Investigation of the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiometabolic risk factors and testosterone levels in firefighters

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on cardiometabolic risk factors and testosterone levels among firefighters. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with seventy-four firefighters working in a metropolitan municipality. Anthropometric measurements, cardiometabolic risk parameters (high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total cholesterol), total testosterone (TT) levels were clinically evaluated for each participant. Results: The proportion of firefighters with low TT was 20.3%, and a statistically significant negative relationship was found between TT and weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and HbA1c as cardiometabolic risk factors (p < 0.05). Additionally, statistically significant positive relationship was observed between metabolic equivalent scores and testosterone levels among the firefighters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The key findings of this study reveal significant differences in various cardiometabolic risk factors between firefighters with high fitness levels and those with lower fitness levels. LEARNING OUTCOMES center dot The findings suggest that improving cardiorespiratory fitness can have a protective effect on cardiovascular health, while also positively influencing testosterone levels, thereby enhancing metabolic health. center dot These insights emphasize the importance of monitoring cardiometabolic risks and hormone levels during routine health screenings of firefighters, allowing for early interventions in the preclinical stage. center dot These results play a critical role in the development of strategic health monitoring programs aimed at ensuring the occupational safety and long-term well-being of firefighters. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE center dot These insights emphasize the importance of monitoring cardiometabolic risks and hormone levels during routine health screenings of firefighters, allowing for early interventions in the preclinical stage. center dot These results play a critical role in the development of strategic health monitoring programs aimed at ensuring the occupational safety and long-term well-being of firefighters.