Relationship between body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance in male Peruvian firefighters

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the relationship between body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance in Peruvian male firefighters.

Methodology: Cross-sectional correlational study, which included 91 male firefighters. Three indicators of body composition (CC) were assessed: Fat mass percentage (% FM), Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was evaluated through maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) and muscular endurance (ME) through maximum repetitions of push-ups achieved (Push-up max).

Results: There was a high prevalence, according to BMI, of overweight (59%) and obesity (11%). According to the classification by WC, it was found that 29% had central obesity. The averages of VO₂ max and Push-up max found were 38,7±7,8 ml/kg/min^-1 and 22,6±11,5 repetitions, respectively. Only 33 and 38% achieved good levels of CRF and ME, respectively. Significant and inverse correlations were found between all indicators of BC with VO₂ max (r = -0,331 to -0,480) and Push-up max (r = -0,272 to -0,343).

Conclusion: Significant relationship was found between CC with CRF and ME. The study revealed worrying figures on the levels of physical fitness among Peruvian firefighters. Results suggest the need to promote and/or reformulate strategies that seek to optimize these components of physical fitness.