VIDEO/PHOTOS: A sports science collaboration between Mayo Clinic Health System and the La Crosse Fire Department is yielding results, with firefighters implementing new exercises and practices to improve their strength and stamina.
Six months ago, the clinic’s sports medicine team introduced Fusionetics to the fire department, an evidence-based, technology-enabled performance healthcare system that tests, scores and helps create a personalized training routine. Several years in the making, the program uses 2D motion capturing to tabulate a movement efficiency score for each exercise. Mayo uses the findings to help firefighters tailor their workouts to improve mobility, speed and breathing efficiency while reducing the risk of injury. As cardiovascular disease is prevalent among firefighters, increasing fitness levels is crucial in sustaining a healthy workforce.