The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression
Article
Article Title | The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression |
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ERA Journal ID | 44293 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Vincent, Grace E. (Author), Aisbett, Brad (Author), Larsen, Brianna (Author), Ridgers, Nicola D. (Author), Snow, Rod (Author) and Ferguson, Sally A. (Author) |
Journal Title | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Journal Citation | 14 (2), pp. 1-15 |
Article Number | 180 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2017 |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
Place of Publication | Switzerland |
ISSN | 1660-4601 |
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 |
Keywords | firefighting; sleep restriction; physical performance; work physiology |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420702. Exercise physiology |
420799. Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified | |
Byline Affiliations | Central Queensland University |
Deakin University | |
Open access url | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/2/180 |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q5y29/the-impact-of-heat-exposure-and-sleep-restriction-on-fire-ghters-work-performance-and-physiology-during-simulated-wild-re-suppression
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