0000000000954227
AUTHOR
Katariina Lyytikäinen
Recovery of rescuers from a 24-h shift and its association with aerobic fitness.
Objectives: Rescuers work in 24-h shifts and the demanding nature of the occupation requires adequate recovery between work shifts. The purpose of this study has been to find out what kind of changes in autonomic control may be seen during work shift and its recovery period in the case of rescuers. An additional interest has been to see if aerobic fitness is associated with recovery from work shifts. Material and Methods: Fourteen male rescuers (aged 34±9 years old) volunteered to participate in the study. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded for 96 h to study stress and recovery, from the beginning of a 24-h work shift to the beginning of the next shift. Aerobic fitness assessment inc…
Recovery of rescuers from a 24-hour shift and its association with physical fitness
The work of rescuers can be physically and psychologically very demanding so it is important for them to have sufficient recovery between work shifts. The purpose of this thesis was to study recovery of rescuers and to see if physical fitness is associated with recovery from work shifts. Heart rate variability (HRV) recordings reflect changes in the autonomic nervous system, and they were used for the analysis of stress and recovery. HRV was recorded for 96 hours, from the beginning of a 24-hour work shift to the beginning of the next shift. Physical fitness assessment included VO2max estimation with a submaximal bicycle ergometer test, and maximal strength testing (isometric bench press an…