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

Autor: Armstrong, Daniel P., Sinden, Kathryn E., Sendsen, Jonathan, MacPhee, Renée S., Fischer, Steven L., Milligan, Gemma S., Blacker, Sam D., Brown, Pieter E.H., Siddall, Andrew G.
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Zdroj: Work; 2019, Vol. 63 Issue 4, p623-633, 11p, 1 Diagram, 2 Charts, 2 Graphs
Abstrakt: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index
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