The Acute Effect of High-Intensity Resistance Training on Subsequent Firefighter Performance

Mason, MR, Heebner, NR, Abt, JP, Bergstrom, HC, Shapiro, R, Langford, EL, and Abel, MG. The acute effect of high-intensity resistance training on subsequent firefighter performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1507-1514, 2023-High-intensity resistance training (HIRT) is commonly performed by structural firefighters on duty to enhance occupational readiness. However, exercise-induced fatigue may negatively impact subsequent occupational performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the acute effect of HIRT on subsequent occupational physical ability in structural firefighters and to determine the time course of recovery. Seven resistance-trained male firefighters performed a timed maximal effort simulated fireground test (SFGT) in 3 randomized conditions: baseline (SFGT_baseline), 10 minutes post HIRT (SFGT_10min), and 60 minutes post HIRT (SFGT_60min). Work efficiency and air depletion were assessed during the SFGT. The timed HIRT session consisted of a standardized set of exercises using absolute training loads. Repeated measures analysis of variance and minimal difference (MD) analysis assessed group and individual effects between the conditions, respectively. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. SFGT_10mincompletion time was greater than SFGT_baseline(430 ± 137 vs. 297 ± 69 seconds, p < 0.01), with no difference between SFGT_baselineand SFGT_60min(297 ± 69 vs. 326 ± 89 seconds, p = 0.08). The MD analysis indicated that all firefighters' SFGT_10mintimes exceeded the MD (±26.4 seconds) compared with SFGT_baseline. However, 43% of firefighters still exceeded the MD at SFGT_60min. Air depletion during SFGT_10minwas greater than that during SFGT_baseline(2,786 ± 488 vs. 2,186 ± 276 lb·in^-2, p = 0.02), with no difference between SFGT_baselineand SFGT_60min(p = 0.25). Work efficiency during SFGT_10minwas 40% lower than that during SFGT_baseline(p < 0.01), with no difference between SFGT_baselineand SFGT_60min(p = 0.25). These findings indicate that an acute bout of HIRT decreases multiple descriptors of firefighters' occupational performance 10 minutes post exercise with varied responses at 60 minutes post exercise.