Effect of Active Period Length of Firefighters on Respiratory and Climbing

The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to examine the effect of the active period of firefighters in the units on respiratory functions and stair climbing performance. In the relevant fire department, aged between 18 and 64, who do not have a psychological, cognitive or emotional problem, a chronic heart or lung disease that would prevent them from participating who have been active for at least two years, will be included.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* What is the effect of the active period of firefighters on respiratory functions?
* What is the relationship between the length of active period of firefighters in the profession and their stair climbing performance?

Participants sociodemographic characteristics will be questioned by using the Demographic Data Form.

* Pulmonary function test and respiratory muscle strength measurement will be performed with the Pony Fx pulmonary function test device.
* The Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire will be used to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders.
* The 6 Minute Walk Test will be performed to evaluate exercise capacity.
* Stair Climbing Test will be applied to evaluate stair climbing performance.

Firefighters are occupational groups that work in difficult conditions both in their professional lives and during their education. These difficult conditions can lead to some negative situations on the physical and mental health of firefighters. Exposure of firefighters to smoke or chemicals during operation and training can be given as an example of their negative effects. Exposure to chemical substances also causes respiratory problems in people. The effect of the active period of firefighters on respiratory functions should be examined. This issue was emphasized while creating the study objectives. Physical performance is also extremely important for firefighters.

The assessment of physical performance will focus on training and stair climbing activity, which also provides a measure of endurance capacity in operation. In the study, the effect of the active period of firefighters on respiratory functions and stair climbing performance will be examined. In the evaluation of the effect of the active period in the profession, measurement, survey studies and some tests will be carried out in a group of volunteer firefighters. The data to be obtained from the research will be associated with the age groups of the firefighters participating in the study and the active period they spent in the profession. The effect of occupational exposure on respiratory functions and stair climbing performance will thus be determined.

Individuals who signed the Informed Consent Form will be included in the study in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria from among the firefighters. The sociodemographic characteristics of the firefighters participating in the study will be questioned by using the Demographic Data Form. Pulmonary function test and respiratory muscle strength measurement will be performed with the Pony Fx pulmonary function test device. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire will be used to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders. The 6 Minute Walk Test will be performed to evaluate exercise capacity. Stair Climbing Test will be applied to evaluate stair climbing performance.

In this study, the effect of the active period of firefighters on respiratory functions and stair climbing performance will be examined. Through the examination, its relationship with physical performance and endurance will be determined. According to the results, it is expected to determine preventive approaches to prevent problems that may occur due to the length of the active period. With this study, it is anticipated that the researchers will gain practical skills and experience related to the targeted methodologies. At the same time, it is among our goals to present the results of the study as a paper in national and international scientific congresses and to publish them as articles in scientific journals.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Volunteer firefighters working in the relevant fire department, aged between 18 and 64, who do not have a psychological, cognitive and emotional problem, who do not have a chronic heart or lung disease that would prevent them from participating in our study, who have been active for at least two years, will be included in the study.

Demographic information of the individuals included in the study will be obtained and an Informed Voluntary Consent Form will be signed. Firefighters who do not give written consent to participation will not be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have been working in the organization for less than 2 years
* Having a chronic respiratory illness before starting to work in the institution
* Refusing to participate in the study