Cardiovascular recovery in elite firefighters and police officers: insights from high-intensity occupational challenges

Authors

  • Vanessa Santos 1, Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal 2, ICPOL – Police Science Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal 3, Insight, Research Unit in Human Movement Analysis, Instituto Piaget, 2805-059 Almada, Portugal
  • Helena Santa-Clara 1, Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal 2, ICPOL – Police Science Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal 3, Insight, Research Unit in Human Movement Analysis, Instituto Piaget, 2805-059 Almada, Portugal
  • Fábio Flôres 1 Centro de Investigação em Educação e Psicologia (CIEP), Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal 2 Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal 3 Escola de Ciências Sociais, Universidade de Évora, Portugal
  • Luís Miguel Massuça 2, ICPOL – Police Science Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
  • Denise Soares American University of the Middle East
  • Luis Monteiro 2, ICPOL – Police Science Research Centre, Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117206

Keywords:

cardiovascular recovery, firefighters, public security, military police, physical activity, anthropometry, high-intensity intermittent exercise, Autonomic function

Abstract

Background: Firefighters and police officers face high-stress situations requiring intense physical exertion, posing cardiovascular challenges. This study evaluated cardiovascular recovery in these professionals under simulated emergency and maximal exertion conditions.

Methods: Thirty-five firefighters and sixteen police officers completed a simulated high-intensity task and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Heart rate variables (resting, maximal, and 1-minute recovery) were measured and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: Maximal HR was significantly higher during CPET than SHITC (p < 0.01). Firefighters showed more efficient HR recovery than police officers (p = 0.01), suggesting better cardiovascular conditioning. The interaction effect between exercise conditions and the professional group for HR recovery was significant.

Conclusions: Specialized cardiovascular training enhances recovery and prepares elite responders for physical demands. This study highlights the need for tailored programs to reduce cardiovascular risks and optimize readiness.

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Published

30-10-2025

Issue

Vol. 72 (2025)

Section

Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Vanessa Santos, Helena Santa-Clara, Fábio Flôres, Luís Miguel Massuça, Denise Soares, Luis Monteiro

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How to Cite

Santos, V., Santa-Clara, H., Flôres, F., Massuça, L. M., Soares, D., & Monteiro, L. (2025). Cardiovascular recovery in elite firefighters and police officers: insights from high-intensity occupational challenges. Retos, 72, 1310-1319. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117206