The Influence of Age on Aerobic Capacity and Health Indicators of Three Rescue Groups

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between age, aerobic capacity (V(O2max)) and other health indicators among 3 rescue groups. The type of training and the subjective perception of physical fitness obtained via the Assessment Questionnaire of Physical Fitness were also analysed. To obtain V(O2max), 37 firefighters, 22 lifeguards and 59 mine rescue workers had a treadmill test. Their body mass index and body fat percentage were also calculated. The results show a significant decline in V(O2max) of the older participants, which affects the effectiveness of rescue work. Furthermore, the training of all groups was inconsistent and based on individual needs. Variable training and the decline in V(O2max) with age affected the effectiveness of the rescue tasks of each group.