Abstract
Firefighters, whose occupation involves intense physical, mental, and environmental demands, must be physically and mentally prepared to perform job-specific tasks effectively and safely. Nearly half of all injuries sustained on and off the fireground are musculoskeletal, highlighting issues in the preparation and maintenance strategies for work preparedness among firefighters. This case study examines the effectiveness of a 16-week conventional, conjugate strength and conditioning model on a fire recruit transitioning from a career as a professional MMA fighter. Specific data metrics were used to assess increases in firefighter-specific performance (i.e., EPAT time and body composition). After the 16-week program, the participant increased bodyweight (+13.6%), increased muscle mass (+13.6%), increased bodyfat (+2.9%), decreased EPAT time (-6.3%), and decreased 1-mile (-6.3%). While the participant gained weight, aerobic performance was improved, muscle mass was increased, and firefighter performance was improved. The findings from this case study lay a foundation for future studies to refer to when assessing the effect muscle mass has on aerobic capacity in a firefighter population. Moreover, these findings support the utilization of the program’s methodology in preparing and maintaining a training protocol for departments and future research.
Recommended Citation
Smeester, Cole D.; Sanders, Gabriel J.; Peacock, Corey; and Antonio, Jose
(2025)
"16-Week Physical Transition from Professional MMA to Tactical Firefighting: A Case Study,"
Journal for Sports Neuroscience: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/neurosports/vol2/iss1/6