Research Article Open Access

Relationship Between Body Composition and Physical Fitness of Rescue Firefighter Personnel in Selangor, Malaysia

Authors

Nor Atiqah Rahimi
Food Science Program, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Razalee Sedek
Food Science Program, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Arnida Hani Teh
Food Science Program, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Mohd. Sani Harun
Department of Fire and Rescue, No. 3, Persiaran Tebar Layar, Bukit Jelutong, Section U8, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published on: January 15, 2017
DOI 10.3923/pjn.2017.77.83
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Abstract

Background and Objective: The complexity of study routine and job nature of firefighters require them to be physically fit and to possess good cardiorespiratory capacity, muscle strength and resistance including a good body composition. This study aimed to identify the relationship between body composition and physical fitness of rescue firefighter personnel in Selangor, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 male firefighters aged 20-39 years from 9 randomly selected districts in Selangor participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, body composition and waist circumference were taken. Individual proficiency performance test was performed using bent knee sit-up, standing broad jump, pull-up, 4×10 m shuttle run and 2.4 km run to assess physical fitness. The VO2 max test was also conducted to evaluate aerobic fitness. Results: This study revealed that 42.6% subjects had normal body weight, 46.5% were overweight and 10.3% were obese. The means of bent knee sit-up test, standing broad jump, pull-up test, 4×10 m shuttle run, 2.4 km run and VO2 max test were 41.52±7.18 count, 222.41±26.03 cm, 6.93±3.79 count, 10.29±0.86 sec, 13.16±2.84 min and 37.66±5.25 mL kg–1 min–1, respectively. Body fat was significantly correlated with bent knee sit-up test (r = -0.289, p<0.001), standing broad jump (r = -0.248, p<0.001), pull-up test (r = -0.450, p<0.001), 4×10 km shuttle run (r = 0.347, p<0.001) and 2.4 km run (r = 0.371, p<0.001). Body mass index exhibited a significant correlation with bent knee sit-up test (r = -0.272, p<0.001), standing broad jump (r = -0.234, p<0.001), pull-up test (r = -0.484, p<0.001), 4×10 km shuttle run (r = 0.430, p<0.001) and 2.4 km run (r = 0.399, p<0.001). Body weight also showed a significant correlation with knee sit-up test (r = -0.239, p<0.001), standing broad jump (r = -0.187, p<0.01), pull-up test (r = -0.491, p<0.001), 4×10 km shuttle run (r = 0.396, p<0.001) and 2.4 km run (r = 0.350, p<0.001). Conclusion: A specific training programme should be implemented to improve the body composition components and physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters. The body composition components, such as body fat, body mass index and body weight seem to influence physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters excluding aerobic fitness.

Keywords:

Body composition, body fat, body mass index, body weight, physical fitness, rescue firefighters, VO2 max test

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Rahimi, N. A., Sedek, R., Teh, A. H., & Harun, M. S. (2017). Relationship Between Body Composition and Physical Fitness of Rescue Firefighter Personnel in Selangor, Malaysia. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 16(2), 77–83. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2017.77.83
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