Relationship between Body Mass Index, Dynamic Balance, and Core Muscle Endurance in Firefighter Candidates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 7 Sayı: 2, 145 - 165, 05.10.2024

Mustafa Karataş

https://doi.org/10.53025/sportive.1506321

Öz

This study aimed to examine the effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) on dynamic balance and core muscle endurance in firefighter candidates. In physically demanding professions, such as firefighting, understanding the impact of BMI on physical performance metrics is crucial for both occupational safety and effectiveness. The study was conducted with 89 firefighter candidates, with a gender distribution of 23.6% female (n=21, age 19.86±1.86 years, height 1.64±0.05 m, weight 59.47±7.26 kg) and 76.4% male (n=68, age 19.82±1.25 years, height 1.78±0.04 m, weight 74.36±12.09 kg). Within the scope of the research, the results of the BMI, balance, and core muscle endurance tests were evaluated. BMI was calculated based on measurements of participant height and weight. Dynamic balance performance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test, while core muscle endurance was measured using the plank test. The performances of the participants in both tests were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression models were used to examine the relationships among BMI, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance. The findings indicated that an increase in BMI has adverse effects on balance and core muscle endurance performance. Specifically, firefighter candidates with higher BMI values exhibited shorter plank durations (females: r=-0.63; p=0.002, males: r=-0.566; p<0.001) and lower scores on balance tests (females: r=-0.508; p=0.019, males: r=-0.435; p<0.001). These observations underscore the necessity of effectively managing BMI to maximize the health and occupational performance of firefighter candidates. The findings of this study that training programs for firefighter candidates should include BMI management, balance training, and core strengthening exercises. In conclusion, this study makes significant contributions toward improving firefighting training and safety standards by presenting methods with the potential to enhance the physical fitness and professional preparedness of firefighter candidates. Our research highlights the importance of BMI in the field of firefighting and serves as a valuable resource for developing occupational health and safety practices.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Firefighter candidates, Body mass index (BMI), Dynamic balance, Core muscle endurance

İtfaiyeci Adaylarında VKİ, Dinamik Denge ve Çekirdek Kas Dayanıklılığı İlişkisi: Kesitsel Çalışma

Öz

Bu araştırma, itfaiyeci adaylarında Vücut Kitle İndeksi (VKİ)'nin dinamik denge ve çekirdek kas dayanıklılığı üzerindeki etkilerini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. İtfaiyecilik gibi fiziksel olarak talepkar bir meslek grubunda, VKİ'nin fiziksel performans ölçütleri üzerindeki etkilerinin anlaşılması hem mesleki güvenlik hem de etkinlik açısından kritik öneme sahiptir. Çalışma, 89 itfaiyeci adayı üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiş olup, katılımcılar %23,6'sı kadın (n:21, yaşları 19,86±1,86 yıl, boy uzunlukları 1,64±0,05 m ve ağırlıkları 59,47±7,26 kg) %76,4'ü erkek (n:68, yaşları 19,82±1,25 yıl, boy uzunlukları 1,78±0,04 m ve ağırlıkları 74,36±12,09 kg) olarak cinsiyete göre dağılım göstermiştir. Araştırmanın kapsamında, katılımcıların VKİ, denge ve çekirdek kas dayanıklılığı ölçüm testlerine ait sonuçlar değerlendirilmiştir. VKİ, katılımcıların boy ve ağırlıklarına bağlı ölçümlere dayalı olarak hesaplanmıştır. Dinamik denge performansını değerlendirmek için Y-Denge Testi uygulanmıştır. Çekirdek kas dayanıklılığı ise plank testi ile ölçülmüştür. Her iki testte de katılımcıların performansları kaydedilmiş ve bu veriler istatistiksel analizlere tabi tutulmuştur. Verilerin analizinde Pearson korelasyon analizi ve çoklu regresyon modelleri kullanılarak VKİ ile dinamik denge ve çekirdek kas dayanıklılığı arasındaki ilişkiler incelenmiştir. Bulgular, VKİ artışının, özellikle denge ve çekirdek kas dayanıklılığı performansları üzerinde olumsuz etkilere sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Özellikle, yüksek VKİ değerlerine sahip itfaiyeci adaylarında, plank süresinde kısalma (kadınlar: r=-0,63; p=0,002, erkekler: r=-0,566; p<0,001) ve denge testlerinde daha düşük skorlar (kadınlar: r=-0,508; p=0,019, erkekler: r=-0,435; p<0,001) gözlemlenmiştir. Bu gözlemler, itfaiyeci adaylarının sağlığını ve mesleki performansını maksimize etmek için VKİ'nin etkin bir şekilde yönetilmesi gerektiğinin altını çizmektedir. Çalışmanın bulguları, itfaiyeci adaylarının eğitim programlarına VKİ yönetimi, denge antrenmanları ve çekirdek bölgesi güçlendirme egzersizlerinin dahil edilmesi gerektiğini öne sürmektedir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma, itfaiyeci adaylarının fiziksel uygunluk ve mesleki hazırlıklarını artırma potansiyeline sahip yöntemler sunarak, itfaiyecilik eğitim ve güvenlik standartlarını iyileştirme yönünde önemli bir katkı sağlamaktadır. Araştırmamız, itfaiyecilik alanında VKİ'nin önemini vurgulayarak, mesleki sağlık ve güvenlik pratiklerinin geliştirilmesi için değerli bir kaynak sunmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

