University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Personality traits among recruit firefighters predicts fitness

Kass, Constance P.; Swiatkiewicz, Michelle M.; Morales, Dakota G.; Box, Allyson G.

Content Files
Kass2018Symposium.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/99955

Description

Title
Personality traits among recruit firefighters predicts fitness
Author(s)
  • Kass, Constance P.
  • Swiatkiewicz, Michelle M.
  • Morales, Dakota G.
  • Box, Allyson G.
Contributor(s)
Petruzzello, Steven J.
Issue Date
2018-04
Keyword(s)
  • fitness
  • personality
  • Kinesiology
Date of Ingest
2018-05-21T12:28:04Z
Abstract
Introduction: Personality traits have been associated with physical fitness. Additionally, tolerance of exercise intensity has been related to exercise behavior. However, less is understood about these traits in firefighters (FFs), and how they impact FF fitness. Purpose: Examine how personality traits influence fitness (aerobic, muscular) among recruit FFs. Methods: Recruit FFs (N=435 males, 26.42± 4.07yrs) in a 6-week FF training academy completed a 1.5 mile run, bench press test, and individual difference measures (personality [Extraversion (E), Emotional Stability (ES), Agreeableness (A), Conscientiousness (C), Openness (O)], Tolerance for Exercise Intensity (Tol), and perceived fitness (PF)). Results: C was associated with aerobic fitness (r= 0.19, P= 0.028), but not muscular endurance or PF (P> 0.05). However, PF was significantly (P< 0.001) correlated with aerobic fitness (r= -0.42) and muscular (r= -0.24) endurance. Hierarchical regression showed both PF [R2adj = 19.0 aerobic; R2adj = 10.3 muscular; Ps< 0.001] and Tol [R2adj = 11.6 aerobic; R2adj = 15.4 muscular; Ps< 0.001] explained significant variance in fitness after controlling for age and sex. Discussion: Findings support the relationship between select personality characteristics and fitness in FFs. Understanding these relationships could aid in developing a more optimal training program during a FF training academy. More, or supplemental, physical training could be given to those with lower exercise intensity tolerance and/or perceived fitness than their counterparts.
Type of Resource
image
Genre of Resource
Conference Poster
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/99955
Copyright and License Information
  • Copyright 2018 Constance P Kass
  • Copyright 2018 Michelle M Swiatkiewicz
  • Copyright 2018 Dakota G Morales
  • Copyright 2018 Allyson G Box

Owning Collections

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2018 PRIMARY