Comparison of the firefighter candidate physical ability test to weight lifting exercises using electromyography

BACKGROUND: Muscular strength and endurance are important attributes for structural firefighting. Matching resistance exercises to firefighter job demands is not well-established. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the electromyographic (EMG) activity of major muscles during the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and weight lifting exercises in firefighters. METHODS: A repeated measures study was conducted in 13 full-duty career firefighters (1 F, 12 M; age 18–44 years). Participants completed seven weight lifting exercises at a university laboratory. They separately completed the CPAT at a firefighting training grounds. During each activity, surface EMG (% maximum voluntary isometric contraction - MVIC) of major muscle groups was recorded and compared between exercises and CPAT. RESULTS: No difference in EMG activity was observed between exercises and CPAT for the deltoid, trapezius, lumbar multifidus, gluteal, and biceps femoris muscles. EMG activity was significantly greater during the CPAT for the abdominal obliques (32.3% ±27.7% vs. 12.1% ±8.3%, p < 0.001) and for the latissimus dorsi (21.8% ±25.1% vs. 11.4% ±7.7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Standard weight lifting and abdominal oblique exercises should be incorporated into resistance training programs for firefighters.