Effects of cardiovascular disease risk factors on cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters - a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionGlobally, firefighting is recognized as among the most physically demanding professions. In addition, because of the hazardous nature of firefighting, firefighters are required to wear heavy insulated personnel protective equipment that protects them from exposures to hazardous chemicals and fumes and severe temperatures. This requires that, throughout their careers, firefighters maintain their cardiovascular health and maintain a satisfactory cardiovascular fitness to manage these stressors and perform their duties sufficient vigour. The aim of this systematic is to determine the effects of cardiovascular disease risk factors on cardiorespiratory fitness of firefighters. MethodsUsing the comprehensive search terms, a detailed literature search, with no limitation to publication year, will be conducted to identify relevant studies from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EBSCOHost, ScienceDirect and SCOPUS. Data-extraction will be extracted using a researcher-generated data extraction form. Data will be imported into Zotero(R) version 6.0.9, and duplicates removed. The article screening will be conducted using the Rayyan(R) intelligent systematic review tool. Thereafter, information from the included studies will be captured on the researcher-generated data extraction form. For the methodological assessment, the Appraisal Tool for Cross Sectional Studies (AXIS) checklist and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) toolkit will be used. For the meta-analysis, Review Manager 5.3 will be used to determine the exposure effects and MedCalc(R) statistical software Ltd. to determine the pooled correlation effects. DiscussionThis systematic review arose from the global cardiovascular health concerns that firefighters face, and how the development and progression of CVD risk factors effect cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters. Cardiorespiratory has been shown to be an essential factor in optimal occupational performance in firefighters but understudied related to CVD risk factors. It is anticipated that this review will make a considerable contribution to the international scientific literature on the effect that CVD risk factors will have on cardiorespiratory fitness. Systematic review protocol registrationPROSPERO (CRD42021258898)