Impact of a Supervised Worksite Exercise Program on Back and Core Muscular Endurance in Firefighters

Abstract Purpose. Low back pain is a leading cause of disability in firefighters and is related to poor muscular endurance. This study examined the impact of supervised worksite exercise on back and core muscular endurance in firefighters. Design. A cluster randomized controlled trial was used for this study. Setting. The study occurred in fire stations of a municipal fire department (Tampa, Florida). Subjects. Subjects were 96 full-duty career firefighters who were randomly assigned by fire station to exercise (n = 54) or control (n = 42) groups. Intervention. Exercise group participants completed a supervised exercise targeting the back and core muscles while on duty, two times per week for 24 weeks, in addition to their usual fitness regimen. Control group participants continued their usual fitness regimen. Measures. Back and core muscular endurance was assessed with the Biering-Sorensen test and plank test, respectively. Analysis. Changes in back and core muscular endurance from baseline to 24 weeks w...