Cardiovascular recovery in elite firefighters and police officers: insights from high-intensity occupational challenges

Abstract

Background: Firefighters and police officers face high-stress situations requiring intense phys- ical exertion, posing cardiovascular challenges. This study evaluated cardiovascular recovery in these professionals under simulated emergency and maximal exertion conditions. Methods: Thirty-five firefighters and sixteen police officers completed a simulated high-inten- sity task and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Heart rate variables (resting, maximal, and 1- minute recovery) were measured and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Maximal HR was significantly higher during CPET than SHITC (p < 0.01). Firefighters showed more efficient HR recovery than police officers (p = 0.01), suggesting better cardiovas- cular conditioning. The interaction effect between exercise conditions and the professional group for HR recovery was significant. Conclusions: Specialized cardiovascular training enhances recovery and prepares elite re- sponders for the physical demands of their role. This study highlights the need for tailored pro- grams to reduce cardiovascular risks and optimize readiness.