Lifestyle Factors Predicting Changes in Aerobic Capacity of Aging Firefighters at 3- and 13-Year Follow-Ups

Objective: To describe changes in aging firefighters' aerobic capacity at 3and 13-year follow-ups, and to investigate the lifestyle factors predicting them. We evaluated the sufficiency of aerobic capacity for the demands of rescue diving. Methods: We studied 78 male Finnish firefighters aged 30 to 44 years at baseline. The outcome variable was aerobic capacity (L·min⁻¹ and mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). The predictors were exercise, smoking, and drinking habits. Results: The average annual change (range) in absolute and relative aerobic capacity was -1.12% (-3.43 to 1.39) and -1.33% (-3.98 to 1.63). Exercising at least 4 to 5 times a week was the best protective factor, and regular smoking and more than 15 units of alcohol a week were risk factors for decline in aerobic capacity. Conclusions: To prevent the excessive decline of aerobic capacity related to work demands, we must pay particular attention to exercise regularity.