Evaluating the effect of a strength and conditioning program to improve paramedic candidates’ physical readiness for duty

Issue title: Physical Employment Standards

Guest editors: Gemma S. Milligan, Sam D. Blacker, Pieter E.H. Brown and Andrew G. Siddall

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Armstrong, Daniel P.^a | Sinden, Kathryn E.^b | Sendsen, Jonathan^a | MacPhee, Renée S.^c | Fischer, Steven L.^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ONT, Canada | [b] School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ONT, Canada | [c] Kinesiology & Physical Education and Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ONT, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Steven L. Fischer, Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada. Tel.: +1 519 888 4567/Ext. 30368; E-mail: steven.fischer@uwaterloo.ca.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The Ottawa Paramedic Physical Ability Test (OPPAT™) is a physical employment standard for the paramedic sector. If a candidate is unsuccessful in meeting the OPPAT™ performance standard they should be provided with an appropriate accommodation, such as a strength and conditioning program, to improve performance. OBJECTIVE:Develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week strength and conditioning program on improving OPPAT™ performance and associated fitness measures in paramedic candidates. METHODS:A 4-week strength and conditioning program was developed to focus on strength and power improvements. Based on initial OPPAT™ performance, participants were divided into high and low performing groups; only the low performing group received the training intervention. OPPAT™ completion times and relevant fitness measures were compared pre- to post- intervention and between groups. RESULTS:Over the 4-weeks, peak lower body power and grip strength did not significantly improve in the intervention group, however OPPAT™ performance improved by 10%. The control group had significantly lower OPPAT™ completion times both pre- and post-intervention (19% and 11% lower respectively), as well as greater grip strength and peak lower body power. CONCLUSIONS:Implementation of a targeted strength and conditioning program successfully improved OPPAT™ performance in low performing candidates.

Keywords: Physical employment standard, accommodation, bona fide occupational requirement, fitness for duty

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192953

Journal: Work, vol. 63, no. 4, pp. 623-633, 2019