Influence of a Corrective Exercise Training Program on Measures of Functional Movement Among Active-Duty Firefighters

The occupation of firefighting is considered to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States (U.S.). As such, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) have been observed among the firefighter population. This high rate of MSKI has created an extremely large financial impact on fire departments across the United States. Therefore, interest in developing methods of identifying those at risk for developing a future MSKI and interventions designed to prevent these MSKIs from happening has grown among both the firefighter population, as well as among researchers and practitioners.

Previous research has demonstrated relationships between MSKI and altered movement patterns. In addition, researchers have started to demonstrate the ability of functional movement assessments to predict future MSKI in various populations, including firefighters. Two of these functional movement assessments include the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Movement Efficiency (ME) Test, which is a component of the Fusionetics Human Performance System. These assessments both quantify the overall functional movement quality of an individual by creating a composite movement score (i.e., Total FMS \& Average ME Test scores, respectively).

In addition, various theoretical models of corrective exercise programming have been proposed. These programs are designed to restore optimal neuromuscular control and correct any identified neuromuscular imbalances observed during the movement assessment through the use of simple and easy-to-follow exercises. The Fusionetics Human Performance System utilizes one such model, with the goal of improving the functional movement quality of an individual by correcting the aforementioned neuromuscular deficiencies observed during the ME Test. Based on this framework, these corrective exercise programs theoretically lower the risk of MSKI of the individual as well.

However, there is currently a lack of research in the literature examining the influence of corrective exercise programming on functional movement quality among the active-duty firefighter population. As such, it remains unknown if a corrective exercise intervention is capable of significantly improving functional movement quality among active-duty firefighters. In addition, recent research suggests that various health and fitness measures are associated with functional movement quality. These measures include total body power output, lower extremity muscular strength, and core muscular endurance. As such, an examination of the influence of a corrective exercise intervention on measures of health and fitness among active-duty firefighters is warranted.


Eligibility Criteria:
General Eligibility Criteria:

Participants will be considered eligible for this study if they:

1. are fluent in speaking and writing English;
2. are at least 18 years of age;
3. they are an active-duty firefighter;
4. are cleared by their fire department for full active-duty work; and
5. have been an active-duty firefighter for at least 12 months (i.e., one year).

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants will be included into this study if they:

1. do not suffer from chest pain or dizziness;
2. have not been diagnosed with a heart condition;
3. are not currently pregnant;
4. have not had any serious ankle, knee, hip, back, or shoulder trauma that required medical attention in the past 3 months;
5. have not had surgery on their ankle, knee, hip, back, or shoulder within the past year (12 months); or
6. do not have any current bone, joint, or muscle abnormalities that require medical attention;
7. have not been instructed by a physician or their Health and Safety Officer (HSO) to not participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants will be excluded from being placed into Phase 2 (i.e., the intervention portion) of this study if they are already engaged in a structured corrective exercise program. Furthermore, in order to ensure similar baseline functional movement quality between the CEP and CON groups, participants will be excluded from being placed into the intervention portion of this study if their Overall MET score is \< 25 or \> 75.