Introduction: Few data has been published on injury risk among fitness instructors, especially regarding those who are expected to continuously practice while teaching. As the number of fitness instructors is increasing, new specific information about their possible injuries, daily workload, and fitness levels is needed.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess occupational injuries, cardiorespiratory fitness, and daily workload of fitness (FI) and swimming instructors (SI).
Methods. An online survey addressing occupational injuries was conduct among 435 FI (n=256) and SI (n=179). In a subgroup, cardiorespiratory fitness level was evaluated using maximal oxygen consumption ( O 2max ) as in indicator. Daily workload was monitored by heart rate (HR) and perception of fatigue.
Results. Of the two groups, FI exhibited a higher incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and SI experienced more upper respiratory tract infections. O 2max ranged from 47.0±4.0 to 51.9±3.7 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 , and was similar between FI and SI. Regarding the daily workload, female SI had significantly higher HR mean and HR mean /HR max compared to female FI, but no significant differences between male FI and SI were found. No significant differences were observed between the perceived fatigue of FI and SI.
Conclusions. Preventive strategies for the reduction of occupational injuries in FI and SI are needed.