How research enhances firefighter performance

Firefighters are routinely subjected to stressful and physically demanding conditions on the job. Tactical athlete training can improve their overall fitness, injury resilience, and performance.

George Mason University researchers, led by Dr. Joel Martin, routinely simulate live fire events as part of a training program for firefighters. Residential buildings and single-family homes that have been acquired by fire department are intentionally ignited in a controlled setting to provide emergency personnel with the hands-on experience they need in responding to fires in an uncontrolled real-life situation.

Firefighters during these live events wear biosensors provided by Mason researchers, which record heart rate, breathing rate, core temperature, acceleration, posture, and physical activity intensity levels. This data helps to assess the energy expenditure, physical workload, and physiological responses of firefighters who work in the harsh environmental conditions typical of structural fires. The collection and analysis of this data provides a better understanding of how emergency responders can improve their health, safety, and fitness levels while performing the hazardous duties of their job.

Mason’s School of Kinesiology offers a Tactical Athlete Strength, Conditioning, and Injury Prevention Graduate Certificate. This program is designed to provide firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and military service members the knowledge and skills they need to address the specific strength and performance challenges they face occupationally.