Effects of Time-Efficient Occupational Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Firefighters

Objective For a cohort of operational firefighters, we assessed the effects of workplace-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods Fifteen firefighters performed HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous training for 4 weeks. Outcomes were peak oxygen uptake, time trial performance, and affective (pleasure/displeasure) responses to exercise. Results There was an increase in peak oxygen uptake for both conditions, although this did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.06, η 2 = 0.26) and time trial performance improved for both groups (2%, P < 0.01, η 2 = 0.51). Affective responses were more favorable for HIIT, but both conditions avoided excessive sensations of displeasure. Conclusion Results suggest that workplace-based HIIT improved fitness and performance to a similar magnitude to moderate-intensity continuous training while avoiding overly negative affective responses and could improve occupational health of firefighters, despite reduced time commitment.