LAUSR

Firefighters have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, mostly due to occupational and lifestyle risk factors. Clinical interventions are needed to understand how preventative lifestyle measures can enhance firefighter health. This study is the first to compare firefighters to civilians and examine how a Mediterranean-dietary pattern + tactical training reduces risk. Abstract Objective To examine the relationship between diet adherence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reduction between civilians and firefighters with a 6-week Mediterranean diet and tactical training intervention. Methods Forty firefighters and 30 civilians participated. Blood pressure, body composition, lipid levels, vascular measures, and aerobic capacity were measured pre- and post-intervention. Diet was self-report based on number of servings consumed. Weekly diet-scores were calculated. Results Both groups had improvements in blood pressure and body composition. Civilians had improved lipid levels, higher overall adherence, a relationship between total Med-diet score and cholesterol (R = 0.68), and higher servings consumed in foods typical of Mediterranean-dietary pattern (P < 0.05). Conclusion This is the first exercise and diet intervention comparing firefighters to civilians. Adherence to a Mediterranean-dietary pattern coupled with exercise is effective at improving cardiac health. These findings substantiate the need for wellness interventions in firefighters.