Abstract

The aim of this study was 1) to compare anthropometric characteristics, jumping ability, and running endurance according to age and 2) to determine the relationship between age and physical performance parameters in Chilean adult firefighters in active service from the Valparaiso region. Sixty-eight healthy male firefighters, in active service, were divided into two groups according to age; < 30 years (n = 36; 22.9 +/- 3.2 years) and > 30 years (n = 32; 40.6 +/- 8.5 years) participated. The anthropometric variables of body mass (BM), height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI = weight/height2 [m]) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were evaluated. Vertical jumping ability was assessed with the Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and Abalakov Jump protocols. Running endurance was estimated with the Course Navette test and oxygen consumption (VO2) was calculated indirectly. Anthropometric variables for the > 30 years group were higher compared to the younger age group in BM (p = 0.027), BMI (p = 0.015), WC (p < 0.01), and WHR (p < 0.01). Both groups found no significant differences between running endurance tests and verti-cal jumping ability (p > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between age and the variables of BM (r = 0.252), BMI (r = 0.307), WHR (r = 0.431) y WC (r= 0.401). When comparing both age groups, there were anthropometric differences, but not in physical condition. It is suggested to reinforce training programs to optimize the body composition and physical capacity of firefighters in active service in order to respond to the demanding tasks demanded by this work environment.