High-intensity, occupation-specific training in a series of firefighters during phase II cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Six male firefighters who were referred to phase II cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization participated in a specialized regimen of high-intensity, occupation-specific training (HIOST) that simulated firefighting tasks. During each session, the electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored, and the patients were observed for adverse symptoms. No patient had to discontinue HIOST because of adverse arrhythmias or symptoms. For physicians who must make decisions about return to work, the information collected over multiple HIOST sessions might be more thorough and conclusive than the information gained during a single treadmill exercise stress test (the recommended evaluation method).

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Four of the occupation-specific activities performed by firefighters while wearing a weighted vest: (a) after climbing stairs with a hose pack, (b) dragging a dummy, (c) using a stair-climbing machine, and (d) hitting a tire with a sledgehammer.