Michael Conner
Higher Degree Research Students
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Occupational Lifespan in Structural Firefighters.
This program of research examines how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) influences injury risk during academy training and across a firefighter’s career, as well as the development of cardiometabolic and other chronic disease. This research aims to quantify the effect of CRF on time-to-injury and disease incidence, identify practical CRF thresholds, and estimate the risk reduction associated with improved CRF. The intended outcome is to deliver standards-ready guidance for annual health/fitness screening and training progression so departments can prevent avoidable harm, extend careers, and keep firefighters mission-ready.