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Versaclimber and Los Angeles County Fire Department WorkingTogether...

VersaClimber (Heart Rate Inc.) and LA County (California) Fire have teamed up and are currently under way to study the reliability and validity of using a VersaClimber (ladder climbing cardio machine) to assess the aerobic fitness of fire fighters in comparison to the treadmill cardio machine. This study is being conducted at the California State University, Fullerton.

Studies indicate, U.S. firefighters have one of the nation'ss highest occupational fatality rates, and 45% of these fatalities can be attributed to coronary heart disease. Due to these high numbers of deaths, several organizations including the National Fire Protection Agency, International Association of Firefighters, and International Association of Fire Chiefs are now considering physical training recommendations for fitness in order to decrease fatalities.

Because of high heart rate, energy cost, and oxygen consumption rates necessary for fire fighting, training the aerobic and cardiovascular systems are important for the safe and efficient performance of fire fighting related duties.

A training protocol that improves efficiency of oxygen exchange and decreases the amount of stress placed upon the heart would likely decrease fatalities due to coronary heart disease.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to establish a standardized sub max maximum Vo2 prediction protocol on the VersaClimber for fire fighters.

In order to safeguard against acute cardiovascular incidences and inherent job-related hazards, professional firefighters are encouraged to maintain adequate levels of health and fitness. It is imperative that an exclusive approach to exercise training is pursued that mimics the specific metabolic characteristics of the firefighting occupation.

The findings from the current study are anticipated to be completed by the Fall of 2009.

For additional information on this study or on VersaClimber, contact:

Brett Collins

1-800-237-2271

www.versaclimber.com

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