Affiliations: Doctor Division of Physical Therapy, Duke University,
Durham, NC, USA | Orange County Fire Authority, Irvine, CA, USA | Department of Physical Education, Averett University,
Danville, VA, USA | Department of Physical Therapy, University of
Evansville, Evansville, IN, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Robert J. Butler, PT, PhD, Doctor of
Physical Therapy Division, Duke University, DUMC 104002, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
Tel.: +1 919 681 7225; Fax: +1 919 684 1846; E-mail: robert.butler@duke.edu
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine whether measures of physiologic function and
fundamental movement are predictive of injury in firefighters during a training
academy. PARTICIPANTS: 108 firefighter trainees enrolled in the training
academy. METHODS: Baseline measures of physical performance and fundamental
movement patterns were obtained in firefighters entering a training academy to
determine predictors of injury. The physical performance measures were
standardized tests of individual maximum performance on a set of four different
total body tests and one firefighter specific performance test, the tower test.
Measurements of fundamental movement patterns consisted of the seven tests of
the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) along with the composite score.Performance
on each of the individual tests was examinedto determine if any of the
variables were predictive of injury. RESULTS: ROC curve analysis established that a FMS cut score of
⩽ 14 was able to discriminate between those at a greater risk for injury.
In addition, the deep squat and push up component of the FMS were statistically
significant predictors of injury status along with the sit and reach test. CONCLUSIONS: Injury in firefighters during academy can be predicted
by baseline measures of musculoskeletal movement and physiology.