İtfaiyeci adayları, Vücut kitle indeksi (VKİ), Dinamik denge, Çekirdek kas dayanıklılığı

Kaynakça

• Arslan, S. A., Sertel, M., Şahan, T. Y., & Kurtoğlu, F. (2017). Yaş ve vücut kütle i̇ndeksi̇ni̇n esnekli̇k ve denge performansi üzeri̇ne etki̇si̇. Türk Fizyoterapi Ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi, 12-18. https://doi.org/10.21653/tfrd.330506
• Bhave, S. M., Damke, U. S., Chitale, N. V., & Naqvi, W. M. (2021). Correlation of BMI with Dynamic balance using Y-Balance Test in Young Adults with Flexible Flat Foot: A Pilot study. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(2), 875-881. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14423
• Brown, M. N., Char, R. M. M. L., Henry, S. O., Tanigawa, J., & Yasui, S. (2019). The effect of firefighter personal protective equipment on static and dynamic balance. Ergonomics, 62(9), 1193-1201. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2019.1623422
• Campbell, R., & Evarts, B. (2021). United States firefighter injuries in 2020 key findings. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Report.
• Cornell, D. J., Gnacinski, S. L., Zamzow, A., Mims, J., & Ebersole, K. T. (2016). Influence of body mass index on movement efficiency among firefighter recruits. Work, 54(3), 679-687. https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-162306
• Cornell, D. J., Gnacinski, S. L., & Ebersole, K. T. (2024). Changes in dynamic balance ability among firefighter recruits: a longitudinal cohort study. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 38(4), 734-741. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004670
• Coughlan, G.F., Fullam K., Delahunt, E., Gissane, C., Caulfield, B.M. (2012). A comparison between performance on selected directions of the star excursion balance test and the Y balance test. Journal of Athletic Training. 47(4), 366-371. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.4.03
• Cerón-Lorente, L., Ríos, M. d. C. G., Navarro-Ledesma, S., Tapia-Haro, R. M., Barragán, A. C., Correa‐Rodríguez, M., & Ferrándiz, M. E. A. (2019). Functional status and body mass index in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia: a case–control study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(22), 4540. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224540
• Çelik, S., & Örer, G. E. (2023). İtfaiyeci Adaylarının Core Kas Dayanıklılığı İle Dinamik Denge Performansları Arasındaki İlişkinin Değerlendirilmesi. Spormetre Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 21(3), 60-75. https://dx.doi.org/10.33689/spormetre.1239362
• Davis, K. G., Sobeih, T. M., Succop, P., Jetter, W., Kotowski, S. E., & Bhattacharya, A. (2009). Impact of obesity on the postural balance of firefighters. Occupational Ergonomics, 8(2-3), 115-123.
• Dedering, A., Németh, G., & Harms-Ringdahl, K. (1999). Correlation between electromyographic spectral changes and subjective assessment of lumbar muscle fatigue in subjects without pain from the lower back. Clinical Biomechanics, 14(2), 103-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0268-0033(98)00053-9
• Demiralp, N., & Demiralp, K. (2019). İtfaiyecilerde Mesleki Kas İskelet Sistemi Hastalıkları. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 3(3), 164-170. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/amusbfd/issue/49133/503037
• Demiralp, N., & Demiralp, K. (2020). İtfaiyecilik Bölümü Öğrencilerinde İş Sağlığı Açısından Kardiyorespiratuvar Uygunluğunun Değerlendirilmesi. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 22(4), 55-65. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/ataunibesyo/issue/59137/712181
• Demoulin, C., Vanderthommen, M., Duysens, C., & Crielaard, J. M. (2006). Spinal muscle evaluation using the Sorensen test: a critical appraisal of the literature. Joint bone spine, 73(1), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbspin.2004.08.002
• El-Basatiny, H. M. Y., & El-Kafy, E. M. A. (2014). Assessment of dynamic postural balance among saudi adolescent girls in al-khobar- saudi arabia. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal, 8(1), 248. https://doi.org/10.5958/j.0973-5674.8.1.047
• Ellis, C., & Bochner, A. (2000). Autoethnography, personal narrative, reflexivity: Researcher as subject. In N. K.
• Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 733-768). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Elveren, A., & Çelebi, M.(2024). Bisiklet kullanımının yaygınlaştırılmasında ulusal bisiklete binme politikalarını oluşturan faktörlerin incelenmesi. ROL Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 5(1), 73-98. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10877870 Fallahasady, E., Rahmanloo, N., Seidi, F., Rajabi, R., & Bayattork, M. (2022). The relationship between core muscle endurance and functional movement screen scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis: A cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 14(1), 182.
• Games, K. E., Winkelmann, Z. K., & Eberman, L. E. (2020). Physical exertion diminishes static and dynamic balance in firefighters. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 25(6), 318-322. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2019-0063
• Games, K. E., Csiernik, A. J., Winkelmann, Z. K., True, J. R., & Eberman, L. E. (2019). Personal protective ensembles’ effect on dynamic balance in firefighters. Work, 62(3), 507-514. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-192885
• Godwin, S. L., & Chambers IV, E. (2009). Observational research: A tool for collecting behavioral data and validating surveys. Proceedings of Summer Programme in Sensory Evaluation (SPISE) 2009, 29-36. https://personal.utdallas.edu/~herve/abdi-AVN_SPISE2009.pdf#page=35
• Goheer, A., Bailey, M., Gittelsohn, J., & Pollack, K. M. (2014). Fighting fires and fat: An intervention to address obesity in the fire service. Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 46(3), 219-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2013.05.003
• Hong, O., Chin, D. L., Phelps, S., & Feld, J. (2012). The relationship between occupational stress and obesity in firefighters. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 54(6), 771-778. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e31824d2d07
• Hue, O., Simoneau, M., Marcotte, J., Berrigan, F., Doré, J., Marceau, P., Marceau, S., Tremblay, A., & Teasdale, N. (2007). Body weight is a strong predictor of postural stability. Gait & Posture, 26(1), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.07.005
• Hussain, S. S. (2023). Relationship between obesity and balance in parachinar, district kurram, kpk-an analytical cross-sectional study. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.03.18.23287439
• IAFF. (2008). The fire service joint labor management wellness/fitness initiative. International Association of Fire Fighters. International Association of Fire Chiefs. Spokane Valley, Wash, USA, 3rd edition edition
• Kales, S. N., Soteriades, E. S., Christophi, C. A., & Christiani, D. C. (2007). Emergency duties and deaths from heart disease among firefighters in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(12), 1207-1215. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa060357
• Kurlick, G. M. (2012). Stop, drop, and roll: workplace hazards of local government firefighters, 2009. Monthly Lab. Rev., 135, 18. https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/11/art2full.pdf
• Laurson, K. R., Baptista, F., Mahar, M. T., Welk, G. J., & Janz, K. F. (2022). Designing health-referenced standards for the plank test of core muscular endurance. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 26(4), 344-351.
• Leffer, M., & Grizzell, T. (2010). Implementation of a physician-organized wellness regime (POWR) enforcing the 2007 NFPA standard 1582: injury rate reduction and associated cost savings. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 52(3), 336-339. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181d44d8d
• Lusa, S., Louhevaara, V., Smolander, J., Kivimäki, M., & Korhonen, O. (1993). Physiological responses of firefighting students during simulated smoke-diving in the heat. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 54(5), 228-231. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298669391354603
• Marciniak, R. A., Ebersole, K. T., & Cornell, D. J. (2021). Relationships between balance and physical fitness variables in firefighter recruits. Work, 68(3), 667-677. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-203401
• Mayer, J. M., Nuzzo, J. L., Chen, R., Quillen, W. S., Verna, J. L., Miro, R., & Dagenais, S. (2012). The impact of obesity on back and core muscular endurance in firefighters. Journal of obesity, 2012(1), 729283.
