The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression

Article


Vincent, Grace E., Aisbett, Brad, Larsen, Brianna, Ridgers, Nicola D., Snow, Rod and Ferguson, Sally A.. 2017. "The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 14 (2), pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020180
Article Title

The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression

ERA Journal ID44293
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsVincent, Grace E. (Author), Aisbett, Brad (Author), Larsen, Brianna (Author), Ridgers, Nicola D. (Author), Snow, Rod (Author) and Ferguson, Sally A. (Author)
Journal TitleInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal Citation14 (2), pp. 1-15
Article Number180
Number of Pages15
Year2017
PublisherMDPI AG
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
ISSN1660-4601
1661-7827
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020180
Web Address (URL)https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/2/180
Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of ambient heat on firefighters’ physical task performance, and physiological and perceptual responses when sleep restricted during simulated wildfire conditions. Thirty firefighters were randomly allocated to the sleep restricted (n = 17, SR; 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) or hot and sleep restricted (n = 13, HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. Firefighters performed two days of simulated, intermittent, self-paced work circuits comprising six firefighting tasks. Heart rate, and core temperature were measured continuously. After each task, firefighters reported their rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation. Effort sensation was also reported after each work circuit. Fluids were consumed ad libitum. Urine volume and urine specific gravity were analysed. Sleep was monitored using polysomnography. There were no differences between the SR and HOT + SR groups in firefighters’ physiological responses, hydration status, ratings of perceived exertion, motivation, and four of the six firefighting tasks (charged hose advance, rake, hose rolling, static hose hold). Black out hose and lateral repositioning were adversely affected in the HOT + SR group. Working in hot conditions did not appear to consistently impair firefighters work performance, physiology, and perceptual responses. Future research should determine whether such findings remain true when individual tasks are performed over longer durations

Keywordsfirefighting; sleep restriction; physical performance; work physiology
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420702. Exercise physiology
420799. Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsCentral Queensland University
Deakin University
Open access urlhttps://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/2/180
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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