Exercise & Diet in Volunteer Firefighters
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Healthy Studies, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Peripheral Vascular Disease |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Cardiology / Vascular Diseases, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 70 |
| Updated: | 12/7/2018 |
| Start Date: | November 25, 2018 |
| End Date: | May 2021 |
| Contact: | Deborah L Feairheller, PhD |
| Email: | dfeairheller@ursinus.edu |
| Phone: | 610-409-3256 |
Effects of Combined Diet & Exercise Intervention on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Volunteer Firefighters & Non-Firefighters
The study will explore the capacity for a lifestyle modification in volunteer firefighters to
improve blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress.
The study will be a pre- post-testing controlled trial with three groups. The intervention
will be a weekly circuit workout program and a Mediterranean (high fruit/vegetable) diet. The
groups will be firefighters with >10yrs experience, firefighters with <10yrs experience, and
control Non-firefighters.
improve blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress.
The study will be a pre- post-testing controlled trial with three groups. The intervention
will be a weekly circuit workout program and a Mediterranean (high fruit/vegetable) diet. The
groups will be firefighters with >10yrs experience, firefighters with <10yrs experience, and
control Non-firefighters.
Recent statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA) have reported that >92% of adults
in the U.S. meet at least 1 metric for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In firefighters,
this increased risk is especially concerning. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
estimates there are around 1.3 million firefighters in the United States, 70% of which are
volunteer. The prevalence of impaired cardiovascular health is higher in firefighters than in
the general population and the leading line-of-duty death (LODD) cause is cardiac related. It
is known that exercise and diet mitigate cardiovascular disease risk. Meeting the physical
activity guidelines remains a target of ideal cardiovascular health and a major public health
concern. However, the NFPA does not require volunteer fire companies to have a fitness
program for their crew, and sadly less than a third of the stations actually do. And
importantly, cardiovascular-related LODD remains a major issue in the firefighter population.
The results could guide clinical treatment for firefighters and may therefore reduce
cardiac-related LODD.
in the U.S. meet at least 1 metric for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In firefighters,
this increased risk is especially concerning. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
estimates there are around 1.3 million firefighters in the United States, 70% of which are
volunteer. The prevalence of impaired cardiovascular health is higher in firefighters than in
the general population and the leading line-of-duty death (LODD) cause is cardiac related. It
is known that exercise and diet mitigate cardiovascular disease risk. Meeting the physical
activity guidelines remains a target of ideal cardiovascular health and a major public health
concern. However, the NFPA does not require volunteer fire companies to have a fitness
program for their crew, and sadly less than a third of the stations actually do. And
importantly, cardiovascular-related LODD remains a major issue in the firefighter population.
The results could guide clinical treatment for firefighters and may therefore reduce
cardiac-related LODD.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult
- Able to Exercise
Exclusion Criteria:
- More than one anti-hypertensive medication
- More than one cholesterol medication
- Diabetic
- Prior Cardiac incident
We found this trial at
1
site
Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426
Phone: 610-409-3256
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