Research Publications
http://hdl.handle.net/10566/2165
2024-03-28T10:37:55ZAssociation between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters
http://hdl.handle.net/10566/9313
Association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters
Ras, Jaron; Smith, Denise L; Soteriades, Elpidoforos S
Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health (CVH) in firefighters. This cross-sectional study systematically recruited 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness was assessed using absolute (abV̇O2max) and relative oxygen consumption (relVO2max), grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility and lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference. Linear regressions and logistic regressions were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max was associated with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (p = 0.037). Poor CVH index was negatively associated with relV̇O2max (p < 0.001), leg strength (p = 0.019), and push-ups (p = 0.012). Furthermore, age was inversely associated with V̇O2max (p < 0.001), push-up and sit-up capacity (p < 0.001), and sit-and-reach (p < 0.001). BF% was negatively associated with abV̇O2max (p < 0.001), grip and leg strength (p < 0.001), push-ups (p = 0.008), sit-ups (p < 0.001), and LBM (p < 0.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance were significantly associated with a better overall CVH profile.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAssociation between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters
http://hdl.handle.net/10566/9207
Association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters
Ras, Jaron; Smith, Denise L.; Soteriades, Elpidoforos S.
Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring
optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between
physical fitness and cardiovascular health (CVH) in firefighters. This cross-sectional study systematically
recruited 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years in Cape
Town, South Africa. Physical fitness was assessed using absolute (ab˙VO2max) and relative oxygen consumption
(relVO2max), grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility and
lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid
profile, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference. Linear regressions
and logistic regressions were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max was associated
with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), and total
cholesterol (p = 0.037). Poor CVH index was negatively associated with rel˙VO2max (p < 0.001), leg
strength (p = 0.019), and push-ups (p = 0.012).
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAssociation between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis
http://hdl.handle.net/10566/8790
Association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ras, Jaron; Kengne, Andre P.; Smith, Denise L.
Approximately 45% of on-duty related mortalities were due to sudden cardiac death,
with many of these fatalities related to cardiovascular disease and overexertion, while performing
emergency duties. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to determine the association
between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters. A literature
search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOHost, and ScienceDirect was conducted;
the Rayyan® intelligent systematic review tool was used to screen and select studies for inclusion.
The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme toolkit
were used for methodological assessment of included studies. Data were analyzed using the Review
Manager 5.3 and MedCalc® statistical softwares to determine the effects of obesity (Z = 10.29,
p < 0.001) and aging (Z = 4.72, p < 0.001) on cardiorespiratory fitness.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZPhysical activity, including active commuting, and health status of rural school children in South Africa
http://hdl.handle.net/10566/8569
Physical activity, including active commuting, and health status of rural school children in South Africa
Travill, Andre L.; Wildschutt, Phillip J.
Physical activity is considered a key preventative measure for various diseases, such as diabetes and cardio-vascular disorders. The majority of South Africans studied in various regional cross sectional surveys, suggest that most young people fail to meet recommended minimum physical activity standards. The main objective of this study was to ascertain the physical activity patterns and health status of rural schoolchildren. A comparative and correlational cross-sectional study design was used to assess the physical activity levels and health status of 162 rural schoolchildren. The participation levels in light and moderate to vigorous physical activity were 44.6% and 55.4% respectively. Walking to and from school was the most prevalent physical activity reported. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of the children were hypertensive. More than 50% of the children participated in health-enhancing physical activity. The low physical inactivity prevalence was most likely a result of their habitual activity patterns, which included active commuting to and from school.
2019-01-01T00:00:00Z