Citation

Coker RH, Murphy CJ, Johannsen M, Galvin G, Ruby BC. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2019; 61(3): e91-e94.

Affiliation

Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK (Robert H. Coker, Carl J. Murphy, Michelle Johannsen, Grant Galvin); Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (Brent C. Ruby).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000001535

PMID

30640843

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre- and post-season measures of body composition, skeletal muscle, and blood parameters/liver lipid in wildland firefighters (WLFF) over the fire season.

METHODS: Alaskan WLFF (N = 27) crews were evaluated pre and post wildfire season, which included 63 ± 10 operational days. Body composition, thigh muscle area and liver lipid were quantified using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and MRI, respectively. Blood metabolic and lipid panels were also collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: Total body, fat, and visceral fat mass increased from pre to post season (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol, LDL and total globulin also increased (p < 0.05). There was a trend (p = 0.06) towards an increase in IHL.

CONCLUSIONS: The observed maladaptive changes in adipose tissue, blood lipids and hepatic function may reflect adaptations/consequences to occupational demands/conditions and warrant evaluation of appropriate countermeasures.

Language: en