ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine associations among objectively measured physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in firefighters. METHODS: Career firefighters (nâ=â29; maleâ=â100%) wore accelerometers to assess PA. BMI and WC classified obesity. Each participant completed a stage-graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)). RESULTS: Two linear regression models were used to investigate whether PA intensities, step count, BMI, or WC were predictive of "true" (Equation is included in full-text article.). Vigorous physical activity (VPA) was predictive of "true" (Equation is included in full-text article.)(F[1,27]â=â7.89, Râ=â0.23, Pâ<â0.01). Additionally, when BMI and WC were added, only WC was predictive of "true" (Equation is included in full-text article.)(F[1,27]â=â11.76, Râ=â0.30, Pâ<â0.01). CONCLUSION: Fire departments should be cognizent of ways to increase PA levels, decrease excess weight gain, and maintain CRF to adequately perform job-specific tasks.