• Mbada, C. E., Ayanniyi, O., Adedoyin, R. A., & Johnson, O. E. (2010). Static endurance of the back extensor muscles: association between performance and reported reasons for test termination. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, 13(01), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218957710002405
• Mocanu, G. D., Murariu, G., Onu, I., & Badicu, G. (2022). The influence of gender and the specificity of sports activities on the performance of body balance for students of the faculty of physical education and sports. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13), 7672.
• Mocanu, G. D., & Onu, I. (2022). Differences in the manifestation of balance according to BMI levels for women students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. Balneo & PRM Research Journal, 13(3).
• Munir, F., Clemes, S., Houdmont, J., & Randall, R. (2012). Overweight and obesity in UK firefighters. Occupational medicine, 62(5), 362-365. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqs077
• Nascimento, J. A. d., Silva, C. C., Santos, H. B. d. P., Ferreira, J. J. d. A., & Andrade, P. R. d. (2017). A preliminary study of static and dynamic balance in sedentary obese young adults: the relationship between bmi, posture and postural balance. Clinical Obesity, 7(6), 377-383. https://doi.org/10.1111/cob.12209
• National Fire Protection Association. (2018). NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, Quincy, MA
• Olchowik, G., Tomaszewski, M., Olejarz, P., Warchoł, J., Różańska-Boczula, M., & Maciejewski, R. (2015). The human balance system and gender. Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics; 01/2015; ISSN 1509-409X. https://doi.org/10.5277/ABB-00002-2014-05
• Pathak, A. A., Shrestha, S., & Yadav, K. K. (2023). Association between body mass index and core muscle endurance in young adults: A cross-sectional study. Paripex - Indian JournaloOf Research, 12(6), 66-67.
• Pawlak, R., Clasey, J. L., Palmer, T., Symons, T. B., & Abel, M. G. (2016). The role of gender and body composition on exercise efficiency among college-aged adults. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(4), 1045-1053. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001225
• Picot, B., Terrier, R., Forestier, N., Fourchet, F., & McKeon, P. O. (2021). The star excursion balance test: an update review and practical guidelines. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 26(6), 285-293. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2020-0106
• Plisky, P. J., Gorman, P. P., Butler, R. J., Kiesel, K. B., Underwood, F. B., & Elkins, B. (2009). The reliability of an instrumented device for measuring components of the star excursion balance test. North American journal of sports physical therapy: NAJSPT, 4(2), 92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2953327/
• Poplin, G. S., Harris, R. B., Pollack, K. M., Peate, W. F., & Burgess, J. L. (2012). Beyond the fireground: injuries in the fire service. Injury prevention, 18(4), 228-233. https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040149
• Poston, W. S., Haddock, C. K., Jahnke, S. A., Jitnarin, N., Tuley, B. C., & Kales, S. N. (2011). The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and substandard fitness in a population-based firefighter cohort. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 53(3), 266-273. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e31820af362
• Punakallio, A., Hirvonen, M., & Grönqvist, R. (2005). Slip and fall risk among firefighters in relation to balance, muscular capacities and age. Safety science, 43(7), 455-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2005.08.009
• Robinson, R., Gribble, P. (2008). Kinematic predictors of performance on the Star Excursion Balance Test. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 17(4), 347-357. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.17.4.347
• Roshan, P. S. B., Samuel, S. E., & Saru, D. M. (2021). Influence of body composition on dynamic balance in older adults. International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 6(3), 383-387. https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20210763
• Sahebozamani, M., & Akoochakian, M. (2023). The effect and follow-up results of 8 weeks of operational-skill training on the dynamic balance of firefighters. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, 15(2). https://dx.doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v15i2.13373
