidance from certified professionals. The aim is to enhance cardiovascular fitness, strength, endurance, and overall health behaviors, while reducing injury risks. Participants track their progress using the Gymsmart (Pro X) app to monitor activity levels and adjust intensity for optimal results.	Behavioral: Intervention group：Conducted a 6-month team training intervention; Spanning six months, the program incorporated aerobic training, resistance training, and functional exercises essential for rescue operations. Each training session was led by certified professionals who emphasized adherence to safety protocols and provided real-time feedback. Central to the training process was the significance of teamwork and mutual support, with sessions conducted in small groups focused on shared objectives. This framework fostered a collaborative environment that promoted peer support and motivated participants to actively engage in their fitness regimen. The group setting enabled firefighters to encourage one another and share individual progress, thereby enhancing their sense of responsibility and belonging.
Experimental: Control group; The control group maintained their old habits	Behavioral: Control group： Maintaining old exercise habits; The control group will maintain their original daily habits without any intervention behaviors for them

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)	This primary outcome measure assesses changes in cardiorespiratory fitness among firefighters participating in the team-based training program. Fitness is evaluated using the Gerkin treadmill protocol, which estimates maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max).	Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.
Body composition	measured using the Inbody770 bioelectrical impedance analyzer, with BMI calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²);	Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.
Muscular strength	Grip strength is assessed using a hand dynamometer, with the maximum value recorded from three attempts for each hand.	Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.
Muscular endurance	Muscular endurance is evaluated through maximum push-ups and sit-ups performed within standardized time limits (2 minutes for push-ups and 3 minutes for sit-ups).	Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.
Flexibility	Flexibility is assessed using a modified sit-and-reach test, measuring the distance reached beyond the toes while seated.	Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.
Exercise adherence	Adherence is assessed by tracking the completion of daily training sessions, defined as performing more than 50% of the prescribed exercises and sets.	Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following the intervention.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Shen Xin

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 10, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): September 10, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): September 11, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 29, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 30, 2024
• First Posted (Estimated): December 5, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimated): December 5, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 30, 2024
• Last Verified: October 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Exercise Adherence; Physical Fitness; Firefighters; Health Outcomes; Team-Based Training
• Other Study ID Numbers: 20241225

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES
• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No