The effect of cardiovascular disease risk on work ability task performance and heat tolerance in UK firefighters

About the Project

The occupation of firefighting necessitates a 24-hour readiness to respond to a wide range of emergency situations. Given the physically demanding nature of their duties, firefighters are generally required to maintain a higher level of physical fitness than the general population. However, a recent meta-analysis revealed that globally, 1 in 5 firefighters meet the criteria for Metabolic Syndrome, with 44% and 36% classified as overweight and obese, respectively, based on body mass index (BMI). Within the United Kingdom Fire and Rescue Services, current evidence indicates a trend of progressive weight gain across the course of a firefighter's career, with a combined overweight and obesity prevalence (based on BMI) reaching 80% as of 2021.

Firefighting tasks that assess work ability—such as equipment carrying, casualty evacuation, and hose running—are frequently performed in extreme environmental conditions, leading to substantial cardiovascular strain and elevated core body temperatures. These challenges are compounded by the requirement to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a fire tunic, trousers, boots, helmet, gloves, hood, and respiratory protection, which collectively can weigh approximately 25 kg. The combined impact of irregular and extended working hours, physically intense tasks, heavy PPE, and high-heat environments can impose considerable physiological stress on firefighters. This burden may be further exacerbated in individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as Metabolic Syndrome, potentially impairing work performance and heat tolerance.

This PhD project aims to work collaboratively with firefighters to:

1. Investigate how cardiovascular disease risk factors influence occupational task performance and heat tolerance; and
2. Explore the feasibility of targeted interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk and enhance both task performance and thermoregulatory capacity.

The research will cover a range of highly topical disciplines (e.g., firefighter health, environmental and occupational physiology) and utilise a quantitative approach to culminate in real-world application and impact in the field. The specific nature and research methods of each stage is open for discussion and will emerge as the research progresses. The successful applicant will work with a multi-disciplinary team of leading academics and external stakeholders to build an excellent knowledge and skill base for a future career within the field. Additional expected outcomes include outputs in academic journals, conference presentations, stakeholder-related activities (e.g., lay summaries, school assemblies) and building partnerships with stakeholders.

Please note that the research outlined can be undertaken as a PhD (typically 3 years if studying full-time) or, alternatively, as a smaller project in the form of a Masters by Research (typically 1 year if studying full-time).

The institution

The Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR) at the University of Bedfordshire capitalises on local, national and international opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary cross-boundary research and innovation in health and wellbeing. The successful candidate will join our lively community of postgraduate researchers, comprising of a wealth of interests particularly in applied health, sport, and, physical activity. Further details of ISPAR can be found here: https://www.beds.ac.uk/ispar/.

REF2021 Results

Research in ISPAR was entered into the Unit of Assessment 24 - Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism, with 89% of research outputs and 75% of research impact graded as world leading/internationally excellent.

Supervisory team

Successful candidates will be supported by the following multi-disciplinary team of leading academics: Dr. Jeffrey Aldous (Director of Studies), Dr. Michael Newell, and Dr Laura Charalambous. Staff profiles are here: https://www.beds.ac.uk/ispar/about/staff/.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded opportunity. Information on research degree fees and scholarships can be found here: https://www.beds.ac.uk/rgs/fees-and-scholarships/. Candidates will be provided with dedicated researcher training and supervision, alongside research consumables and dissemination activities where possible.

Enquiries

• Dr. Jeffrey Aldous (Director of Studies)

Application Deadline

Applications accepted all year round. Please see the University of Bedfordshire Research Graduate School webpage for March and October intake deadlines: https://www.beds.ac.uk/rgs/apply/