• Sanregret, S., Kohler, A. A., Moore, A. R., & Holland-Winkler, A. M. (2023). The Correlation between Core Muscular Endurance, Body Composition, and Back Pain in Firefighters: An Observational Study. Muscles, 2(4), 353-360. Salaria, N. (2012). Meaning of the term descriptive survey research method. International journal of transformations in business management, 1(6), 1-7. https://ijtbm.com/admin/upload/Apr_2012_NEERU%20SALARIA%202.pdf
• Schellenberg, K. L., Lang, J. M., Chan, K. M., & Burnham, R. S. (2007). A clinical tool for office assessment of lumbar spine stabilization endurance: prone and supine bridge maneuvers. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 86(5), 380-386. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e318032156a
• Schmit, M., & DeBeliso, M. (2019). The Relationship between Firefighters’ Physical Performance Aspects and Simulated Firefighting Demands. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, 5(4). https://dx.doi.org/10.31459/TURKJKIN.560623
• Seabury, S. A., & McLaren, C. F. (2012). The frequency, severity, and economic consequences of musculoskeletal injuries to firefighters in California. Rand health quarterly, 2(3). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4945236/
• Sedeaud, A., Marc, A., Marck, A., Dor, F., Schipman, J., Dorsey, M., ... & Toussaint, J. F. (2014). BMI, a performance parameter for speed improvement. PloS one, 9(2), e90183. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090183
• Shiri, R., Karppinen, J., Leino-Arjas, P., Solovieva, S., & Viikari-Juntura, E. (2010). The association between obesity and low back pain: a meta-analysis. American journal of epidemiology, 171(2), 135-154. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwp356
• Silva, A. de S. e., Rochael, M. C. N.., Silva, T. C., Oliveira, J. J. de., & Silva, J. A. de O. (2016). Influence Of Gender on The Dynamic Balance of School-age Children. Revista Mineira De Educação Física, 24(2), 94–102. Retrieved from https://periodicos.ufv.br/revminef/article/view/9837
• Smith, D. L., Petruzzello, S. J., Kramer, J. M., & Misner, J. E. (1996). Physiological, psychophysical, and psychological responses of firefighters to firefighting training drills. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 67(11), 1063-1068. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8908345/
• Soteriades, E. S., Hauser, R., Kawachi, I., Christiani, D. C., & Kales, S. N. (2008). Obesity and risk of job disability in male firefighters. Occupational Medicine, 58(4), 245-250. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqm153
• Swarnalatha, S., Sivashankari, A., & Malarvizhi, D. (2018). Correlation between body mass index and dynamic postural control among young healthy adults. Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice, 3(3), 1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.15761/BRCP.1000171
• Thuany, M., Hill, L., Alvero-Cruz, J. R., Knechtle, B., & Gomes, T. N. (2023). The relationship between training volume and bmi in the expression of running performance in runners: a mediation model. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 5(2), 142-148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-022-00172-2
• Von Heimburg, E. D., Rasmussen, A. K. R., & Medbø, J. I. (2006). Physiological responses of firefighters and performance predictors during a simulated rescue of hospital patients. Ergonomics, 49(2), 111-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130500435793
• Vujanovic, A. A., & Tran, J. K. (2021). Providing psychological services to firefighters. Journal of Health Service Psychology, 47(3), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-021-00041-6
• Yükseköğretim Kurulu (YÖK) (2012). Yükseköğretim Kurulu Bilimsel Araştırma ve Yayın Etiği Yönergesi. https://www.yok.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Kurumsal/mevzuat/bilimsel-arastirma-ve-etik-yonetmeligi.aspx Erişim Tarihi: 26.05.2024
• Widyaswari, N.M.A., Kamayoga, I.D.G.A., Indrayani, A.W., Dewi, A.A.N.T.N. 2024. The relationship between leg muscle strength and dynamic balance in skateboard players. Physical Therapy Journal of Indonesia 5(2): 95-98. https://doi.org/10.51559/ptji.v5i2.191
• World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2143-2147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jama.2013.10.023
• WHO Expert Committee. (1995). Physical status: the use and interpretation of anthropometry. World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser., 854, 312-344.