Comparison of Fixed and Age-Sex-Adjusted NFPA Standards for Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Thai Wildland Firefighters.

Authors

Jinjuta Panumasvivat, Pheerasak Assavanopakun, Kampanat Wangsan, Vithawat Surawattanasakul, Wachiranun Sirikul, Pannawich Chantaklang, Thitirat Vinsirivorakul

Published in

Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Aug 28, 2026. Epub Aug 28, 2026.

Abstract

This study examined Thai wildland firefighters' cardiopulmonary fitness, comparing previous and updated NFPA criteria.
Chiang Mai wildland firefighters' health was cross-sectionally examined. Chester Step cardiopulmonary fitness was assessed using the fixed 12-MET threshold and age- and sex-adjusted 50th percentile criterion. McNemar test indicated standard concordance, and multivariable linear regression found MET values. Statistical significance was assigned by p-values < 0.05.
Significant differences in fitness classifications between two methods (p < 0.05). Two previously passed participants failed, while 13 previously failed participants passed. Age (B=-0.07; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.01; p=0.016) and resting heart rate (B=-0.11; 95% CI: -0.16, -0.07; p<0.001) strongly correlated with METs.
The age- and sex-adjusted 50th percentile criteria requirements allow for better cardiovascular fitness and practical work duties. Updates in standards are beneficial for firefighters' safety and health monitoring.

PMID:
42664435
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 29 Aug 2026.

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