Overview

At PHA, we have implemented a set template of blocks that include standard fitness test procedures, one of which is the Chester Treadmill Walk Test. Our template calculates VO2 max exclusively based on the final gradient successfully completed during a treadmill test, without taking into account the total time completed. This method is specifically tailored to the unique demands of firefighting tasks and is intended to provide a precise, practical, and contextually relevant assessment of a firefighter’s aerobic capacity.

Why We Chose the Gradient-Based Method

This decision is strongly supported by the academic work of Stevenson, Wilsher, and Sykes (2009) in their comprehensive guide Fitness for Fire & Rescue: Standards, Protocols and Policy, which is widely recognized as an authoritative source in the field. The research presented in this guide underscores the importance of assessing aerobic capacity in a manner that directly relates to the physical realities of firefighting. The Chester Treadmill Walk Test, as described in the guide, was developed to match these specific needs.

Key Considerations

Direct Relevance to Firefighting

The gradient-based method closely mimics the type of physical exertion firefighters face, such as ascending stairs or carrying heavy loads uphill. The focus on gradient, rather than time, allows for a more accurate reflection of a firefighter’s ability to sustain effort under conditions that are physically analogous to real-world firefighting scenarios.

Standardization and Predictive Accuracy

The table from Stevenson et al. (2009) illustrates the relationship between treadmill gradient and the corresponding oxygen cost (VO2 in mlsO2/kg/min). This standardized approach allows for consistent, repeatable measurements that can be compared across different individuals and over time. By using the gradient as the primary measure, the test eliminates variability introduced by different walking speeds or durations, making it a more reliable predictor of VO2 max.

Practicality and Safety

Focusing solely on the gradient completed ensures that the test is safe for participants, avoiding the need for them to exercise to the point of exhaustion. This is particularly important in high-risk professions like firefighting, where overexertion could lead to injury or compromise a firefighter's readiness for duty.

Reference Table

The following table, derived from Stevenson et al. (2009), illustrates the energy cost (mlsO2/kg/min) associated with treadmill walking at a speed of 6.2 km/hr across different gradients. This data underpins the rationale for our gradient-focused approach:

This table is an integral component of our VO2 max calculation methodology, providing a clear and scientifically-backed framework for determining a firefighter's aerobic capacity based on the gradient they successfully complete during the Chester Treadmill Walk Test.

Source: Stevenson, R., Wilsher, P., & Sykes, P. K. (2009). Fitness for Fire & Rescue: Standards, Protocols and Policy. FireFit Steering Group.